Sarcoptic mange is also known as scabies and is caused by a mite which inhabits the skin of the infected dog, causing hair loss, itchiness and other skin lesions. There are a number of different treatment options which may be used in treating sarcoptic mange in dogs. Because of the difficulty often encountered in definitively diagnosing scabies through the use of skin scrapings and other testing methods, scabies is often diagnosed with a clinical trial with one or more of the following treatment options.
Ivermectin to Treat Scabies in Dogs
Ivermectin is frequently used in veterinary medicine and is found in many heartworm preventive medications, including Heartgard®, Iverhart® and Tri-heart®. Ivermectin is also used frequently to treat sarcoptic mange in dogs. However, when using ivermectin to treat scabies, the medication is used in much higher dosages than those used to prevent heartworms in dogs.
At the higher dosages used to treat scabies in dogs, ivermectin carries an increased risk of side effects and adverse reactions. At these dosages, ivermectin is not approved for use in dogs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and thus must be used off-label to treat sarcoptic mange.
In most instances, ivermectin can be used safely even at higher dosages. It is commonly used to treat sarcoptic mange in dogs. However, some dogs may have a genetic sensitivity to ivermectin which may make the use of the medication much riskier in these individuals. A blood test is available to help identify those dogs at risk for this genetic sensitivity. For many of these dogs, choosing another medication to treat them for scabies may be a safer option than administering ivermectin.
Selamectin in Treating Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs
Selamectin is the active ingredient in the medication known as Revolution®. Selamectin is a drug which is related to ivermectin but may be safer for use in dogs at risk for ivermectin sensitivity. Selamectin (Revolution®) is labeled to be effective in treating sarcoptic mange in dogs when used on a monthly basis, following the directions on the packaging.
Though labeling directions advise using Revolution® (selamectin) monthly, many veterinary dermatologists feel that dosing every 2 weeks initially may be necessary to clear an active scabies infection. Monthly application of selamectin is normally effective in preventing infection with sarcoptic mange in dogs, however.
Moxidectin for Treatment of Scabies in Dogs
Moxidectin is the one of the active ingredients found in the commonly used heartworm medication known as Advantage Multi®. Though Advantage Multi® is not labeled as effective against sarcoptic mange by the FDA in the United States, it is used successfully in other countries in treating sarcoptic mange. It is used by some veterinarians in the United States for the purpose of treating scabies in dogs as well, though it is used off-label for this purpose. Moxidectin has been found to be reasonably effective in the treatment of scabies in dogs despite the lack of a proper label for sarcoptic mange.
Milbemycin Oxime and Sarcoptic Mange
Milbemycin oxime is found in both Sentinel® and Interceptor® and though not formally approved for use in treating sarcoptic mange in dogs by the FDA, many veterinary dermatologists and other veterinarians use this medication to successfully treat dogs for scabies.
Amitraz Use in Treating Sarcoptic Mange
Amitraz is currently found as one of the active ingredients in Promeris®. Amitraz is also available as a dip. Previously, the amitraz dip was used frequently to treat sarcoptic mange in dogs. However, dipping a dog with amitraz is a labor intensive process which has largely been replaced by other medications. Promeris® offers the medication amitraz available as a spot-on product which is much simpler to use than the dip.
Promeris®, like several of the other commonly used scabies medications, is not labeled for use in dogs with sarcoptic mange by the FDA. However, many veterinary dermatologists and other veterinarians have been using Promeris® successfully to treat scabies in dogs.
Lyme Sulfur Dips and Scabies Treatment
Lyme sulfur dips are effective in treating dogs with sarcoptic mange. However, as with the amitraz dip, lyme sulfur dips are more difficult to use than other medications and do not offer any benefit in treatment. Therefore, these dips are seldom used to treat scabies today.
In summary, there are many medications which provide effective treatment options for sarcoptic mange in dogs. Each has advantages and disadvantages and an experienced veterinarian can aid the dog owner in choosing the best treatment option for the individual dog.
Join the Conversation