SCABIES IN DOMESTIC RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus): EXPERIENCE REPORT WITH THERAPEUTIC SUCCESS

Abstract

The increase in the adoption of rabbits as pets has revealed the need for a better understanding of the diseases that affect this species, such as sarcoptic mange or scabies, an itchy dermatopathy caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The present study aims to report a case of scabies in a Rex rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) treated at a private veterinary service presenting intense pruritus, alopecia and crusted lesions on the limbs. The diagnosis was confirmed by skin scraping, which allowed the identification of mites of the Sarcoptidae family compatible with the genus Sarcoptes. Treatment consisted of the administration of ivermectin at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg subcutaneously at weekly intervals for four weeks, without association of topical therapies, due to the sensitivity of the species. Throughout the treatment, the patient showed a significant reduction in the number of mites and clinical improvement of the skin lesions, with complete disappearance of the parasites in the fourth week, evidencing the efficacy of the treatment. The present case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic intervention for the success of treatment in domestic rabbits, especially in cases of zoonoses such as sarcoptic mange, reinforcing the need to disseminate knowledge about the proper management of these infestations in non-conventional pets.