Changes

=Hamsters=

==[[Demodicosis]]==

Demodecosis in hamsters is not zoonotic.

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===

===Signalment===

===Clinical Signs===

===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.

Lesions present as a moderate to severe '''dry''' and '''scaly alopecia''' that begins on the '''back''' but eventually '''generalises'''. The lesions are generally '''non-pruritic'''.  

===Diagnosis===

===Diagnosis===

===Treatment===

===Treatment===

Several treatments are reported:

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.

: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.

:'''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.

: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.  

: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.  

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, haematology, urinalysis and serum biochemistry may be performed to achieve this.  

Environmental management:

Environmental management: <br>

* The cage should be completely cleaned and non-toxic pelleted bedding used.<br><br>

The cage should be completely cleaned and non-toxic pelleted bedding used.

===Other Mites===

==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.

Hamsters may also be affected by the ear mite species ''[[Notoedres]]''. The presenting sign is dermatitis of the ears, face, feet and tail.

==References==

==References==

Bond, Hendricks, Loeffler (2009) '''Veterinary Dermatology''' RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, ''Royal Veterinary College''<br>

Bond, Hendricks, Loeffler (2009) '''Veterinary Dermatology''' RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, ''Royal Veterinary College''

Brown, SA & Rosenthal KL (1997) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review Small Mammals''' ''Manson Publishing Ltd''<br>

 

Brown, SA & Rosenthal KL (1997) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review Small Mammals''' ''Manson Publishing Ltd''

 

Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial''

Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial''

 

[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]