Effect of Sarcoptic Mange on Haemato-biochemical Parameters

Aims: The present study was conducted to observe the effect of Sarcoptic scabiei infection on various haematological and biochemical parameters in dogs and to investigate the effect of 2% combination of three essential oils, i.e. 1% Lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus), 0.5% Tulsi oil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) and 0.5% Sandalwood oil (Santalum album) in ameliorating these parameters.

Study Design: The clinically affected dogs that were brought to the Veterinary Clinical Complex with symptoms of sarcoptic mange were included in the study. Haemato-biochemical parameters of dogs found positive were analyzed and compared to the healthy ones to identify any significant difference caused by Sarcoptes scabiei. Furthermore, efficacy of topical application of the 2% essential oil combination was compared with Ivermectin.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Department of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Clinical Complex, DUVASU, Mathura, India, over a span of 18 months, from February, 2023 to July, 2024.

Methodology: Total 123 dogs were included in the present study, out of which 31 dogs were found positive with S. scabiei on the basis of clinical and microscopic examination of skin scrapings. These positive dogs were subjected to study the changes in various haemato-biochemical parameters. Further, twelve of these positive dogs were divided into two groups, one treated with the 2% essential oil combination topically, and the other with Ivermectin injection, given subcutaneously. Six apparently healthy dogs were treated as control. These haemato-biochemical parameters were estimated at days 0 (pre-therapy), and days 14 and 28 (post-therapy). Student’s t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in Graphpad Prism software was used for statistical analysis.

Results: Dogs with sarcoptic mange exhibited significantly lower levels of TEC, Hb, HCT, MCH, MCHC, total protein and albumin while significantly higher levels of TLC, neutrophils, ALT, AST and ALP enzymes was noted. Both the treatment groups were successful in amelioration of these haemato-biochemical parameters post-therapy.

Conclusion: The essential oils can be used as an alternative therapy option in managing sarcoptic mange.