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Created page with "=Hamsters= ==Burrowing Mites== Two species of Demodex mites affect the hamster: 40% of infesations are caused by ''Demodex criceti'', a short mite with a short stumpy body that ..."
=Hamsters=
==Burrowing Mites==
Two species of Demodex mites affect the hamster: 40% of infesations are caused by ''Demodex criceti'', a short mite with a short stumpy body that is thought to be non-pathogenic. The remaining 60% are caused by '''''Demodex aurati''''' which is a cigar-shaped mite that burrows into the pilosebaceous unit of the hair follicle.
===Signalment===
Demodecosis tends to affect hamsters '''over 1.5 years old''' and is normally a result of '''under-nutrition''', '''immunosuppression''' or '''concurrent disease'''. A higher incidence is reported in '''males'''.
===Clinical Signs===
Lesions present as a moderate to severe '''dry''' and '''scaly alopecia''' that begins begins on the '''back''' but eventually '''generalises'''. The lesions are generally '''non-pruritic'''. Demodecosis in hamsters is not zoonotic.
===Diagnosis===
'''Deep skin scrapings''' or '''hair plucks''' followed by microscopic examination to identify the mite.
===Treatment===
Several treatments are reported:
* Injection of '''Ivermectin''' repeated '''twice''' at '''10-14 day intervals'''. This may not be effective but is the first line of treatment.
* Benzoyl Peroxide shampoo to flush the hair follicles.
* Amitraz (diluted) applied topically to the lesions is a reported treatment. However it is extremely toxic in hamsters even when diluted so should '''not''' be used.
* Oral daily Ivermectin is also reported as a treatment.
Underlying disease such as '''adrenal gland disease''', '''neoplasia''', '''severe environmental stress''', '''malnutrition''' and other '''systemic disease''' should be identified and treated where possible. Diagnostic tests such as radiography, ultrasonography, hematology, urinalysis and serum biochemistry may be performed to achieve this.
Environmental management:
* The cage should be completely cleaned and non-toxic pelleted bedding used.<br><br>
===Other Mites===
Hamsters may also be affected by the ear mite species ''Notoedres''. The presenting sign is dermatitis of the ears, face, feet and tail.
==References==
Bond, Hendricks, Loeffler (2009) '''Veterinary Dermatology''' RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, ''Royal Veterinary College''<br>
Brown, SA & Rosenthal KL (1997) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review Small Mammals''' ''Manson Publishing Ltd''<br>
Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial''
[[Category:To Do - Siobhan Brade]]
==Burrowing Mites==
Two species of Demodex mites affect the hamster: 40% of infesations are caused by ''Demodex criceti'', a short mite with a short stumpy body that is thought to be non-pathogenic. The remaining 60% are caused by '''''Demodex aurati''''' which is a cigar-shaped mite that burrows into the pilosebaceous unit of the hair follicle.
===Signalment===
Demodecosis tends to affect hamsters '''over 1.5 years old''' and is normally a result of '''under-nutrition''', '''immunosuppression''' or '''concurrent disease'''. A higher incidence is reported in '''males'''.
===Clinical Signs===
Lesions present as a moderate to severe '''dry''' and '''scaly alopecia''' that begins begins on the '''back''' but eventually '''generalises'''. The lesions are generally '''non-pruritic'''. Demodecosis in hamsters is not zoonotic.
===Diagnosis===
'''Deep skin scrapings''' or '''hair plucks''' followed by microscopic examination to identify the mite.
===Treatment===
Several treatments are reported:
* Injection of '''Ivermectin''' repeated '''twice''' at '''10-14 day intervals'''. This may not be effective but is the first line of treatment.
* Benzoyl Peroxide shampoo to flush the hair follicles.
* Amitraz (diluted) applied topically to the lesions is a reported treatment. However it is extremely toxic in hamsters even when diluted so should '''not''' be used.
* Oral daily Ivermectin is also reported as a treatment.
Underlying disease such as '''adrenal gland disease''', '''neoplasia''', '''severe environmental stress''', '''malnutrition''' and other '''systemic disease''' should be identified and treated where possible. Diagnostic tests such as radiography, ultrasonography, hematology, urinalysis and serum biochemistry may be performed to achieve this.
Environmental management:
* The cage should be completely cleaned and non-toxic pelleted bedding used.<br><br>
===Other Mites===
Hamsters may also be affected by the ear mite species ''Notoedres''. The presenting sign is dermatitis of the ears, face, feet and tail.
==References==
Bond, Hendricks, Loeffler (2009) '''Veterinary Dermatology''' RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, ''Royal Veterinary College''<br>
Brown, SA & Rosenthal KL (1997) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review Small Mammals''' ''Manson Publishing Ltd''<br>
Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial''
[[Category:To Do - Siobhan Brade]]