Canine sarcoptic mange: It retrospective study of 38 cases

The authors describe the clinical and epidemiological features, the diagnostic criteria and the treatment of 38 cases of sarcoptic mange diagnosed between 1992 and 1995 and representing approximately 4% of the dermatological referral cases seen. No predisposition related to breed or sex was observed but young animals were more frequently affected. The disease was shown to be pruritic and contagious with a pronounced ventral localisation. The pinnae of the ears were unaffected in 45% of cases. Papules and crusted paplules (scabies ''pimples'') were found in 32 cases (84%). A pinnal scratch reflex was absent in 7 cases (18%). Diagnosis by means of skin scrapings was difficult, generally revealing only 1 or 2 parasites, numbers of which were not correlated, with the severity of clinical signs. Systemic therapy (ivermectin, milbemycin oxime or moxidectin) led to cure of the dermatosis in the 37 cases in which it was used. One Old English Sheepdog, the 38th case, was cured by topical therapy with diazinon.