Dermatophytosis (ringworm [e.g., Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes])

Lesions in humans generally respond to topical application of antifungal drugs; appropriate systemic medical therapy is required for the pet

Fungal culture of all resident dogs and cats should be performed to assess for carrier status and to separate infected from noninfected animals

Thorough cleaning of the environment and bedding with soap and water followed by application of appropriate disinfectants is recommended

Isolation of infected animals to areas with minimal carpeting and upholstery is ideal

Hands should be washed thoroughly after handling infected or carrier animals and contaminated bedding

Immunocompromised persons should avoid contact with infected dogs or cats and their bedding

Scabies (sarcoptic mange; Sarcoptes scabiei var canis)

Dogs

Small, itchy papules that are often excoriated; papules more common in areas of contact (i.e., chest, abdomen, thighs, and forearms)

Lesions are self-limited, usually persisting for no more than a few days after successful treatment of pets

Usually intensely itchy

Hair loss, papules, inflammation, crusts, and excoriations

High-incidence areas are the ventral abdomen and chest, ear pinnae (especially pinnal margins), face, elbows, hocks, and feet

With chronicity, the problem can become generalized

All in-contact dogs should be treated simultaneously, including dogs with no signs because subclinical carriers are possible; response to therapy is usually rapid, with significant improvement within one to two weeks and cures in four to six weeks

Affected dogs should not be allowed access to other dogs (e.g., dog parks, dog day care centers, grooming parlors) until they are cured

To minimize environmental sources of the mites, bedding should be discarded or washed and dried at the highest setting possible and areas frequented by the dog (or dogs) should be thoroughly vacuumed; environmental therapy (flea therapies suffice) is only occasionally warranted (i.e., with very large numbers of mites or mites on multiple dogs)