Ringworm – Rabbit

Description

The species of dermatophyte involved varies randomly between Trichophyton and Microsporum but it is worth noting that, in rabbits, Trichophyton mentagraphytes is seen in outdoor pets and Microsporon canis in indoor pets (Harrenstien et al 1995). 36% of clinically normal rabbits are said to carry T. mentagraphytes (Guagere 1995).

Clinical signs

Lesions in rabbits are dry, scaly and pruritic.

Distribution of lesions in rabbits, usually confined to the nose and muzzle, later spread to the sides of the face, the base of the ears the paws and the body (Brooks 1986).

Diagnostic Tests

• Microscopy with the aid of phase contrast or Lactophenol Cotton Blue
• Culture on Sabouraud's medium.

Treatment

Topicals

• Chlorhexidine (Vetasept®; Animalcare) per se
• Chorhexidine 1% followed with enilconazole (Imaverol®; Janssen Cilag) 0.2% (Guagere 1995).
• Povidone-iodine (Tamodine®; Vetark Professional)
• Natamycin (Mycophyt®; Intervet)
• Enilconazole (Imaverol®; Janssen Cilag)
• Chlorhexidine 2% with miconazole 2% (Malaseb®; Leo Laboratories)

Oral medication

• Ketoconazole (Nizoral®; Janssen Cilag) PO q12hr
• Itraconazole (Sporanox®; Janssen-Cilag) PO q24hr.
• Griseofulvin orally q24h for a month, or a week after the disappearance of the lesions, whichever is the longer period. Highly teratogenic. I don’t think it works anyway!
• Lufenuron PO q30d (Program Cat Oral Suspension®; Novarftis – also used in guinea-pigs and other small mammals –has apple taste! (Most authors suggest the combination of griseofulvin with one topical but I don’t use griseofulvin).

References

• Guaguere, E. (1995): Dermatoses of Pet Rodents and Rabbits. Procs 2nd European Congress of the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations, Brussels, Belgium, 27-29 October 1995. Pages 203-207
• Harrenstien, L. et al (1995): How to handle respiratory, ophthalmic, neurologic and dermatologic problems in rabbits: Veterinary Medicine 90 (4) 373-380