Cheyletiella spp.

• Surface mite of cats and dogs

• Also found on humans and rabbits
  • C.yasguri (dogs)
  • C.blakei (cats and humans)
  • C.parasitivorax (rabbits)

• Causes parasitic skin infestation

Recognition

• Waisted body

• Claw like palps on head

• Combs at ends of legs

Pathogenesis

• Highly contagious

• Mild pathogenesis

• Causes very scaly dermatitis

• Can be transferred to humans

Diagnosis

• Clinical signs
  • Excess scurf

• Brush scurf onto dark paper
  • 'Walking dandruff' as mites will move when present in large numbers

• Skin scrapings

• Hair pluckings from scaly areas
  • Eggs may be present