Mites - Ferrets
Ferrets
Burrowing Mites
Sarcoptes scabei aka – Scabies is known to affect ferrets.
Clinical signs
Localised or generalised intense pruritis that is typical of scabies infecton 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
Ear Mites
Ferrets can be infected with the Otodectes cyanotis species.
Clinical Signs
The ferret my present asymptomatically or with brown cerumen in the ear canal. Variable levels of pruritis 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
References
Bond, Hendricks, Loeffler (2009) Veterinary Dermatology RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, Royal Veterinary College
Merck & Co (2009) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Ninth Edition), Merial