Dermotoscopic findings in dogs with sarcoptic mange

Objective: Sarcoptic scabies has been known and researched for many years. With the developing technology, the number of devices used in diagnosis and investigations is also increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate dermatoscopic findings in dogs with sarcoptic mange. Material and Methods: The animal material of the study consisted of a total of 15 dogs with sarcoptic mange of different breeds and sexes, aged 1-9 years, brought to Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital Internal Medicine Clinic with complaints of itching, alopecia, erythema, dandruff, hyperpigmentation and crusting. Sarcoptic mange was diagnosed by microscopic examination of skin scrapings. In the dermatoscopic examination of dogs with sarcoptic mange, the morphology/order of vascular structures, scaling patterns on the skin, skin color changes, abnormalities in the hair follicle and other lesions were evaluated. The frequency (f) and percentage values (%) of the dermatoscopic findings obtained within the scope of the study were found statistically in the population. Results: As a result of the dermatoscopic examination, 10 (66%) of the dogs included in the study had yellow-white crusted areas, 7 (46%) had weak fine hairs, 7 (46%) had fine spiral hairs, 5 (33%) had arborescent red lines, 3 (20%) had obstruction of the follicular infundubulum with yellow-brown material, 3 (20%) had hair rings, 2 (13%) had sarcoptic mange mite. Conclusion: This study showed that the density of the parasitic agent and the number of parasites on the skin surface may affect the sensitivity of dermatoscopy in the diagnosis of sarcoptic mange in dogs and that prospective studies are needed to evaluate the accuracy of dermatoscopy. It was also concluded that dermatoscopy should be evaluated in larger studies to determine its role in dermatology cases