SARCOPTIC MANGE - SARCPTES SCABEI
(ALSO CALLED "SCABIES")

What is Sarcoptic Mange?

Sarcoptic mange is the name for the skin disease caused by infection with the Sarcoptes scabei mite. Mites are not insects; instead they are more closely related to spiders. They are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Adult Sarcoptes scabei mites live 3-4 weeks in the host’s skin. After mating, the female burrows into the skin depositing 3-4 eggs in the tunnel behind her. The eggs hatch in 3-10 days producing a larva which, in turn, moves about on the skin surface eventually molting into a "nymphal" stage and finally into an adult. The adults move on the surface of the skin where they mate and the cycle begins again with the female burrowing and laying eggs.

Female sarcoptes mite burrowing in the skin and leaving a trail of eggs behind her. Her presence generates an inflamatory response in the skin similar to an allergic response.

APPEARANCE OF THE DISEASE

The motion of the mite in and on the skin is extremely itchy. Further, the presence of mites and their eggs generates a massive allergic response in the skin which is even more itchy.

Note: Many dogs do not develop the classical ear margin crusts until later in the disease.
Mites prefer hairless skin thus leaving the ear flaps, elbows and abdomen at highest risk for the red, scaley itchy skin that characterizes sarcoptic mange. It should be noted that this pattern of itching is similar to that found with airborne allergies (atopy) as well as with food allergies. Frequently, before attempting to sort out allergies, a veterinarian will simply treat a patient for sarcoptic mange as a precaution. It is very easy to be led down the wrong path (pursuing allergy aggressively) if one considers sarcoptic mange an unusual or unlikely possibility.

As the infection progresses, eventually most of the dog's body will be involved. Classically, though, the picture begins on the ears (especially the ear margins), the elbows, and abdomen.

The term "Scabies" refers to mite infestations by either Sarcoptes scabei or other mite species closely related to Sarcoptes scabei. While Sarcoptes scabei can infect humans and cats, it tends not to persist on these hosts. When people (including some veterinarians) refer to "sarcoptic mange" or "scabies" in the cat, they are usually referring to infection by Notoedres cati, a mite closely related to Sarcoptes scabei. In these feline cases, it would be more correct to refer to "Notoedric mange," though the treatment for both mites is the same. Notoedric mange, in cats, generally produces facial itching and scabbing.

DIAGNOSIS

When an animal with sarcoptic mange scratches itself, it breaks open the tunnels that the mites have burrowed into and the mites are killed (though the itch persists due to toxins in the skin). The result is that the mites can be very difficult to confirm by skin scraping tests. (Probably mites are confirmed in 50% or fewer of sarcoptic mange cases).

Since negative test results do not rule out mite infection, a "Maybe Mange" test is frequently performed. This consists simply of treating for sarcoptic mange and observing for resolution of the signs within 2-4 weeks.

If mite presence is confirmed by skin scraping, then one knows immediately the cause of the itching and need not be concerned about allergy possibilities or other diseases and the condition can be addressed with confidence.

BIOPSY - Mange mites are rarely seen on a skin biopsy sample, though, if the sample is read out by a pathologist who specializes in skin, the type of inflammation seen in the sample can be highly suggestive of sarcoptic mange. This is an example of a skin disease where it makes a difference whether the pathologist reading the sample specializes in reading skin samples.

TREATMENT
While sarcoptic mange is difficult to diagnose definitively, it is fairly easy to treat and a number of choices are available.

DIPPING - Anti-bacterial or anti-itch shampoos preceed one of several anti-mite dips. Paramite dip (an organophosphate), Mitaban dip (Amitraz), and Lime-Sulfur dips given weekly are usually effective. Disease typically resolves within one month. Dips are often used in combination with one of the other treatments listed below.

