What is the name of the skin mite that affects dogs? - briefly
The mite responsible for canine skin disease is Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, known as the canine scabies mite. It induces sarcoptic mange, characterized by severe pruritus and crusted lesions.
What is the name of the skin mite that affects dogs? - in detail
Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis is the mite most commonly associated with canine skin disease. It belongs to the order Sarcoptiformes and feeds on epidermal tissue, causing intense pruritus and alopecia.
The parasite’s life cycle progresses through egg, larva, protonymph, tritonymph and adult stages. Eggs are deposited in burrows within the stratum corneum; hatching occurs within three to four days. Development to the adult form requires an additional ten to fourteen days, after which females produce up to thirty eggs daily. The entire cycle completes in three weeks under optimal temperature and humidity.
Transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with infested animals. Indirect spread is possible via contaminated bedding, grooming tools or environmental surfaces, though the mite survives off‑host for only 24–48 hours. Infestation intensity correlates with host immune status; immunocompromised or young dogs exhibit more severe lesions.
Clinical manifestations include:
- Widespread erythema and crusting, often beginning on the ears, elbows and abdomen.
- Intense scratching leading to secondary bacterial infection.
- Hyperkeratosis and thickened skin in chronic cases.
- Hair loss in affected regions.
Diagnosis relies on:
- Physical examination of characteristic lesions.
- Skin scrapings examined microscopically for mites, eggs or fecal pellets.
- Dermoscopy or acetate tape impressions as adjuncts.
- In ambiguous cases, skin biopsy may confirm mite presence.
Therapeutic options consist of systemic acaricides such as:
- Ivermectin (0.2–0.4 mg/kg orally or subcutaneously, repeated weekly for three doses).
- Selamectin (6 mg/kg topically, monthly).
- Milbemycin oxime (0.5 mg/kg orally, monthly).
Topical treatments, including amitraz dips (0.025 % solution, applied weekly for three weeks), serve as alternatives when systemic drugs are contraindicated. Adjunctive therapy addresses secondary bacterial infection with appropriate antibiotics and reduces inflammation using corticosteroids or antihistamines.
Prevention strategies emphasize:
- Regular screening of breeding and shelter populations.
- Isolation of confirmed cases for a minimum of four weeks.
- Routine administration of monthly preventatives in high‑risk environments.
- Hygiene measures: frequent laundering of bedding, disinfection of grooming equipment, and environmental cleaning with acaricidal agents.
Understanding the biology, transmission dynamics and management protocols for Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis enables effective control of canine mange and reduces zoonotic risk to humans.