Parasitological Diagnosis and Therapeutic Management of Clinical Notoedric Mange in Rattus rattus from Bikaner, Rajasthan, India: A Case Report

Aims

To document the clinical presentation, parasitological diagnosis and therapeutic management of naturally occurring notoedric mange in three Rattus rattus presented in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. Presentation of Case: Three Rattus rattus were presented to the Veterinary Clinic, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner, Rajasthan, in April 2026 with pruritus, alopecia, hyperkeratosis and thick white crusts, predominantly affecting the external ears and adjacent facial skin. Individual skin scrapings were processed with 10% potassium hydroxide and examined by light microscopy. Mites were demonstrated in all three animals and were morphologically compatible with Notoedres spp. based on the observable sarcoptiform morphology and diagnostic features. No molecular confirmation was undertaken. Treatment comprised ivermectin (Hitek 0.08%) administered through drinking water, together with enrofloxacin-containing oral liquid, nutritional support and topical wound care. Clinical improvement was observed in all three rats.