Sarcoptic mange is a skin disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites that infest dogs, cats, and other animals. The spelling of "sarcoptic mange" can be explained by its IPA phonetic transcription: /sɑrˈkɑptɪk mændʒ/. The word "sarcoptic" is derived from the Greek word "sarkos," meaning flesh or muscle, and the Latin suffix "-pticus," meaning pertaining to or relating to. "Mange" is derived from the French word "mangier," which means "to eat." The word "sarcoptic" describes the mite that causes the disease, whereas "mange" describes the symptoms and effects of the disease on the animal's skin.
Sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies or sarcoptic scabies, is a highly contagious skin disease caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. This parasitic mite infests the skin of various mammals, including dogs, causing intense itching and discomfort.
The mite burrows into the outer layer of the skin, laying eggs and feeding on the skin's nutrients. This activity stimulates an immune response, leading to severe inflammation and itching. Sarcoptic mange primarily affects the hairless areas of the body, such as the ears, elbows, hocks, and abdomen.
Symptoms of sarcoptic mange include intense itching, redness, skin lesions, hair loss, and crusty or scaly skin. Affected dogs may scratch excessively, leading to open wounds and secondary bacterial infections. Due to the intense itchiness, dogs may become stressed, restless, and lose weight.
Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact with a contaminated dog or their bedding. It can also be transmitted indirectly through shared items such as brushes, toys, or clothing. Humans can also be affected by sarcoptic mange, causing a temporary rash and itching, although the mite cannot complete its life cycle on human skin.
To diagnose sarcoptic mange, a veterinary professional may perform a skin scraping to examine mite presence under a microscope. Treatment typically involves the administration of medications, such as antiparasitic drugs, to kill the mites and resolve symptoms. Additionally, thorough cleaning and disinfection of the dog's environment and close monitoring of other pets are necessary to prevent reinfestation.
The word "sarcoptic" in "sarcoptic mange" is derived from the Greek word "sarkōsis", meaning "flesh" or "flesh-like". It refers to the fact that the condition affects the skin, particularly the outer layer of the epidermis.
"Mange" comes from the Old English word "mang", which is related to the Dutch word "mange" and the Old English word "mangian", meaning "to mangle" or "to mutilate". It describes the skin disease caused by mites that burrow into the skin and cause itching, hair loss, and other symptoms. Together, "Sarcoptic mange" describes a type of mange caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite.