Ectoparasites in small exotic mammals

Zoonotic Dermatoses of Exotic Companion Mammals

Integumentary disorders caused by zoonotic agents are very common in exotic companion mammals. This article provides an understanding of the main zoonotic dermatoses including parasitic, fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases to provide the most updated information on their epidemiology, diagnosis, reported clinical signs, and therapies.

Rodent Dermatology

This article reviews the most common dermatologic conditions of the pet rodent population, including the prevalence, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations.

Dermatologic Diseases of Four-Toed Hedgehogs

Dermatologic diseases are frequently diagnosed in the four-toed hedgehog. Common clinical signs include spine loss, scales and crusts, pruritus, alopecia, and masses. Caparinia tripilis, family Psoroptidae, is the most common mite affecting hedgehogs, and is diagnosed via light microscopy. Dermatophytosis from Trichophyton erinacei infection is a common zoonotic dermatologic disease in pet hedgehogs. Diagnosis is through fungal culture. Neoplasia is another major cause of dermatologic diseases in four-toed hedgehogs. The diagnostic approach typically begins with a fine-needle aspirate but often requires a biopsy for a definitive diagnosis.

Ferret Dermatology

Skin diseases commonly affect pet ferrets, with neoplastic, endocrine, and parasitic diseases being the most common. This review includes clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment of diseases with a dermatologic presentation in ferrets.

Problem-Oriented Approach in Exotic Companion Mammals

Dermatologic disorders are some of the most common conditions affecting exotic companion mammals. This article provides a clinical approach of the conditions presenting with alopecia, pruritus, scaling/crusting, erosion/ulceration, and nodules in order to select and interpret the appropriate diagnostic tests to achieve a diagnosis for a successful treatment.

Efficacy of a spot-on combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin against naturally acquired Sarcoptes scabiei infestation in 10 pet rabbits: Retrospective case series

BACKGROUND

Current treatments for sarcoptic mange in rabbits mainly include administration of avermectines every 10-30 days. Recently, a single oral dose of fluralaner has been shown to be effective to treat sarcoptic mange in 12 pet rabbits over a three-month period.

OBJECTIVES

To retrospectively assess the efficacy of a spot-on combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin (Bravecto Plus) for the treatment of sarcoptic mange in rabbits.

ANIMALS

Ten client-owned rabbits diagnosed with sarcoptic mange.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An application of fluralaner plus moxidectin at an average dose of 25 mg/kg and 1.24 mg/kg, respectively, was administered topically once. Parasitological and dermatological examination was carried out weekly for one month and monthly for three months.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 15 (range 3-48) months. Based on the age of onset, there were three juvenile (<6-month-old) and seven adult-onset cases. Of those, four were generalized (head, feet and/or genital area) and six were localized form (head only). The combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin resulted in 100% eradication of mites and complete resolution of all skin lesions within 21 days. Recurrence was not observed 90 days post-treatment. Relapse was not observed in one case followed up for a further four months and two rabbits followed up for a further six months. The other pets were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These results indicated that a single dose of a formulation containing fluralaner plus moxidectin, at 25 mg/kg and 1.24 mg/kg, respectively, was effective for the treatment of naturally occurring sarcoptic mange in rabbits.

International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria (INHAND): Nonproliferative and Proliferative Lesions of the Rabbit

The INHAND (International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria for Lesions Project (www.toxpath.org/inhand.asp) is a joint initiative of the Societies of Toxicologic Pathology from Europe (ESTP), Great Britain (BSTP), Japan (JSTP) and North America (STP) to develop an internationally accepted nomenclature for proliferative and non-proliferative lesions in laboratory animals. The purpose of this publication is to provide a standardized nomenclature for classifying microscopic lesions observed in most tissues and organs from the laboratory rabbit used in nonclinical safety studies. Some of the lesions are illustrated by color photomicrographs. The standardized nomenclature presented in this document is also available electronically on the internet (http://www.goreni.org/). Sources of material included histopathology databases from government, academia, and industrial laboratories throughout the world. Content includes spontaneous lesions as well as lesions induced by exposure to test materials. Relevant infectious and parasitic lesions are included as well. A widely accepted and utilized international harmonization of nomenclature for lesions in laboratory animals will provide a common language among regulatory and scientific research organizations in different countries and increase and enrich international exchanges of information among toxicologists and pathologists.

