A Pathological Study of Sepsis Associated with Sarcoptic Mange in Raccoon Dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Japan

SummaryThe pathological findings in Japanese raccoon dogs with sarcoptic mange infection associated with death from sepsis are described. Microscopical lesions of the skin were consistent with those described previously in wildlife populations with Sarcoptes infection, but secondary lesions were also present in the lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, spleen and brain of these animals. This infection was therefore very similar to “crusted scabies” or “Norwegian scabies” in man and was characterized by severe pathology and high mortality, with deaths frequently occurring due to sepsis.