Which parasite causes a very pruritic disease in dogs?

Which parasite causes a very pruritic disease in dogs?

• A. Cheyletiella
• B. Sarcoptes
• C. Demodex
• D. Dermacentor

Answer: (B)

Intense itching in dogs is most characteristically produced by the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei, causing canine sarcoptic mange. The severe pruritus comes from the dog’s immune reaction to mite antigens and their secretions on and near the skin, which triggers relentless scratching and rubbing and often leads to crusting and hair loss around the ears, face, elbows, and hocks. This parasite is highly contagious among dogs and can even affect people in close contact. While other parasites can itch, walking dandruff from Cheyletiella tends to be milder, Demodex infestations may be less pruritic in many cases (though they can cause itchy, especially generalized disease in some dogs), and Dermacentor (a tick) causes irritation mainly from bites rather than a disease defined by very pruritic dermatitis.

Intense itching in dogs is most characteristically produced by the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei, causing canine sarcoptic mange. The severe pruritus comes from the dog’s immune reaction to mite antigens and their secretions on and near the skin, which triggers relentless scratching and rubbing and often leads to crusting and hair loss around the ears, face, elbows, and hocks. This parasite is highly contagious among dogs and can even affect people in close contact. While other parasites can itch, walking dandruff from Cheyletiella tends to be milder, Demodex infestations may be less pruritic in many cases (though they can cause itchy, especially generalized disease in some dogs), and Dermacentor (a tick) causes irritation mainly from bites rather than a disease defined by very pruritic dermatitis.