Cheyletiellosis

Also known as:

Walking dandruff

Description

A contagious disease caused by Cheyletiella sp. The mites live on the skin surface causing itching and scale on affected animals. Transmission is mainly by direct contact but the mites can also be transported between animals via a flea or lice. Also a zoonotic disease.

Signalment

Occurs in dogs, cats, rabbits, humans and wild animals

Diagnosis

A diagnosis can be made on clinical signs, including the presence of excess scurf, or dandruff. Scurf can be brushed onto dark paper, 'Walking dandruff' will be seen as mites will move when present in large numbers.

Skin scrapings and hair pluckings from scaly areas are also diagnostic. Eggs may also be present on the animal which can be examined microscopically.

Clinical Signs

In dogs and cats: hyperkeratosis occurs and dry, white, scaly dandruff can be seen along the back of the animal.

Sometimes cases may be asymptomatic

Pathology

Grossly: Focal, multifocal or generalised red papules or crusts occur often along the dorsum of the animal. Microscopically: Superficial perivascular dermatitis is present with infiltrating eosinophils.