vet tech problems

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Sarcoptic Mange (canine scabies) - Often overlooked, but an important consideration in the pruritic dog - Cause: Sarcoptes scabiei var canis - This mite’s lifecycle takes 17-21 days, and is spent entirely on the host organism - The female burrows into the skin to lay eggs - Clinical signs in a new host occur 10 days to 8 weeks after contact with an infected animal - Clinical signs: intense pruritus of sudden onset (even with low numbers of mites, pruritus is severe due to a hypersensitivity reaction to mite products); excoriation, erythema, and alopecia (typically begin on ventrum, ears, elbows, and hocks, then spread to become generalized); papulocrustous eruptions with thick, yellow crusts; seborrhea; secondary bacterial and fungal infections; if untreated can progress to severe thickening of skin with fold formation, lymphadenopathy, emaciation, and death. - History of contact with possible infected dogs - Involvement of other animals, including humans! - This mite is highly contagious via direct and indirect contact, therefore all dogs in pack should be treated, even if they’re not showing signs (asymptomatic carriers are possible) - Diagnosed via skin scrape, but due to high potential for false negatives, a treatment trial is recommended when Sarcoptic mange is suspected, even if the scrape is negative. - Treatment options include systemic and local options. Systemic options are currently preferred due to ease of use, which increases client compliance, as well as increased patient and client safety. Whether systemic or local treatments used, most are off-label usage. - Systemic treatments: Selamectin, imidacloprid-moxidectin, mylbemycin, ivermectin, fluralaner, afoxolaner - Local treatments: First clip hair and remove crusts using an antiseborrheic shampoo. Lime sulfur or amitraz dips once weekly for 2-6 weeks depending on veterinarian’s assessment. Owner must take precautions to avoid self-contamination during treatments. - Also need to treat any secondary bacterial or fungal infections.