Presumptive sarcoptic mange in a Spitz dog

Abstract

An 11 year old castrated male Spitz dog presented to the Dermatology Service at Cornell University Hospital for Animals for evaluation of a progressive pruritc dermatitis and bacterial folliculitis. Skin lesions and progressive alopecia were noted, along the entire ventrum and left elbow. A positive pinnal-pedal reflex was observed during his examination. Cytology of an intact pustule confirmed bacterial folliculitis, presumed to be secondary to an underlying disease. A skin scraping was negative for ectoparasites, but his clinical presentation and positive pinnal-pedal reflex warranted a presumptive diagnosis of sarcoptic mange. The patient’s case is fairly characteristic of dogs presenting with scabies. Skin scrapings from dogs with scabies are generally unrewarding, making a definitive diagnosis difficult to attain. Thus, recognizing the classic presentation of scabies is an important clinical skill, particularly because patients with scabies have an excellent prognosis with appropriate treatment.