We have been receiving an increasing number of calls recently regarding foxes with Sarcoptic Mange. Whilst we can and do set traps for the worst affected animals (those suffering more than 70% hair loss), where possible, there are times when caring homeowners can also help the local population of animals.This awful condition is caused by a small mite which burrows under the skin causing the fox to scratch and bite at itself to relieve the itching, thereby causing further damage and infection.
Most of the foxes we trap with this condition also suffer from conjunctivitis, dehydration, malnutirition and a host of other ailments all caused by the effects of the mite. If left untreated, this condition will eventually kill the fox.
The mite can be killed by a drug called Ivermectin. However, the drug is quite toxic and we tend therefore to treat the fox's other ailments with antibiotics and fluids before administering Ivermectin after about 7 days at which time, the fox is stronger.
The fox will stay in treatment for approximately 6 weeks as the condition requires 3 injections, two weeks apart. The photos on the right are of a fox we trapped in December. The top photo is of him on arrival looking terribly sick and the second photo is less than a week later, still with mange but much much stronger.
Whilst the trapped fox is being treated however, the chances are that the other foxes in the family group will also be suffering from mange. Ivermectin cannot be put out for these other foxes and so this is where homeowners can help out by putting food out for the less affected foxes and adding a few drops of the homeopathic remedy Arsenicum Alb & Sulphur 30C. A few drops added to peanut butter or honey sandwiches will, over a period of around 3 weeks improve the condition of the fox family's skin and fur, which in turn discourages the mites, thereby curing the condition.
We have a small stock of this homeopathic mange treatment which you can purchase here, or you can obtain the remedy from the following:-
