Discussion and Conclusion
The study was designed to demonstrate the efficacy of
milbemycin oxime against infestations of S. scabiei on
dogs under field conditions, on the basis of skin scriapings,
no S. scabiei mites or eggs were recovered from
milbemycin oxime–treated dogs after three doses, at
7-day interval, was highly effective in the treatment
of naturally acquired infestations of S. scabiei on dogs.
There was a 100% reduction in mean mite counts from
deep skin scripings by 42 days after the first application.
The treatments were well tolerated and safe. The quantitative
mite count data were supported by the assessment
of clinical signs associated with canine sarcoptic
mange, and milbemycin oxime was shown to markedly
reduce the prevalence of these signs compared with
their prevalence in vehicle-treated dogs. The results
of this and other studies (Paradis, 1998; Mueller et al,
1999) show that the agents used as positive controls
are efficacious in the treatment of S. scabiei infestation
in dogs when used according to their label recommendations,
although repeated treatment may be necessary
for control of the infestation. Milbemycin oxime alsohas been demonstrated to be highly effective against
naturally acquired infestations of S. scabiei in dogs in
other clinical studies following oral application (De Jaham
and Henry, 1995; Miller et al, 1996).