Managing Disease Outbreaks in Captive Herds of Exotic Companion Mammals

Management of epizootics of exotic companion mammal herds relies on careful observance of animals, proper management and husbandry, adequate nutrition, and stress reduction. Many diseases occur because of the stress of weaning so anticipating this and maximizing sanitation and ventilation, minimizing overcrowding and concurrent disease, and providing enough fiber for herbivores is prudent. Antimicrobial therapy must be carefully considered in the route of administration and the likely risk of enterotoxemia development. Separation of affected animals, rapid diagnostic testing, and implementation of treatment and supportive care minimizes losses during epizootics. Knowledge of potential zoonotic pathogens is important for veterinarians and staff.

Case series: Efficacy of a formulation containing selamectin and sarolaner against naturally acquired mite infestations (Demodex sp., Ornithonyssus bacoti) in degus (Octodon degus)

Ectoparasite infestations are not common in degus. Two cases are presented here where use of Stronghold® Plus/Revolution® Plus (selamectin and sarolaner topical solution) was successfully administered to a degu (Octodon degus) for treatment of naturally-occurring mite infesations. Selamectin (Stronghold®/Revolution®) has been demonstrated to be effective against naturally-occurring mite infections in dogs and selamectin is approved for use in dogs for the treatment of sarcoptic mange (caused by Sarcoptes scabiei) at a dose of 6 mg/kg. In the first case, a 2.6-years-old female degu housed in a group with four other degus was presented with pruritic skin reactions, restlessness and hairloss. Mites morphologically similar to Demodex sp. were detected in the deep skin scrapings. All four degus were treated with Stronghold® Plus/Revolution® Plus (30 mg/kg selamectin and 5 mg/kg sarolaner) once a week for a total of six treatments. The spot-on was administered topically on the dorsal cervical region. Following treatment the degu presenting with clinical signs showed a rapid improvement with the pruritus and overall dermatitis resolving within 2 weeks of treatment. Skin scrapes and microscopic examination of epidermal debris collected from the affected degu were negative for mites from day 14 onwards. In the second case, a group of four 4-6.5-years-old female and male degus that were housed together were infested with Ornithonyssus bacoti. All animals were treated with 30 mg/kg selamectin and 5 mg/kg sarolaner in four total weekly doses. One week later no living mites were found on the patients or in their environment. The four degus improved visibly, and within three weeks of treatment the skin lesions associated with the infestation subsided. The antiparasiticides showed a satisfactory efficacy and were well tolerated (n = 9 animals treated in a total).

Efficacy of Fluralaner in the Treatment of Sarcoptic Mange (Sarcoptes scabiei) in 12 Pet Rabbits

Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi are cutaneous mites of companion rabbits. In rabbits, sarcoptic mange is characterized by intense pruritus, alopecia, erythema, scales, and crusts around the head, neck, trunk, feet, and genitals. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of oral fluralaner in pet rabbits naturally infested by S scabiei var. cuniculi. Twelve privately owned pet rabbits with a definitive diagnosis of sarcoptic mange were included in the study if they had compatible clinical signs and positive superficial skin scrapings for S scabiei. Clinical and parasitological evaluations were performed on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, and 90 after receiving a single oral dose of 25 mg/kg of fluralaner. On day 7, 5 of 12 rabbits had positive skin scrapings, while 8 of 12 had clinical signs (alopecia and erythema) still present. By day 14 none of the rabbits had positive skin scrapings and only 1 of 12 had persistent clinical signs. By day 21 none of the rabbit had positive skin scrapings nor had clinical signs. A reoccurrence of the clinical signs or positive skin scrapings was not observed for the duration of the study (day 90). A single oral dose of fluralaner was effective for the treatment of naturally occurring sarcoptic mange in rabbits over a 90-day period.

