Clinicopathological and Mineral Changes Associated with Dogs Infested with Sarcoptes Scabiei Var. Canis

The clinicopathological features including mineral level of dogs infested with Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis were evaluated to understand the pathogenesis of infestation in order to propose an effective treatment plan. Twenty healthy dogs were recruited for the study and were divided into two groups after environmental adjustments. Group A dogs were scabies free while group B dogs were housed with scabies infested dogs. The PCV, HB, RBC, WBC, platelets, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, TP, albumin, globulin, ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, BUN, and glucose levels were examined for 6 weeks following establishment of mites. Zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, and sulfur levels were assayed at the 6th week of infestation. Hematological values of infested dogs differed significantly (P < 0.05) from healthy dogs with exceptions to monocytes and eosinophils. The eosinophil lymphocyte ratio, monocyte lymphocyte ratio, and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio of 3 weeks post infestation did not significantly differ from 6 weeks post infestation while platelet lymphocyte ratio at week 3 were elevated and significantly differed from counts at week 6. TP, albumin, and globulin values were only altered significantly (P < 0.05) from the 4th week of infestation. ALP values were affected by the 6th week following infestation while creatinine values were significantly lower in infested dogs. Zinc, copper, and selenium levels significantly decreased during infestation while manganese and sulfur amounts in study dogs showed no variations. Study established decreased zinc, copper, and selenium levels in scabies; hence, supplements with these trace elements should be incorporated to the treatment plan of mange in dogs.