How should a scabies mite be treated in a curly-haired animal?

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How should a scabies mite be treated in a curly-haired animal? - briefly
Apply a licensed topical acaricide—commonly selamectin, ivermectin, or moxidectin—directly to the skin, working the product through the dense coat and repeating the dose as the product label specifies. After treatment, gently comb the hair to remove debris and treat any exposed contacts to prevent reinfestation.

How should a scabies mite be treated in a curly-haired animal? - in detail
Scabies in a curly‑coated animal is caused by the sarcoptic mite that burrows into the skin, producing intense itching, crusts, and hair loss. Prompt identification through skin scrapings and microscopic examination confirms the infestation.
Therapeutic protocol

Topical acaricides

Permethrin 5 % cream or spray applied to the entire body, including the folds and undercoat, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
Benzyl benzoate 25 % lotion applied similarly, repeated after 24 hours.

Systemic treatment

Ivermectin 200 µg/kg orally once daily for three consecutive days; a second course after two weeks prevents reinfestation.
Selamectin spot‑on formulation (6 mg/kg) administered once, repeated after one week.

Adjunctive measures

Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine 2 mg/kg PO q12h) to control pruritus.
Short course of corticosteroids (prednisone 0.5 mg/kg PO q24h) for severe inflammation, tapered over 5–7 days.

Hair and skin care

Use a wide‑tooth comb or slicker brush to gently detangle curls before applying topical agents, reducing trauma and ensuring product contact.
Bathe with a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo after the first topical application to remove debris and excess medication.

Environmental decontamination

Wash bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat.
Vacuum carpets and upholstery thoroughly; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters.
Treat the living area with a residual acaricide spray according to manufacturer instructions.

Monitoring

Re‑examine skin scrapings 7–10 days after initial therapy; absence of mites confirms success.
Continue weekly observations for at least six weeks to detect any resurgence.

Combining topical and systemic acaricides, managing pruritus, and addressing the unique grooming requirements of a curly coat maximizes eradication of the mite and promotes rapid skin recovery.