SARCOPTIC MANGE IN DOGS (

Extensive Infestation - Sarcoptic mange can be a difficult diagnosis to make in dogs. It is caused by a burrowing mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, which causes intense itching by mechanical irritation and production of by products and allergenic substances. The dog is itchy, but at the beginning of the infection may have very few skin lesions. Infestations can look like other allergies, a hot spot, or a staph infection.

Often dogs are initially treated with antibiotics and prednisone but don't get much better. The dose of prednisone then gets increased as the dog scratches more. But prednisone suppresses the immune system, so the mite infestation enjoys freedom from the host's defenses and so multiplies even faster.

Exposure is typically 2-6 weeks before dogs show any symptoms. Risk factors include living outdoors, contact with foxes, boarding at a kennel, and visits to a groomer or animal shelter. In part two, we will discuss care and treatment.