The Biodiversity of Demodecid Mites (Acariformes: Prostigmata), Specific Parasites of Mammals with a Global Checklist and a New Finding for Demodex sciurinus

Demodecidae are the most specialized parasitic mites of mammals; they typically inhabit the skin, but they have been found in other tissues and organs. They can cause demodecosis (a disease which is hazardous and difficult to cure) in humans, domestic animals and livestock. They are parasites with high host and topical specificity. They have been found for most orders of mammals, and they are common in the populations of numerous host species. Therefore, they not only constitute an important subject of veterinary and medical study, but also comprise an excellent model for faunistic and parasitological analyses concerning different aspects of functioning and evolution of the host–parasite relationship. The current level or knowledge of demodecid mites is irregular and fragmentary, and numerous questions require elaboration and ordering, from the taxonomic diversity to geographic distribution and relations with hosts. Such data may be of use i.a. for the development of more efficient and reliable diagnostic methods, as well as understanding the etiology and pathogenesis mechanisms of demodecosis, currently a contentious issue. The present paper lists all formally-described valid species of demodecid mites, together with other functioning specific names, verified and with comments on their status. This is significant for correct species identification and demodecosis diagnostics. The list has been drawn up on the basis of data acquired in the period 1842−2020. It contains 122 valid species of parasite, including their hosts and geographic distribution, data on parasitism, as well as only the second record of Demodex sciurinus in Eurasian red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris in over 100 years since its initial discovery.

Selected Emerging Diseases of Pet Hedgehogs

Pet hedgehog medicine and surgery is a rapidly evolving field, with some novel conditions and re-emerging diseases being reported in the literature in recent years. Skin disease and neoplasia are commonly found in African pygmy hedgehogs worldwide. Selected new and emerging diseases occurring in these commonly reported groups are discussed in greater detail, focusing on Caparinia tripilis infestation and brain tumors. This article primarily discusses African pygmy hedgehogs, with some reference to European free-living hedgehogs.

Evaluation of the effect of afoxalaner with milbemycin 1 oxime in the treatment of rabbits naturally infected with Psoroptes cuniculi

Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculi) are very popular as pets. However, problems of otitits caused by Psoroptes cuniculi are one of the main reasons to visit the veterinarian. Isoxazolines are an alternative treatment to treat this mite, and therefore, an evaluation of the effectiveness of oral afoxalaner with milbemycin oxime in rabbits infected with P. cuniculi was carried out. Nineteen rabbits, of New Zealand breed, with otitis due to an infection with P. cuniculi, were treated, whereas six rabbits were left untreated and formed the control group. The ear canals of each individual were examined, through the collection of otic exudate samples with cotton swabs. These were visualized under the microscope to identify the ectoparasite. Each animal was treated with a single oral dose of 2.50 mg / kg of afoxolaner, and 0.50 mg / kg of milbemycin oxime. Clinical signs and lesions associated with the infection, such as the presence of detritus, cerumen and / or scabs, and erythema, were evaluated. After receiving the treatment, all the lesions were classified as: mild, moderate and intense, with a visual analog scale. A week after providing medication, there was a decrease in the lesions of the group treated with Nexgard Spectra®, without further topical or systemic treatment. The decrease was gradual in the treated group and no recurrence was detected of P. cuniculi infection in both ears. Thus, the administration of a single oral dose of afoxolaner with milbemycin oxime was effective for the treatment of P. cuniculi infection in rabbits.

Acetate tape impression test for diagnosis of notoedric mange in cats

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity of acetate tape impression with skin squeezing and superficial skin scraping methods for the diagnosis of burrowing mites ( Notoedres cati) in cats. Methods Samples were collected from 50 cats showing signs of notoedric mange. The most affected region was selected for sampling using acetate tape impression with skin squeezing, and superficial skin scraping. Results No significant difference was observed in the number of mites found by both methods, regardless of the stage of development of the mite. The tests showed a high correlation to the total number of mites (r = 0.928). However, in two animals it was possible to confirm the presence of N cati only by the acetate tape impression test. Conclusions and relevance We conclude that the acetate tape impression test is a good method for confirming the presence of N cati in cats. In our experience, this technique is as sensitive as superficial skin scraping, even in animals presenting with a low infestation. Moreover, the technique is less traumatic and allows the collection of clinical specimens in more sensitive locations, such as the eyelids, lips and paws.