Mites are minute organisms that are classified as arachnids. There are many species of mites, of which only a few cause medical problems. These include demodicosis, canine scabies, cheyletiellosis, and ear mites.
This is a noncontagious skin disease caused by an excessive population of the canine follicular mite, Domodex canis. The life cycle of the mite, involving eggs, six legged larvae, eight legged protonymphs, and four legged adults occurs completely on the host. This mite occurs naturally on most dogs and lives in the hair follicles. Complications arising from this mite typically occurs in young dogs(juvenile-onset form) and less commonly occurs in older dogs (adult-onset form). Complications may be localized or generalized. NOTE: localized and generalized are very different diseases.
Localized demodicosis is very common and is typically a mild, self-limiting disease. Generalized demodicosis is a severe and potentially life-threatening illness that typically evolves from the more localized form and is relatively uncommon.
This disease is a result of the alteration of the normal protective mechanisms of the skin that keep the mite in check. Dogs affected with localized demodicosis exhibit one or more well defined patches of hair loss, reddening of the skin (erythema), and scaling. These patches typically develop on the face, around the eyes, the corners of the mouth, and on the front legs.
Dogs affected with generalized demodicosis usually have a history of localized demodicosis. Diffuse or patchy, generalized hair loss accompanied by scaling, crusting, and signs of chronic skin inflammation are characteristic of this disease. In extreme cases, bacterial disease may be present.
Treatment of localized demodicosis may not be necessary - it usually resolves on its own. If required, an ointment containing a miticide may be applied sparingly to the affected areas. By contrast, generalized demodicosis almost always requires the application of miticidal preparations. Further, the hair should be clipped from the entire body to optimize therapy.
This is a highly contagious, intensely itchy, skin disease caused by the burrowing epidermal mite, Sarcoptes cabei var. canis. This particular mite is restricted almost exclusively to dogs, but may produce a transient itching disease in other hosts, including people. The intense itching arises from the irritation caused by the mites as they burrow into the skin and by their production of toxic and allergy inducing compounds.
The mites are small, oval, whitish, and opaque. Adult mites have eight legs and live on average 4 to 5 weeks. Although they spend most of their time on the host, these mites can exist for up to 48 hours off the host in the local environment. Transmission occurs by direct contact with an infested dog and clinical signs may develop within a week of contact with an infested animal.
Affected dogs exhibit intense itching, small reddened papules with crusting, hair loss, and often severe secondary trauma caused by energetic scratching and biting. These lesions are usually found on the underside of the body, around the ears, elbows, and front legs.
Affected dogs should be temporarily isolated and the premises thoroughly cleaned. Treatment involves the sue of shampoos or miticidal dips. Oral anti-inflammatory medication may be administered to help control itching. All animals living on the premises that have had significant contact with the affected dog should be treated as well, since it is possible they may be harboring sarcoptic mites, with or without accompanying clinical signs.
This is a mild, contagious, variably itchy, skin disease of domestic animals, wildlife, and people caused by the mites of the genus Cheyletiella. These mites live on the surface of the skin. It should be noted that this condition is typically seen in parts of the world where vigorous flea control is not necessary or not practiced. The mites that cause this illness are sensitive to the same insecticides that kill adult fleas.
The mites are large with prominent hooklike mouthparts, and can be seen with the unaided eye as small white specks on the dogs skin or hair. Although the entire life cycle of the mite is completed on the host, adult female mites can survive in the environment for extended periods of time. This increases the likelihood of transmission to other animals or humans.
Affected dogs exhibit scaling and crusting similar to dandruff along the back and sometimes in other areas as well.
Treatment involves the use of shampoos and miticidal dips. All animals that have had contact with the infected animal should be treated as well and the premises thoroughly cleaned to remove any residual mites.
This mite, Otodectes cynotis, is most at home in the ear canals of dogs and cats. When present, they present a dry, reddish brown wax that often appears at the opening of the ear canal. Large numbers of these mites can create such an extensive amount of excrement and wax that the entire ear canal becomes obstructed. Further, they can produce a major reaction in the ear and set the stage for secondary infections by yeast or bacteria.
Treatment involves removing the debris caused by the mites, anti-inflammatory drugs or ointments to subdue scratching, and miticides to kill the mites.