How to treat mange in rats? - briefly
Mange in rats is treated with veterinary‑prescribed acaricides such as selamectin or ivermectin, applied topically or given orally at the recommended dosage. Clean the cage, replace bedding, and isolate affected individuals to prevent reinfestation.
How to treat mange in rats? - in detail
Mange in rats is caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin, leading to hair loss, crusty lesions, and itching. Effective management requires accurate diagnosis, appropriate medication, strict hygiene, and ongoing monitoring.
First, confirm the condition through veterinary examination and, if possible, skin scrapings examined under a microscope. Differentiating sarcoptic from demodectic mange influences treatment choice.
Medication options include:
- Topical acaricides: Apply a diluted solution of permethrin (0.5–1 %) or ivermectin cream directly to affected areas once daily for 5–7 days. Ensure the product is labeled safe for rodents and avoid overdosing.
- Systemic therapy: Oral ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) administered once daily for three consecutive days, then a single dose one week later, is effective for severe infestations. Monitor for neurotoxicity, especially in young or compromised animals.
- Alternative agents: Selamectin (0.2 mg/kg) given subcutaneously weekly for two weeks can be used when ivermectin is contraindicated.
Environmental control is critical because mites survive briefly off‑host. Remove all bedding, nesting material, and toys; replace with fresh, sterilized items. Clean cages with a dilute bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite), rinse thoroughly, and allow to dry completely. Disinfect surrounding surfaces with an approved acaricidal spray.
Supportive care includes:
- Providing a protein‑rich diet to promote skin regeneration.
- Adding omega‑3 fatty acids to the feed to reduce inflammation.
- Keeping humidity low (40–50 %) to discourage mite proliferation.
After treatment, re‑examine the rat after 10–14 days. Perform another skin scrape to ensure mite elimination. Continue weekly observations for at least one month, watching for recurrence of lesions or itching. If symptoms persist, repeat the medication cycle or consider a different acaricide under veterinary guidance.
Preventive measures involve routine health checks, quarantine of new arrivals for at least two weeks, and maintaining clean, dry housing. Regular grooming and inspection of the coat can detect early signs before an outbreak spreads.