Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis: Mange mite; Itch mite

General Description: Sarcoptes is a tiny, greyish-white mite, 0.3 to 0.5mm long, with a round body, blunt mouthparts adapted for puncturing skin and 8 stumpy legs.

Life Cycle: Female adult mites burrow tunnels in skin and lay eggs, beginning a cycle of incomplete metamorphosis. Larvae hatch out in 3 to 5 days and burrow side tunnels or travel to the skin surface and make new tunnels or simple pockets in outer layers of skin. Nymphs molt twice, and adult mites are produced about 17 days after eggs are laid. Mating may then occur, and egg laying commences 4 to 5 days later. All stages of sarcoptic mites are very susceptible to drying and can only survive for a few days off dogs.

Location: Sarcoptes usually burrows in the skin of the head, ears, shoulders and neck. In heavy infestations, the skin damage may spread all over the body.

Geographical Distribution: Sarcoptes is found in most countries.

Significance: This mite is widely distributed and can cause great irritation in dogs. Sarcoptic mange is generally the most common type of canine mange.

Effect on Host: The feeding and burrowing of Sarcoptes mites cause great irritation and itching and produce lesions with exudates that dry to crust. Continued skin inflammation is accompanied by proliferation of subcutaneous connective tissue. The tender, thickened skin may crack, leaving deep wounds which are susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. Infested dogs are restless and continually scratch and bite. Their skin may become thickened, wrinkle, hairless and crusty.

Diagnostic Information: Mites are identified in skin scrapings.

Control: Infested dogs are dipped or sprayed with miticides. Compounds like organophosphates with systemic action are effective. FRONTLINE® has activity against sarcoptic mites.

Sarcoptes – adult		Dog severely affected with sarcoptic mange
SEM– Sarcoptes		2 mites– (Demodex, Sarcoptes)