Sarcoptic mange in dogs: Its effect on liver, oxidative stress, trace minerals and vitamins

- Sarcoptic mange causes significant alteration in oxidant/antioxidant balance, trace elements and vitamins in dogs.
- Dogs severely infested may have compromised liver function contributing to the pathogenesis of disease and the difficulties in treatment.

The present study was aimed to determine the effect on liver, associated oxidative stress, trace element and vitamin alteration in dogs with sarcoptic mange. A total of 24 dogs with clinically established diagnosis of sarcoptic mange, divided into two groups, severely infested group (n = 9) and mild/moderately infested group (n = 15), according to the extent of skin lesions caused by sarcoptic mange and 6 dogs as control group were included in the present study. In comparison to healthy control hemoglobin, PCV, and TEC were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in dogs with sarcoptic mange however, significant increase in TLC along with neutrophilia and lymphopenia was observed only in severely infested dogs. The albumin, glucose and cholesterol were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased and globulin, ALT, AST and bilirubin were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in severely infested dogs when compared to other two groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in dogs with sarcoptic mange, with levels highest in severely infested groups. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P < 0.05) and catalase were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in sarcoptic infested dogs when compared with the healthy control group. Zinc and copper levels in dogs with sarcoptic mange were significantly (P < 0.05) lower when compared with healthy control group with the levels lowest in severely infested group. Vitamin A and vitamin C levels were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in sarcoptic infested dogs when compared to healthy control. From the present study, it was concluded that sarcoptic mange in dogs affects the liver and the infestation is associated with oxidant/anti-oxidant imbalance, significant alteration in trace elements and vitamins