Scabies: one of the most common transmissible skin diseases (caused by mite) of outdoor dogs and cats having contact with other stray animals. It causes rashes and intense itching especially around ears, head, face, and legs. It is usually contagious to other pets in the household and occasionally people in close contact.
It is diagnosed by a skin scraping and microscope examination and rarely by a skin biopsy. An appropriate treatment usually cures it in few weeks. The affected dogs or cats are kept isolated from other animals and people should avoid contact till the animal is completely recovered. Recommended treatment schedule should be followed or it may not completely resolve. For any human related question please call your physician.
Ear Mites: Ear mites are most common in cats and cause irritation, inflammation and secondary infection of ear. Less commonly dogs also get it. Ear mites are contagious and not host specific and can be found in human beings as they feed on ear-wax or debris. Most common signs include shaking head, severe itching and scratching around and behind the ears and a thick brown to dark-black crusty debris in the ear canals. If left untreated, a serious chronic bacterial and yeast infection can develop and even occasionally ear hematoma which requires surgical management. That’s why early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of ear mites is important.
Demodicosis: It is commonly caused by Demodex mites and acquired from the mother at birth and is not contagious. The affected pets have very weak immune system and the condition is associated with secondary infections of the skin. It is most common in purebred, less than a year old short hair dogs. Localized hair loss areas of face and front legs are noticed first but it can spread to whole body becoming generalized. Mild cases resolve as they grow older but others need more aggressive treatment to control infections.
Mostly the diagnosis is confirmed by a quick microscopic exam of skin scraping of the affected area but in some old or chronic cases a skin biopsy may be needed.
Unfortunately, these mites do not easily die and they need very strong medication. Treatment in dogs usually takes 2-4 months along with the control of skin infection and identifying or resolving any other underlying factors like Hypothyroidism. Dogs that relapse or cannot be cured need to have maintenance treatment.
We, at Garfield Animal Hospital, want to help your pets and educate you in having a healthy pet and a joyful companionship. Please call for appointment and feel free to discuss options with the doctor: 562-630-2082