Changes

==Mite Infestation==

==Mite Infestation==

Ectoparasites are a common problem in captive lizards. Mite infestation may result in a black dermatitis, "black skin disease", but ticks are rare. As the mites are usually quite ubiquitous, snake mites can infest lizards and vice versa. ''Hirstiella trombidiiformis'' is the common lizard mite.

Ectoparasites are a common problem in captive lizards. Mite infestation may result in a [[Dermatitis - black|black dermatitis]], "black skin disease", but ticks are rare. As the mites are usually quite ubiquitous, snake mites can infest lizards and vice versa. ''Hirstiella trombidiiformis'' is the common lizard mite.

===Clinical signs and Diagnosis===

===Clinical signs and Diagnosis===

The ectoparasites can usually be found in the axillae and stifle skinfolds of lizards. The tissue damage created by the mite causes swelling, irritation, erythema and even secondary bacterial infection; the skin appears as raised areas of colour change on the skin, generally on the ventral abdomen and limbs. In more serious cases, mite infestation can lead to [[Lizard Dysecdysis|dysecdysis]] and transmission of bacterial and viral agents (e.g. ''Aeromonas hydrophila'' septicaemia, haemoparasites and inclusion body disease).

The ectoparasites can usually be found in the axillae and stifle skinfolds of lizards. The tissue damage created by the mite causes swelling, irritation, erythema and even secondary bacterial infection; the skin appears as raised areas of colour change on the skin, generally on the ventral abdomen and limbs. In more serious cases, mite infestation can lead to [[Lizard Dysecdysis|dysecdysis]] and transmission of bacterial and viral agents (e.g. ''[[Aeromonas species|Aeromonas hydrophila]]'' septicaemia, haemoparasites and inclusion body disease).

Individual mites are visible on magnification. They can be seen moving on the host, sometimes in small numbers. They can also be found drowned in the affected animal's water dishes.

Individual mites are visible on magnification. They can be seen moving on the host, sometimes in small numbers. They can also be found drowned in the affected animal's water dishes.