Comparative Treatment of Experimentally Induced Mange in Rabbits

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy of various treatments against Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi in 30 local breed rabbits (1–2 years old, 1–2 kg body weight). Infected animals showing mange lesions were randomly assigned to six groups (n=5). Group I received 1% ivermectin subcutaneously; Group II was treated with pyrethroid dipping; Group III with a topical 10% lindane-sulfur ointment; Group IV with 25% benzyl benzoate lotion; Group V with 20% Sibahbah fruit ointment; and Group VI with 20% Cotoneaster fruit ointment. Clinical signs, mite and ova counts, and hematological changes were monitored.Ivermectin was the most effective treatment, resulting in complete clinical recovery and disappearance of pruritus and lesions by day 16 post-treatment. One rabbit in this group died on day 8 due to emaciation despite improved skin lesions. Pyrethroid treatment showed limited efficacy, with continued itching and lesions in some animals; two rabbits died by day 10. Lindane-sulfur ointment was ineffective, as mite and ova counts remained high and all animals died. Benzyl benzoate reduced lesions slightly but failed to eliminate mites or their ova. The Sibahbah ointment significantly reduced mite and ova counts (from 170 to 60), showing partial efficacy. Cotoneaster ointment had no observable effect. In all ineffective treatments, total leukocyte counts remained elevated and did not return to normal levels.These results indicate that ivermectin is the most effective treatment against rabbit mange, while some herbal preparations like Sibahbah may have supportive roles in integrated mange control.
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