Entodermoscopy to Diagnose Sarcoptic Mange: Visualising the Mite-Gallery Unit

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing sarcoptic mange in dogs can be challenging because the clinical signs overlap with those of other pruritic conditions. Entodermoscopy has emerged as a promising technique for the rapid confirmation of suspected scabies mite infestation. OBJECTIVE: To describe the dermoscopic features of sarcoptic mange in a dog. ANIMALS: A dog with sarcoptic mange was examined via dermoscopy after skin scraping confirmation. RESULTS: Distinctive dermoscopic features included: the mite-gallery unit (MGU) and specific mite structures, such as characteristic 'Δ'-shaped gnathosomes, eggs and burrows. Stercoraceous bullets, wake signs and grey-edged line signs also were observed. Polarised and non-polarised light exhibited distinct diagnostic capabilities. Digitally enhanced dermoscopy provided additional details. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The MGU describes the anatomical and functional aspects of scabies mites as epidermal parasites and qualifies dermoscopy as a non-invasive diagnostic tool.

Authors: M. Colcuc Title: Entodermoscopy to Diagnose Sarcoptic Mange: Visualising the Mite-Gallery Unit Full source: Vet Dermatol, 2025,Vol 36, Iss 6, pp 914-920
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Abstract	Source
BACKGROUND: Diagnosing sarcoptic mange in dogs can be challenging because the clinical signs overlap with those of other pruritic conditions. Entodermoscopy has emerged as a promising technique for the rapid confirmation of suspected scabies mite infestation. OBJECTIVE: To describe the dermoscopic features of sarcoptic mange in a dog. ANIMALS: A dog with sarcoptic mange was examined via dermoscopy after skin scraping confirmation. RESULTS: Distinctive dermoscopic features included: the mite-gallery unit (MGU) and specific mite structures, such as characteristic 'Δ'-shaped gnathosomes, eggs and burrows. Stercoraceous bullets, wake signs and grey-edged line signs also were observed. Polarised and non-polarised light exhibited distinct diagnostic capabilities. Digitally enhanced dermoscopy provided additional details. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The MGU describes the anatomical and functional aspects of scabies mites as epidermal parasites and qualifies dermoscopy as a non-invasive diagnostic tool.