How can I get rid of mange in rats? - briefly
Administer a veterinarian‑prescribed acaricide such as ivermectin or selamectin according to rodent dosing guidelines, and thoroughly disinfect the cage, bedding, and accessories to eliminate remaining mites. Monitor the rat for improvement and repeat the treatment as instructed to achieve full eradication.
How can I get rid of mange in rats? - in detail
Mange in rats is caused by the mite Myobia musculi (fur mite) or Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies mite). The infestation leads to hair loss, crusty skin, and intense scratching. Prompt identification and treatment are essential to stop the spread to other rodents and prevent secondary infections.
Diagnosis
- Visual inspection of the coat for alopecia, scaling, and burrows.
- Microscopic examination of skin scrapings to confirm mite presence.
- Veterinary assessment to rule out other dermatological conditions.
Therapeutic measures
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Topical acaricides
- Apply a 0.5 % permethrin solution to the entire body, avoiding the eyes and mucous membranes.
- Repeat after 7 days to eliminate newly hatched mites.
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Systemic medication
- Administer ivermectin at 0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously once, with a second dose after 5–7 days.
- Monitor for signs of neurotoxicity; reduce dose in very young or debilitated animals.
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Environmental control
- Remove bedding, nesting material, and any contaminated accessories.
- Clean cages with a 1 % bleach solution, rinse thoroughly, and dry before reuse.
- Treat the surrounding area with a residual spray containing pyrethrins, following label directions.
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Supportive care
- Provide a high‑protein diet to promote skin regeneration.
- Offer a mild antiseptic ointment (e.g., chlorhexidine) on ulcerated spots to prevent bacterial infection.
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Follow‑up
- Re‑examine the rats 14 days after the initial treatment.
- Conduct a second skin‑scraping to verify mite eradication.
Prevention
- Quarantine new arrivals for at least 30 days and inspect them before integration.
- Maintain clean cages, replace bedding weekly, and disinfect equipment regularly.
- Avoid overcrowding; provide at least 0.1 m² of floor space per rat to reduce stress‑induced scratching.
Effective control combines accurate diagnosis, appropriate acaricidal therapy, strict hygiene, and ongoing monitoring. Failure to address any component may result in recurrence or transmission to other pets.