Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

where the skin is thin, usually between the toes or about the ears and mouth.
The larvae feed by sucking on the skin. The result is severe itching and the
formation of sores and scabs. The diagnosis is made by identifying the mites
by visual inspection or by microscopic examination of skin scrapings.
Treatment: Chiggers respond well to a single application of a lime-sulfur
dip (LymDyp) or a pyrethrin shampoo. Corticosteroids may be required for
two or three days to control the intense itching. If the ear canals are involved,
treat with thiabendazole drops (brand name Tresaderm). Prevent reinfestation
by keeping your dog out of fields and grasses during the chigger season.
LICE (PEDICULOSIS)
THE SKIN AND COAT • 129
Lice are not common in dogs. They are found primarily on dogs who are rundown
and poorly kept. Lice are usually found beneath matted hair around the
ears, head, neck, shoulders, and in the perineal area. Because of the severe
itching and constant irritation, bare spots may be seen where the hair has
been rubbed off.
There are two species of lice: biting lice, which feed on skin scales, and
sucking lice, which feed on the dog’s blood and can cause severe protein deficiency
and anemia.
Adult lice are wingless, pale-colored insects about 2 to 3 millimeters long.
Sucking lice move slowly; biting lice move quickly. The eggs, called nits, look
like white grains of sand firmly attached to the hair. The diagnosis is made by
visual identification of adult lice or nits. Nits may look something like flaky
skin (dandruff), but inspection with a magnifying glass reveals the difference.
On dogs, lice are most
often found around the
head and ears and
beneath matted hair.