Sarcoptic Mange, Canine - contd.

ClinicalSigns
Severe, constant pruritus at any time of year is a classic clinical sign. Areas with less hair are most commonly affected, including the ears, elbows, ear canals, hocks, ventral abdomen, chest, and legs. The mites cause alopecia, an erythematous rash, and yellowish crusts that form on the skin in affected areas. Typically, the ear margins and elbows are most severely affected. The animal may develop a secondary pyoderma, severe excoriations, and sometimes a lymphadenopathy.

Symptoms
Severe, constant itching at any time of year is a classic symptom of sarcoptic mange. Areas with less hair, such as the earflaps, elbows, hocks, ventral abdomen, chest, and legs, are affected most commonly. The mites cause hair loss, a reddened rash, and yellowish crusts to form on the skin in affected areas. Typically the ear margins and elbows are affected most severely. The ear margins tend to have thickened, crusty material on the tips and yellow scales. The animal may develop a secondary skin infection and severe scratches from the trauma of constantly scratching. The lymph nodes also may swell as a result of mite related inflammation.