A Study to Compare Therapeutic Efficacy of Fluralaner and Selamectin against Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs

Abstract

Sarcoptic mange, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, is an intensely pruritic and highly contagious ectoparasitic skin infection in dogs. This study evaluated and compared the therapeutic efficacy, clinical recovery, and haemato-biochemical restoration associated with oral fluralaner and topical selamectin in affected dogs. Twelve dogs naturally infected with Sarcoptes scabiei were randomly divided into two equal treatment groups (G1 and G2; n = 6 each), alongside six healthy dogs serving as controls (G3). Group G1 received a single dose of oral fluralaner (25–56 mg/kg b.wt.), while Group G2 received a single topical application of selamectin (6 mg/kg b.wt.). Clinical evaluation scores and deep skin scrapings were assessed on Days 0, 7, 14, and 21, while haemato-biochemical parameters were assessed on Days 0 and 21 (post-treatment). By Day 7, Group G1 achieved complete parasitological cure (100% mite clearance), whereas Group G2 achieved 83.33% mite clearance (one dog remained positive). By Days 14 and 21, both groups achieved 100% mite clearance. Clinical score reductions indicated rapid efficacy, reaching 93.74% in G1 and 88.90% in G2 by Day 21. Furthermore, both therapeutic regimens significantly restored reduced haemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV), and total erythrocyte count (TEC), while significantly normalising elevated total leukocyte count (TLC) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels towards healthy control ranges by Day 21. Both acaricides demonstrated good therapeutic efficacy and safety in the treatment of canine sarcoptic mange. Both drugs performed similarly regarding haematological alterations; however, fluralaner showed better efficacy in total protein recovery among the biochemical parameters. Moreover, fluralaner exhibited comparatively faster clinical improvement and higher therapeutic efficacy, achieving 93.74% efficacy by Day 21 compared with 88.90% for selamectin.