How can scabies be treated in rats? - briefly
Effective therapy includes systemic ivermectin (0.2–0.4 mg/kg oral) or topical selamectin applied weekly, supplemented by sulfur ointment for severe lesions. Environmental decontamination and quarantine prevent reinfestation.
How can scabies be treated in rats? - in detail
Effective control of sarcoptic mange in rats requires an integrated approach that combines pharmacological therapy, environmental sanitation, and monitoring.
First‑line pharmacologic agents include ivermectin, selamectin, and moxidectin. Ivermectin is administered orally at 0.2–0.4 mg/kg once daily for three consecutive days, or as a single subcutaneous injection of 0.2 mg/kg. Selamectin can be applied topically at 0.2 mg/kg on the dorsal surface, repeated after seven days. Moxidectin is given orally at 0.2 mg/kg, with a second dose after 10–14 days. Dosages must be adjusted for young or pregnant animals, and all treatments should be performed under veterinary supervision to avoid toxicity.
Second, the habitat must be thoroughly cleaned. Bedding, cages, and accessories should be removed, washed at >60 °C, and disinfected with a solution containing 0.5 % chlorhexidine or 1 % benzalkonium chloride. Surfaces should be treated with a scabicidal spray (e.g., 0.1 % permethrin) and left to dry before re‑housing the animals.
Third, supportive care includes maintaining optimal temperature (20–24 °C) and humidity (40–60 %) to reduce stress, providing supplemental nutrition, and monitoring for secondary bacterial infections. If pyoderma develops, administer a broad‑spectrum antibiotic such as enrofloxacin at 10 mg/kg subcutaneously once daily for 7–10 days.
Finally, implement a surveillance program: weekly skin examinations, mite counts from skin scrapings, and record keeping of treatment outcomes. Successful eradication is confirmed when two consecutive examinations show no mites and no clinical signs for at least four weeks.