Mites

cats dirty ear

There are many types of mites that infect dogs, cats, and other animals. Mites are microscopic arthropod parasites that, for the most part, infect the skin or mucous membranes. Mites can even be present on birds and reptiles. The most common mites that infect dogs and cats are ear mites, Demodex, scabies, and Cheyletiella.

Ear mites are very common on cats and are occasionally seen on dogs. They live primarily in the ear canals and can cause severe irritation. They are easily transmitted between pets, so if they are found in one pet, all pets in contact should be treated. A different species of ear mite can infect rabbits.

Demodex is a mite that all dogs are exposed to, but only a small percentage of dogs develop skin problems. In young puppies, it usually causes small areas of hair loss especially on the head and front legs. Adult dogs tend to show more generalized symptoms, and usually have more red, itchy skin lesions. Adult dogs that develop Demodex usually have another disease such as hypothyroidism, Cushings, or cancer that suppresses the immune system and allows the Demodex to increase in numbers and cause lesions. It is now recognized that cats have their own species of Demodex, but the disease is much more rare in cats.

Scabies is a skin disease in dogs or people caused by the mite Sarcoptes. Most dogs with this disease are intensely itchy. Scabies is highly contagious, but not all dogs in contact are as itchy. People also have their own species of Sarcoptes; most of their cases are due to the human scabies mite, but it is possible for people to develop lesions from the dog scabies mite.

Cheyletiella species of mites can be seen in rabbits and dogs. It is especially seen in puppies as large flakes of scale and is sometimes called "walking dandruff." There is no one treatment that will kill all the types of mites discussed here. Your veterinarian can advise you on the various treatments for each problem.

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Highlands Animal Hospital

Monday:

7:00 am-9:00 pm

Doctors On 8:00am to 7:00pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-9:00 pm

Doctors On 8:00am to 7:00pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-9:00 pm

Doctors On 8:00am to 7:00pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-9:00 pm

Doctors On 8:00am to 7:00pm

Friday:

7:00 am-9:00 pm

Doctors On 8:00am to 7:00pm

Saturday:

7:00 am-9:00 pm

Doctors On 8:00am to 7:00pm

Sunday:

7:00 am-9:00 pm

Doctors On 8:00am to 7:00pm

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Highlands has always been amazing! The front office staff, the vet techs and the physicians have absolutely been incredible. We take our dog( Bella) and our rabbit (Jello) to them and they are always so kind, caring and gentle with them. I CANNOT thank highlands enough for all they do and the care they give our babies."
    Michelle Jurich
  • "They take care of all of my animals and my family’s as well. Great people and awesome staff with convenient hours. I drive from Palm Bay down there when needed."
    Teresa Palmer
  • "My family has been coming to Highlands for over 20 years. They have saved my animals lives on multiple accounts. Very grateful for their caring and loving attitudes."
    Payge Johnson
  • "They are top of the line when it comes to compassion and understanding of your pets needs. Staff is amazing they have taken good care of our pups for over a few years. Highly recommend them"
    Alex Melo
  • "Best office ever. They will take care of your animal with the best of care. I wouldn’t trust any other vet. I drive 2 hours just to have my guy seen here. I love this place."
    Beatriz Berrios