Question

The preferred treatment of sarcoptic mange is:

• A. Amitraz
• B. Ivermectin
• C. Cypermethrin
• D. Organophosphorus compound

Hint:

To remember:
- Amitraz is the classic drug of choice for demodectic mange.
- Ivermectin (or other macrocyclic lactones like selamectin/doramectin) is the standard drug of choice for sarcoptic mange.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sarcoptic mange (scabies) is a highly contagious, intensely pruritic skin disease of domestic animals caused by the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei.
Effective treatment requires an acaricide with high systemic efficacy to eliminate mites deep within epidermal burrows.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us compare the therapeutic options:
- Amitraz: An formamidine acaricide highly preferred and effective as a topical treatment for demodectic mange (caused by Demodex spp.).
While active against sarcoptic mange, topical application is labor-intensive and has potential toxicity risks in certain breeds.
- Ivermectin: A macrocyclic lactone that binds selectively to glutamate-gated chloride channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells.
Due to its excellent systemic distribution, a single subcutaneous dose or oral administration of ivermectin is exceptionally effective and widely considered the preferred systemic treatment for sarcoptic mange across most animal species.
- Cypermethrin: A synthetic pyrethroid used primarily for controlling ectoparasites like flies, ticks, and lice on livestock, but lacks the deep tissue penetration needed to eradicate burrowing sarcoptic mites reliably.
- Organophosphorus compounds: Older, highly toxic topical acaricides that have been largely replaced by safer, more effective macrocyclic lactones.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the preferred and most effective treatment for sarcoptic mange is Ivermectin.