Scabies - Sarcoptic Mange
The most severe variety of mange is canine Scabies. Sarcoptic Mange is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which also causes human scabies. It appears in the form of a persistent, contagious skin disease characterized by frantic itching and caused by the mites burrowing in the skin especially of the head and face. Serum, the clear component of the blood, seeps out of the tunnels to the surface of the skin and causes thick scabs to form. Sarcoptic mange is contagious to both canines and people.

Spread of Sarcoptic Mange also known as Scabies
The Spread of Sarcoptic Mange, also known as Scabies, can be carried from one animal to another and from animals to people. The legs are provided with claw-like hooks or suctorial cups to enable them to attach themselves to the host. The mite parasite feeds on the host but can live for up to 21 days without feeding. Mites can therefore be found anywhere in the environment and special attention must be paid to ensuring brushes, combs, collars, bedding, carpeting and all upholstered surfaces are sprayed with an insecticide.

The Life Cycle of the Sarcoptes scabiei mite
The life cycle of the Sarcoptes scabei mite is as follows:

• The adults move on the skin surface and mate in small pockets near the surface of the skin. The adults chew and feed on live cells and tissue fluid. The male soon dies off after mating.

• The female then burrows into the skin depositing eggs in the tunnel behind her. She then dies.

• Eggs - Are white or cream and are laid on the host where they hatch into larvae within 3 to 10 days

• Larvae - the larvae moves about on the skin surface and molts into the nymphal stage, they also feed on live cells and tissue fluid

• Adult - becomes an adult within 2 weeks of hatching

• Adults live up to 4 weeks on the skin of the host

Symptoms of Scabies - Sarcoptic Mange
Scabies - Sarcoptic Mange is caused by a parasitic mite and symptoms are as follows:

• Frantic Itching

• Loss of Hair - first stages usually affect patches around the ears, elbows, legs, and face

• Loss of Hair - later stages affect patches around the whole body

• Crusting of the Skin - Scab Formation

• Listlessness

The hair loss is characterized by patches of approximately one inch in diameter. Dogs with scabies may often dig and bite at themselves with great ferocity.

Treatment of sarcoptic mange.
The treatment usually includes a bath/dips of an insecticidal lotion usually diluted in water. But vets might also prescribe antibiotics to stop any infection that might get into the skin