How can a rat be treated for mange? - briefly
Mange in rats is treated with veterinary‑prescribed antiparasitic drugs such as ivermectin or selamectin, administered orally or topically, together with thorough cleaning of the habitat and bedding. Follow‑up examinations confirm eradication and help prevent reinfestation.
How can a rat be treated for mange? - in detail
Mange in rats is caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin, leading to hair loss, scabs, and intense itching. Prompt identification and intervention prevent secondary infections and reduce the risk of spreading the infestation to other rodents.
Diagnosis
- Physical examination reveals alopecia, erythema, and crusted lesions, especially around the ears, face, and tail base.
- Skin scrapings examined under a microscope confirm mite presence.
- Veterinary consultation is essential to differentiate mange from fungal or bacterial skin conditions.
Pharmacological treatment
- Topical acaricides such as selamectin or moxidectin applied to the affected areas eradicate mites within 48–72 hours. Follow the label dosage for small rodents and repeat the application after one week to address any remaining larvae.
- Oral ivermectin, dosed at 0.2 mg/kg once daily for three consecutive days, provides systemic control. Monitor for sedation or gastrointestinal upset, especially in young or compromised animals.
- Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) can alleviate pruritus; administer 1 mg/kg subcutaneously every 12 hours as needed.
Supportive care
- Clean cages with a dilute bleach solution (1 part bleach to 30 parts water) and replace all bedding.
- Provide a high‑protein diet and supplemental vitamins to promote skin regeneration.
- Maintain ambient temperature between 20 °C and 24 °C to reduce stress and support immune function.
Follow‑up
- Re‑examine the rat after 10 days; repeat skin scrapings to confirm mite elimination.
- Continue environmental sanitation for at least three weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
- Isolate newly acquired rodents for a quarantine period of two weeks and screen them before introduction to the main colony.
Effective management combines accurate diagnosis, targeted acaricidal therapy, rigorous hygiene, and ongoing monitoring to restore skin health and prevent recurrence.