Selamectin Spot-on: A Cure for Scabies in Rabbits

Abstract

Introduction: Mange in rabbits is a highly contagious zoonotic disease. The disease is caused mainly by Sarcoptes scabiei, Psoroptes cuniculi, Cheyletiella parasitovorax, and Notoedres cati. The most common forms of this disease in rabbits are body and ear mange. Mites infest animals through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated.

Case report: An 8-month-old non-descript female rabbit weighing about 700 g was presented to the Teaching Veterinary clinical complex, Mettupalayam, Puducherry, India, with a history of scratching, pruritus and dried crusty lesions on the margins of the ears, snout, around the eyes and legs and patchy hair loss for the past 15 days. Rectal temperature was 38.4°C, heart rate was 210 bpm, respiratory rate was 40 breaths/minute, and the color of the conjunctival mucous membrane was pink. Other signs included inappetence with normal voiding habits and a thin body condition. The collected skin scraping from the affected areas was examined under the microscope with a 10x objective lens, confirming the presence of live motile Sarcoptes spp. Mite species could be determined through the morphological characteristics (adult mites are nearly circular with short legs, and the third and fourth pairs do not project beyond the margin of the body with terminal anus) under the microscopic examination of the skin scrapings. Therefore, 6% selamectin was applied topically on a single spot at the base of the neck. Supportive therapy with multivitamin (vitamin A, D₃, E, B₁₂) drops was given orally at 1 ml per day.

Conclusion: The rabbit responded well to the treatments within 2 weeks.