sarcoptic mange

[From New Latin Sarcoptes, genus name : SARCO- + Greek koptein, to cut.]

An intensely pruritic dermatitis caused by the acarid mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Although there is some species specificity with subspecies of the mite this is not complete. Lesions commence as erythema and small red papules. Extensive self-trauma leads to loss of hair and secondary infection. In long-standing cases, debilitation is also common. The lesions are usually widespread but are most easily seen on the abdominal skin and inside the thighs. In dogs, the elbows, hocks and pinnae are most commonly affected. Besides the common infections in domestic species the disease occurs frequently in captive and freeliving primates, monkeys, rodents, canids and ungulates. Called also red mange, fox mange. See also scabies.