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==Introduction==
[[Image:Lizard_mites.jpg|400px|thumb|right|'''Signs of a mite infestation''' (Copyright © RVC)]]
[[Image:Lizard_mite.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Lizard mite (''Hirstiella trombidiiformis'') visible on magnification''' (Copyright © RVC)]]
Ectoparasites are a common problem in captive lizards. Mite infestation may result in a pigmented 'black' dermatitis commonly known as "black skin disease", but ticks are rare. As the mites are usually quite ubiquitous, [[Snake Mites|snake mites]] can infest lizards and vice versa.
''Hirstiella trombidiiformis'' is the common lizard mite, and it can be differentiated from another common mite, ''Ophionyssus natricis'' by the presence of a pointed protruberance at the caudal end of its abdomen.
==Clinical Signs and Diagnosis==
The ectoparasites can usually be found in the axillae and stifle skinfolds of lizards. The tissue damage created by the mite causes swelling, irritation, erythema and even secondary bacterial infection; the skin appears as raised areas of colour change on the skin, generally on the ventral abdomen and limbs. In more serious cases, mite infestation can lead to [[Lizard Dysecdysis|dysecdysis]], anaemia and transmission of bacterial and viral agents (e.g. ''[[Aeromonas species|Aeromonas hydrophila]]'' septicaemia, haemoparasites and [[Inclusion Body Disease|inclusion body disease]]).
Individual mites are visible on magnification. They can be seen moving on the host, sometimes in small numbers. They can also be found drowned in the affected animal's water dishes.
==Treatment==
The animal and its environment need to be treated as a big part of the parasite's life cycle is spent off the host.
* Initially, a bath in warm water will rid the animal of some of the mites. Alternatively, a cotton bud sprayed with an insecticide (licensed for use in puppies and kittens) can be used to remove groups of mites.
* Oral or subcutaneous ivermectin repeated in 2 weeks can be given; the environment should also be sprayed with ivermectin diluted in water.
* Topical insecticides (e.g. Frontline) can be applied using a sponge.
==Prevention==
Preventive medicine including [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine|quarantine]] and appropriate [[Lizard Husbandry Requirements|husbandry]].
{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 21]]
|full text = [http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2010/20103181765.pdf '''Reptile ectoparasites - how to kill those little buggers.''' Greek, T.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, 16-20 January 2010, 2010, pp 1676-1677 - '''Full Text Article''']
[http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093118403.pdf ''' Reptile parasitology: what is that and how do I treat that?''' Wright, K.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, 17-21 January, 2009, 2009, pp 1817-1821 - '''Full Text Article''']
}}
===Treatment===
==References==
Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians''' ''Manson''
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[[Category:Lizard Skin Diseases|M]]
[[Category:Lizard Skin Diseases|M]]
[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]