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[[File:Otodectes cynotis.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Otodectes cynotis (Courtesy of C. Antonczyk)]]
[[File:Otodectes cynotis.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Otodectes cynotis (Courtesy of C. Antonczyk)]]
Otodectes cynotis mites are [[Non-Burrowing Mites|surface mites]]. They are the cause of [[Otodectic Dermatosis|otodectic skin infestation]], the most common mange of dogs and cats in the world. They are also found in the fox and the ferret. The mites inhabit the inner ear and feed on ear debris.
Otodectes cynotis mites are [[Non-Burrowing Mites|surface mites]]. They are the cause of [[Otodectic Dermatosis|otodectic skin infestation]], the most common mange of dogs and cats in the world. They are also found in the fox and the ferret. The mites inhabit the inner ear and feed on ear debris, they appear white in colour.
==Identification==
==Identification==
The mites have closed keratinous bars, '''apodemes''' on their ventral surface. They are smaller in size than [[psoroptes cuniculi]]
The mites have closed keratinous bars, '''apodemes''' on their ventral surface. They are smaller in size than [[psoroptes cuniculi]] and have short pedicles on their first and second pairs of legs.
==Lifecycle==
The Life cycle of an Otodectes mite takes '''3 weeks'''. The females lay around five eggs a day on the surface of the ear canal. Four days later, larvae hatch and become nymphs. There are two nymphal stages before an adult mite is formed.
==Pathogenesis==
The majority of cats harbour the mites, however only a few show symptoms. Transmission of the mites occurs whilst kittens are suckling.
The mites are a common cause of [[Otitis Externa - Small Animal|otitis externa]] in dogs, which leads to the production of a brown waxy exudate. Secondary infection can also occur.
*Clinical signs are apparent
*Clinical signs are apparent