Difference between revisions of "Mites - Ferrets"
| Line 16: | Line 16: | ||
==Ear Mites== | ==Ear Mites== | ||
| − | Ferrets can be infected with the ''Otodectes | + | Ferrets can be infected with the ''[[Otodectes cynotis]]'' species. |
===Clinical Signs=== | ===Clinical Signs=== | ||
Revision as of 13:18, 16 July 2011
Introduction
Ferrents can get infested particularly with two tyoes of mites, Sarcoptes scabei and Otodectes cynotis.
Scabies
Scabies is caused by Sarcoptes scabei and it is known to affect ferrets.
Clinical Signs
Localised or generalised intense pruritus is typical of scabies infection across species. Alternatively the ferret may present with pruritic pododermatitis, the clinical signs of which are swollen feet, crusts and dystrophic claws - this is specific to the ferret.
Diagnosis
Either deep skin-scrapings (to the level of capillary ooze) followed by microscopic examination to identify the mite or response to trial therapy.
Treatment
Multiple Ivermectin injections usually resolve the infection.
Ear Mites
Ferrets can be infected with the Otodectes cynotis species.
Clinical Signs
The ferret my present asymptomatically or with brown cerumen in the ear canal. Variable levels of pruritus are reported.
Diagnosis
A smear should be made of the ear content and this examined microscopically to identify the mites.
Treatment
Acaricidal ear drops in the affected ferret and all in-contacts including other species such as cats and dogs as the infection can be passed between species.
Multiple Ivermectin injections wil also resolve the infection in the affected ferret.
References
Bond, Hendricks, Loeffler (2009) Veterinary Dermatology RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, Royal Veterinary College
Merck & Co (2009) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Ninth Edition), Merial
 |
This article has been peer reviewed but is awaiting expert review. If you would like to help with this, please see more information about expert reviewing. |