Efficacy of the ivermectin tablet for treatment of sarcoptic mange in naturally infested dogs

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the ivermectin tablet administered orally for treatment of Sarcoptes scabiei in naturally infested dogs. Fourteen 1 to 5 year-old Mongrel dogs presenting positive skin scrapings for S. scabiei mites, distributed into two groups with equal proportions of both sexes, containing seven animals per group were used in this study. All dogs were treated every 7 days, totaling four treatments in each dog (days 0, +7, +14 and +21). Group I was administered the ivermectin5 tablet at a dose of 0.2mg/kg and positive control group II as given an ivermectin commercial product at the same dose of group I. Skin scrapings, clinical and laboratorial parameters analysis were performed during the experimental period. Clinically there were no significant differences between the two groups evaluated prior and after treatments. Negative skin scrapings were observed in both groups from day +14, remaining negative until the end of the experimental period. The initial skin lesions observed in clinical evaluation regressed from day +14, and clinical improvement was evident in both groups. The ivermectin tablet (Ivermectan Pet, UCBVET Saúde Animal) administered orally was effective to treat S. scabiei infection in naturally infested dogs.