Exotics dermatology Flashcards
Describe the appearance of normal moulting in rabbits
- Usually twice a year
- Large areas of fur loss
- New fur often different shade or colour
- Rule out disease by demonstrating new hair growth with no scurf or parasites
Explain how moulting in rabbits can lead to disease
Rabbits ingest a lot of the moulted fur which can lead to GI obstruction in some cases
List common sites for dermatitis in rabbits and give the common causes
- Face: epiphora due to dental disease
- Dewlap: obesity, dental disease, water bowls
- Medial forelimbs: epiphora, nasal discharge
- Perineum: urine scald, caecotroph build up, excessive skin folds, obesity, dental disease, DJD
- Hocks: rex, obesity, poor hygiene, stress
Why are rex rabbits more prone to hock dermatitis?
Reduced guard hairs on feet
What are the common causes of otitis externa in rabbits?
- Lop ears
- Hindlimb disease/amputation
- Psoroptes cuniculi
Explain why lop ears can cause otitis externa
Deformed ear canal preventing wax coming out of the ear
What are thick crusts on the ear of a rabbit with severe pain pathognomic for?
Psoroptes cuniculi
Outline the treatment of Psoroptes cuniculi
- Do not remove debris, too painful
- Ivermectin, selamectin very effective
- NB: Live up to 21 days off host
Name the flea of rabbits that commonly affect the
a: ear
b: dorsum and rump
A: Spiopsyllus cuniculi
B: Ctenocephalides canis and felis
What is the importance of rabbit fleas?
Important vectors of myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease
Describe the treatment of flea infestation in rabbits
- Imidacloprid (Advantage) licensed
- Selamectin and ivermectin effective, but not licensed
- Fipronil causes fatalities
Name the mites that commonly affect rabbits
- Leporacus gibbus (surface)
- Cheyletiella parasitivorax (surface)
- Demodex cuniculi (deep)
- Sarcoptes scabiei (surface)
- Trombicula autumnalis (surface)
Describe the appearance and clinical signs of Leporacus gibbus in rabbits
- Live on hair shafts, just visible to naked eye as salt and pepper appearance
- Usually asymptomatic but can cause pruritus
Describe the common appearance of Cheyletiella in rabbits
- Usually between shoulders and along dorsum
- Large amounts of scurf
- Often causes pruritus
What are 2 important considerations when dealing with a rabbit infested with Cheyletiella?
- Zoonotic
- Can live off host for 10 days
Describe the appearance and prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei in rabbits
- Pruritic lesions on face, neck and genitalia
- Very rare in UK
Describe the clinical signs of Demodex cuniculi in the rabbit
Usually asymptomatic
Describe the clinical signs and importance of Trombicula autumnalis in the rabbit
- Predilection for ears, feet, perineum
- May cause hypersensitivity reactions
- May be vector for myxomatosis
Describe the importance of Haemodipsus ventricosus in rabbits
- Sucking louse
- More common in unhygienic conditions
- May be a vector for myxomatosis
Explain the cause of myiasis in rabbits
- Poor husbandry or other underlying reason
- Flies attracted to wounds, faeces, urine and discharges
- Maggots cause extensive tissue destruction and eat live tissue
How can myiasis in rabbits be prevented?
- Daily monitoring in healthy rabbits usually enough
- Can use preventative treatment such as pyrethroids, cyromazine (RearGuard) or permethrin (Xenex Ultra spot on)
- Address underlying cause
Outline the treatment of myiasis in rabbits
- Fluid therapy
- Analgesia
- Antibiotics
- Prokinetics
- Clipping and cleansing wound
What agent causes rabbit syphilis?
Treponema cuniculi (spirochete)
How is rabbit syphilis spread?
Copulation and close contact e.g. communal water bowls