Sarna in dogs: types, symptoms and how to treat

Scabies in dogs is a skin disease caused by different mites that can cause intense itching, hair loss, redness, crusts and skin wounds. Depending on the type involved, the condition can be highly contagious, both between animals and between humans. Therefore, it is essential that tutors be attentive to the first signs and seek veterinary advice.

Know the three types of scabies

There are three main types of scabies in dogs: sarcoptic, demodecic and otodecic. Each of them is caused by a specific type of mite, with distinct characteristics. According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, scabies in dogs is a dermatopathy caused by mites: microscopic ectoparasites, relatives of spiders and ticks.

Some mites, classified as excavators, form small galleries in the skin barrier of animals, causing irritation and allergic reactions wherever they pass. Others, called non-digging mites, live on the surface of the skin and feed on remnants of tissue and blood, causing intense inflammation. As a result of irritation and inflammatory response, the affected pets often present pruritus, hair loss and peeling, in addition to other changes in the region.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y_LeuJ4SJE

Video: YouTube | Source: blog.cobasi.com.br

Sarcoptic scabies: the most contagious

Sarcoptic scabies, known as scabies or red scabies, is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei variety canis mite. One of the most common types among pets, it tends to be aggressive and highly contagious, and can be transmitted to other dogs and even to humans in a transient way. “We have demodecical scabies, sarcoptic scabies and otodecic scabies. And of these three types, sarcoptic scabies is transmissible to humans,” explains veterinarian Thiago Ferreira, interviewed by Portal Cães e Gatos.

In dogs, the symptoms of sarcoptic scabies usually involve intense itching, hemorrhagic crusts, hair loss, and the appearance of skin lesions. According to a Zoetis technical bulletin, Sarcoptes scabiei mites prefer areas of thick coat. Therefore, clinical signs usually focus on regions such as: ears, elbows, hooves and abdomen. Transmission between dogs usually occurs by direct contact with infected animals, but objects and accessories can also host the parasites.

Demodic scab: a 'black scab'

Demodic scabies, called demodicosis or black scabies in dogs, is caused by the Demodex canis mite, an agent found naturally in the skin of dogs. Unlike the sarcoptic, it is not considered contagious among animals or for humans, as the mite is part of the skin microbiota. The disease usually develops when there is a fall in immunity, genetic predisposition or stress.

Symptoms include loss of hair in localized or generalized areas, reddish, darkened and crusted skin. In severe cases, there may be secondary infections. Treatment should be individualised and accompanied by a veterinarian.

Otodeccal scab: focus on the ears

Otodecic scabies is caused by the mite Otodectes cynotis, which settles in the ear canal of dogs. The main signs are intense itching in the ears, shaking of the head, dark discharge and bad odor. Although not zoonosis, it is highly contagious among dogs and cats. Treatment involves atrial cleaning and use of specific antiparasitic agents.

Diagnosis and treatment

Knowing how to identify the symptoms of canine scabies early is essential to ensure effective treatment and prevent reinfection. The diagnosis is made by a veterinarian, usually by means of skin scraping and microscopic examination. Treatment for mite infestation is usually done with topical or oral antiparasitic agents. The prescription is individual and should be made by a veterinarian.

In addition to medication, it is important to sanitize the animal's environment and objects to eliminate possible mites. In cases of sarcoptic scabies, all animals in the house should be treated, even without apparent symptoms. Veterinary follow-up is essential to assess the response to treatment and prevent relapse.

Prevention and care

The disease can affect puppies of all ages, but studies indicate that puppies and dogs with low immunity have a higher predisposition (ALVES; FREITAS, 2021). Keeping your pet’s immunity up to date, with balanced feeding and vaccination, helps prevent. Avoiding contact with unknown or sick animals also reduces the risk of transmission.

According to the State Health Department of Mato Grosso of the South, in people, the lesions caused by canine sarcoptic scabies are usually transient and disappear on their own. Among dogs, the condition can evolve into more serious changes, with a risk of death in extreme cases, which requires immediate veterinary evaluation. Therefore, when noticing any signs of intense itching or injury to your dog’s skin, seek professional advice.

For more information on animal health and other news from the region, continue browsing the Boca no Trombone Portal.

Read Also

Canine giardia: symptoms, transmission and treatment

Font

blog.cobasi.com.br