The most effective systemic treatment in dogs with sarcoptic mange: a critically appraised topic

BACKGROUND: Sarcoptic mange is a common, pruritic parasitic skin disease of dogs. Due to its highly contagious character, it represents a potential veterinary and public health risk. Because of clinical similarity with other diseases, cross-antigenicity, and low sensitivity of available diagnostic methods, therapeutical trial is frequently used to confirm the disease. Considering the variety of available acaricidal molecules as well as the need to use the most effective treatment, the present paper reviews evidence comparing different types of systemic treatment of canine scabies. RESULTS: Analysis of the results showed that afoxolaner, fluralaner and sarolaner as well as several macrocyclic lactones such as selamectin, moxidectin and milbemycin oxime can lead to parasitological and clinical cure. CONCLUSION: The similarity in the clinical and parasitological efficacy of these substances enhances the need for comparative studies, which could allow the identification of the most efficacious product.