Cheyletiellosis
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This article is still under construction. |
| 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. There is no breed, sex or age predisposition but it is often seen in puppies probably due to management reasons.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis can be made on history, clinical signs in combination with demonstration of the parasite. Scurf can be brushed onto dark paper, 'Walking dandruff' will be seen as mites will move when present in large numbers.
The parasite can be identified microscopically from skin scrapings, coat brushes and hair plucking form scaly areas. 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.