How to treat subcutaneous mites in rats? - briefly
Treat the infestation with a systemic acaricide—oral ivermectin at 200 µg/kg once daily for three days or a topical selamectin preparation according to label instructions. Simultaneously sterilize cages, replace bedding, and apply an environmental miticide to prevent re‑infection.
How to treat subcutaneous mites in rats? - in detail
Subcutaneous mite infestations in rats require prompt identification and a systematic therapeutic approach. Diagnosis begins with careful observation of skin lesions, alopecia, and pruritus, followed by microscopic examination of skin scrapings or biopsy samples to confirm the presence of larvae or adult mites. Once confirmed, the treatment protocol should include both topical and systemic measures.
Topical therapy:
- Apply a veterinary‑approved acaricide (e.g., selamectin 0.8 mg/kg) directly to affected areas once daily for three consecutive days.
- Use a medicated shampoo containing pyrethrins or a benzoyl benzoate formulation; soak the animal for 5‑10 minutes, repeat after 48 hours.
Systemic therapy:
- Administer ivermectin orally at 0.2 mg/kg body weight, repeat after 7 days to cover the mite life cycle.
- In severe cases, consider milbemycin oxime at 0.5 mg/kg, given once and repeated after 14 days.
Supportive care:
- Provide a protein‑rich diet and maintain hydration to aid recovery.
- Apply a soothing ointment (e.g., aloe‑based gel) to reduce inflammation and prevent secondary bacterial infection.
Environmental control:
- Clean cages, bedding, and accessories with a 0.5 % disinfectant solution; replace all soft materials.
- Treat the surrounding environment with a residual acaricide spray, following manufacturer safety guidelines.
- Quarantine affected animals for at least 21 days; monitor all conspecifics for signs of infestation.
Follow‑up:
- Re‑examine skin scrapings 7 days after the initial treatment cycle; repeat therapy if mites persist.
- Conduct a final assessment at 30 days to ensure complete eradication.
Documentation of treatment dates, dosages, and observed responses is essential for record‑keeping and future reference.