IVERMECTIN - This is one of the most effective treatments against Sarcoptes scabei yet it is off-label as far as the FDA is concerned. There are several protocols due to the very long activity of this drug in the body. Typically an injection is given either weekly or every two weeks in 1-4 doses. In most cases this treatment is safe and effective but some individuals have a mutation which makes ivermectin very toxic at the doses used to kill mites. These individuals are usually of the Collie family: Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Australian Shepherds are classically affected. There is now a test that can determine if any dog has the mutation that makes ivermectin use dangerous. For more information on ivermectin use click here.

ALL DOGS IN A HOUSEHOLD WHERE SARCOPTIC MANGE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED SHOULD BE TREATED.

HOW THE INFECTION IS SPREAD
Sarcoptic mange mites are usually spread by direct contact from host to host. While mites can live off of a host for days to weeks depending on their life stage, they are only infective for 36 hours which means that environmental decontamination is generally not necessary.

Mite infections on humans are self-limiting (ie they go away on their own) as the mite is not able to complete its life cycle on the "wrong" host. The condition is extremely itchy, though, while it lasts. The mites are most active where skin is warm (in bed and where clothing is snug)
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IF A SARCOPTIC MANGE ANIMAL IS PRESENT IN THE HOME, IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO WASH ANY BEDDING IN THE WASHING MACHINE (OR REPLACE WITH NEW BEDDING), AND WASH ANY COLLARS OR HARNESSES.

DON'T BE STUPID AND INHUMANE... YOUR PETS RELY ON YOU TO HAVE COMMON SENSE!!...

In older times, some 30 years ago, dipping dogs with demodectic mange in motor oil was a popular home remedy. Skin exposure to motor oil can cause rashes and skin destruction in severe cases. The hydrocarbons can be absorbed through the skin and cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If motor oil is licked off the coat, resultant vomiting can lead to aspiration of motor oil into the lungs and pneumonia. Kidney and liver damage can result from motor oil dipping. 

YOUR PET CAN DIE IF YOU DO THIS!

PLEASE: DO NOT DIP YOUR DOG IN MOTOR OIL!

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1.3 Quart Sprayer

Ideal for use with Benzarid Environmental Spray


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My Rat Terrier puppy was diagnosed with Red Mange by the Vet, who basically said spend $600 to treat him or put him to sleep!!!!! Well I love my dog but that was a lot of money! I got on the net and found your product, and purchased it. I wanted to let you know how thrilled I am with the results! It's gone!!!!!
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Tucker's Mom
Amanda Lawrence, Miami, Fl.

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Hi, My three bulldog puppies had a terrible case of demodex mange, and I could not afford to treat all 3 dogs at the vet and then pay for long term medications to treat them. My vet quoted me over $1,500 for six months of treatment. I used your shampoo mix and after four treatments they were cured of demodectic mange! One of my dogs almost died from using the Mitaban treatment. Thanks for your help.
Dan Worthington St. Could, Mn.

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Hi, My four horses contracted sarcoptic mange from the local elk population. My equine vet gave them Ivermectin to treat the infestation of mites. This really did nothing for them as they slowly lost thier fur, and cost me many thousands of dollars to treat them. I found your product and ordered the SulfaDip lime sulfur dip for larger animals. Within the first treatment they stopped itching. My horses were going bald. Can you imagine bald horses? Within four treatments the hair has returned and they are finally free of this terrible disease.

Thank you for making this product for larger animals!
Barbara Hughes, Vail, Co.

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* Dermisil Dog Vitamins help improve your pet's overall health and help him fight mange mites and possible infections that may result from their bites and the subsequent scratching.

* Dermisil for Pet Mange combined with Dermisil Herbal Pet Shampoo provides a  powerful and effective topical treatment for pet mange.

* Benzarid Environmental Spray eliminates mange mites from your pet's environment.

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* Fossil Shell Dust provides safe, lasting, long-term mange mite elimination on carpet, rugs, furniture, flooring, cracks, crevices, plants, and anywhere the mites have infested.
With our total Dermisil for Pet Mange system, Mange doesn't stand a chance!

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