Canine sarcoptic mange: diagnostic and therapeutic options

Canine sarcoptic mange: diagnostic and therapeutic options Canine scabies is a highly contagious parasitic skin disease, triggered by an infestation with the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis. Pruritus is often the first symptom recognised by owners, although an early sign is crusted papules in predilection sites such as the abdomen, lateral elbows, tarsi and ear margins. Establishing a diagnosis of scabies can often be challenging as the clinical signs may be non-specific and finding direct evidence of mites can be difficult. A positive superficial skin scraping showing different mite stages, mite parts or mite faeces is diagnostic; however, false negative results are common. Currently, the most effective way to consistently diagnose the disease is with a positive response to appropriate miticidal therapy. All in-contact dogs should be treated when scabies is suspected and secondary infections including pyoderma and/or Malassezia dermatitis should be addressed.