What is Sarcoptic Mange?
      Sarcoptic mange is a skin disease caused by the parasitic sarcoptic mite. It is highly contagious and causes intense itching, reddening of the skin, thinning of the hair and the development of scabs. Bacterial skin infections often occur in the inflamed, irritated areas of the skin.
      Sarcoptic mites burrow into the dogs skin where they lay eggs, which hatch within three to ten days. These hatched larvae burrow up to the skin to feed and then they molt into a nymph stage. While they are in the nymph stage, they travel around the skin surface feeding. Then they molt into adults, which start the cycle all over again. The entire life cycle of the mite in completed in three weeks.
      Sarcoptic mites prefer skin areas where the hair is thin, so they are often found on the ears, abdomen, elbows and hocks. As the disease progresses, your dog begins to have areas of hair loss and eventually the mites occupy large areas of skin.
      Sarcoptic mites can infect humans and any human who has had contact with a dog infested with the mites and develops a skin rash, should contact their physician.
      Your veterinarian will give you specific instruction for the treatment of this mange on your dog. Some areas that will be covered include:
           -Medical treatment will be on a specific schedule and must be followed exactly.
           -Do not allow other pets around your dog during treatment. Even cats can become infected with this highly contagious mite.
           -The mites cannot survive for more than a few days without a host animal, but you will need to clean and disinfect your dog's environment to make sure there is no chance of re-infection. Your veterinarian will have suggestions for products you should use to accomplish this.
           -Watch you pet during the treatment period and notify your veterinarian if you are unable to administer any treatments as prescribed, if your dog's itching becomes more severe, your dog develops new sores or your dog's general health seems to worsen.