Mange
Mites
Mange Mites
Mange mites are
very small
arachnids. The
mites burrow
under the skin
and reproduce.
The animal's
bedding becomes
infested thereby
ensuring future
generations of
mites.
The reproduction
cycle is
approximately 21
days. Mites can
survive in the
environment for
three weeks.
Symptoms:
-
Severe
itching
-
Hair loss
throughout
the body,
particularly
ears, around
the eyes,
legs and
groin
-
Lesions on
ear margins
vary in
degree from
mild hair
loss to
crusty
lesions
-
Swelling,
particularly
of the
eyelids
which
impairs the
animal's
eyesight and
reduces
hunting
abilities
for predator
species,
leading to
starvation.
-
Inflammation
-
Scales and
thickening
of the skin
-
Secondary
infection
-
The animal
usually has
a foul odor.
Diagnostic Tests
Tests:
-Take a skin
scraping. Place
it on a slide
and apply a drop
of mineral oil.
Place a cover
slip over the
sample and view
under a
microscope.
The mites can be
viewed under low
power. (4X)
-Fecal
floatation may
also reveal eggs
and mites.
Once you have
seen mange, it
is easy to
recognize again.
Possible
treatments:
-
Ivermectin
(Consult
with a
veterinarian
or wildlife
rehabilitator
for dosage
and
instruction.)
-
Selamectrin
(Revolution)
(Consult
with a
veterinarian
or wildlife
rehabilitator
for dosage
and
instruction.)
-
Scabicidial
dips -
Although
dips can be
effective if
used
properly,
they are
highly
stressful to
wild
animals. In
addition, if
there are
open sores
the dips can
be
irritating.
The risks
outweigh the
advantages
when
Ivermectin
and
Revolution
are very
effective,
and can
provide
additional
therapeutic
effects by
removing
endoparasites
and
ectoparasites.
Plus they
are way less
stressful!
-
Clean the
environment.
The bedding
needs to be
changed
frequently
while the
animal is in
your care.
-
Systemic
antibiotics
may be
needed for
secondary
infection
caused by
scratching.
-
For relief
of itching,
prednisone
or topical
steroid
spray.
-
For severe
cases,
consider an
analgesic
anti-inflammatory
agent for
comfort.
Special
Considerations:
House animals
separately since
they are highly
infectious.
It takes 4-6
weeks for the
condition to be
resolved.
Mange mites can
be transmitted
to humans. The
rash is
intensively
itchy. The mites
cannot reproduce
on humans which
makes this a
self-limiting
problem.
Prevention:
Wear gloves when
handling animals
with mange.
Throw out or
wash bedding
that may come in
contact with the
animal.
Visit The
Squirrel Board
for more
interactive
information.
