Difference between revisions of "Pediculosis"
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
| − | Pediculosis is an infestation of [[:Category:Lice|lice]]. | + | Pediculosis is an infestation of [[:Category:Lice|lice]]. Lice are host-specific, permanent parasites of animals, which are most prevalent in cooler conditions when the animals coat is longer. |
| − | Lice are host- specific, permanent parasites of animals, which are most prevalent in cooler conditions when the animals coat is longer. | + | |
| − | |||
Lice are mostly spread by direct contact, as they can only survive off the host for up to one week. The eggs of lice are found on the host 'cemented' to the hair and the whole lifecycle takes around 2- 3 weeks to complete. | Lice are mostly spread by direct contact, as they can only survive off the host for up to one week. The eggs of lice are found on the host 'cemented' to the hair and the whole lifecycle takes around 2- 3 weeks to complete. | ||
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| − | + | There are two types of lice; [[:Category:Chewing Lice|chewing]] and [[:Category:Sucking Lice|sucking]] lice. In severe cases, pediculosis can cause [[:Category:Anaemia|anaemia]] (sucking lice), weakness, discomfort and damage to hair or wool. | |
== Clinical Signs == | == Clinical Signs == | ||
| − | Clinical signs are species specific to some extent, but all usually include self- trauma causing hair loss and abrasions on the skin, which is due to | + | Clinical signs are species specific to some extent, but all usually include self-trauma causing hair loss and abrasions on the skin, which is due to variable degrees of pruritus caused by the lice. |
| + | |||
| + | Discomfort and pruritus may also interfere with normal feeding, causing weight loss and anorexia. This may also exacerbate any existing lameness. | ||
| − | + | Severe cases occasionally may cause [[Anaemia|anaemia]]. | |
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
| − | Clinical signs and history, such as indoor housing for farm animals can be indicative of the disease | + | Clinical signs and history, such as indoor housing for farm animals can be indicative of the disease. |
| − | + | Definitive diagnosis can be achieved by identification of the lice and eggs in skin scrape, hair pluck or coat brushing sample under the microscope. | |
== Treatment and Control == | == Treatment and Control == | ||
| − | Few insecticides will kill lice eggs on the animal | + | Few [[Ectoparasiticides|insecticides]] will kill lice eggs on the animal therefore '''two treatments at two week intervals''' are needed to kill nymphs emerging from eggs at the time of the initial treatment and those that will emerge 2-3 weeks later. Alternatively, a product with a '''two week residual activity''' can be used. |
| − | + | ||
Sucking lice are more susceptible to systemic insecticide treatment than chewing lice. | Sucking lice are more susceptible to systemic insecticide treatment than chewing lice. | ||
| + | Pour-on and injectable formulations are available. | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{Learning | ||
| + | |flashcards = [[Lice_Flashcards|Lice Flashcards]] | ||
| − | + | [[Cattle Medicine Q&A 09]] | |
| + | }} | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
| − | Andrews, A.H, Blowey, R.W, Boyd, H and Eddy, R.G. (2004) Bovine Medicine (Second edition), Blackwell Publishing | + | Andrews, A.H, Blowey, R.W, Boyd, H and Eddy, R.G. (2004) '''Bovine Medicine''' (Second edition), ''Blackwell Publishing'' |
| − | Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (2nd Edition) Elsevier Science | + | |
| − | + | Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) '''Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary''' (2nd Edition), ''Elsevier Science'' | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| + | Cowart, R.P. and Casteel, S.W. (2001) '''An Outline of Swine diseases: a handbook''', ''Wiley-Blackwell'' | ||
| + | Foster, A, and Foll, C. (2003) '''BSAVA small animal dermatology''' (second edition), ''British Small Animal Veterinary Association'' | ||
| − | + | Fox, M and Jacobs, D. (2007) '''Parasitology Study Guide Part 1: Ectoparasites''', Royal Veterinary College | |
| − | |||
| + | {{review}} | ||
| + | {{OpenPages}} | ||
[[Category:Integumentary System - Parasitic Infections]] | [[Category:Integumentary System - Parasitic Infections]] | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Expert_Review]] |
Latest revision as of 16:55, 18 July 2012
Introduction
Pediculosis is an infestation of lice. Lice are host-specific, permanent parasites of animals, which are most prevalent in cooler conditions when the animals coat is longer.
Lice are mostly spread by direct contact, as they can only survive off the host for up to one week. The eggs of lice are found on the host 'cemented' to the hair and the whole lifecycle takes around 2- 3 weeks to complete.
There are two types of lice; chewing and sucking lice. In severe cases, pediculosis can cause anaemia (sucking lice), weakness, discomfort and damage to hair or wool.
Clinical Signs
Clinical signs are species specific to some extent, but all usually include self-trauma causing hair loss and abrasions on the skin, which is due to variable degrees of pruritus caused by the lice.
Discomfort and pruritus may also interfere with normal feeding, causing weight loss and anorexia. This may also exacerbate any existing lameness.
Severe cases occasionally may cause anaemia.
Diagnosis
Clinical signs and history, such as indoor housing for farm animals can be indicative of the disease.
Definitive diagnosis can be achieved by identification of the lice and eggs in skin scrape, hair pluck or coat brushing sample under the microscope.
Treatment and Control
Few insecticides will kill lice eggs on the animal therefore two treatments at two week intervals are needed to kill nymphs emerging from eggs at the time of the initial treatment and those that will emerge 2-3 weeks later. Alternatively, a product with a two week residual activity can be used.
Sucking lice are more susceptible to systemic insecticide treatment than chewing lice.
Pour-on and injectable formulations are available.
| Pediculosis Learning Resources | |
|---|---|
 Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions |
Lice Flashcards |
References
Andrews, A.H, Blowey, R.W, Boyd, H and Eddy, R.G. (2004) Bovine Medicine (Second edition), Blackwell Publishing
Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (2nd Edition), Elsevier Science
Cowart, R.P. and Casteel, S.W. (2001) An Outline of Swine diseases: a handbook, Wiley-Blackwell
Foster, A, and Foll, C. (2003) BSAVA small animal dermatology (second edition), British Small Animal Veterinary Association
Fox, M and Jacobs, D. (2007) Parasitology Study Guide Part 1: Ectoparasites, Royal Veterinary College
 |
This article has been peer reviewed but is awaiting expert review. If you would like to help with this, please see more information about expert reviewing. |
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