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Dermatology > Special species > Flashcards

Special species Flashcards

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Dermatology Board Prep flashcards
1
Q

What should be the important aspects of a problem-solving approach to small mammal dermatology problems?

A
  • IF SELF-TRAUMA: is this due to pruritus? pain? behavioural?
  • thorough history vital to differentiate cause
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2
Q

What are the causes of pruritus in small mammals?

A

same as dogs and cats - ectoparasites, bacterial or fungal infection, hypersensitivity

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3
Q

Outline ectoparasites that rabbits can get - 3

A
  • MITES: Leporacarus gibbus = Fur mite (relatively non-pathogenic), Psoroptes cuniciuli = ear mite (can cause much irritation and stress, don’t try to remove wax as you will end up removing epidermis too!), Cheyletiella parasitovroax = walking dandruff (not a big issue for the rabbit but zoonotic)
  • LICE
  • FLEAS
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4
Q

What ectoparasites do rats most commonly get?

A

MITES:

  • Radfordia ensifera
  • Notoedres muris
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5
Q

What ectoparasites do hamsters most commonly get?

A

MITES:

  • Demodex criceti
  • Demodex aurati
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6
Q

What ectoparasites do guinea pigs most commonly get?

A

MITES: Triacarus caviae
LICE: Gliricola porcelli, Gyropus ovalis

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7
Q

What ectoparasites do ferrets most commonly get?

A

MITES: Otodectes cynotis (ear mite), Sarcoptes scabei
FLEAS: Ctenocephalides felis felis (cat flea)

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8
Q

How can you treat ectoparasites in small mammals?

A
  • Ivermectin (not much evidence for dosing interval, most vets give 1 injection weekly for 3 weekly, can also be given topically)
  • OTHER: address predisposing factors, treat secondary infections, consider treatment of companions
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9
Q

Outline ivermectin-based treatments for small mammal ectoparasites

A
  • Injectable formulations preferred if possible

- Topical products available on Small Animal Exemption Scheme (i.e. not on cascade so no vet prescription necessary)

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10
Q

What products can you use for flea prevention in ferrets?

A
  • Moxidectin and imidacloprid (licensed)

- Fipronil and (S)-methopre (Frontline combo)

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11
Q

What product can you use for flea prevention in rabbits?

A
  • Imidacloprid (Advantage, only lasts a few weeks, good for infestation)
  • DON’T use fipronil (toxicity)
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12
Q

How do you treat bacterial skin infection in small mammals?

A
  • clip and clean
  • bandages and collars often not well-tolerated
  • remember PLACE rule for oral ABs NOT to use in small herbivores (non-oral administration fine)
  • 1st line treatment often trimethoprim and sulphonamides
  • fluoroquinolones used after C+S if severe infection
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13
Q

Describe hypersensitivity in small mammals

A
  • not well documented
  • pine/cedar shavings may be a problem (aromatic so irritate skin)
  • antihistamines tried in some cases but efficacy varies with individual
  • avoid steroids
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14
Q

Outline steroid use in small mammals

A
  • rabbits (and rodents) are very sensitive to steroids even at low doses
  • SIDE EFFECTS: severe immunosuppression, flare ups of subclinical disease (pasteurellosis), hepatic lipidosis
  • even topical steroids can cause problems
  • generally avoid, a few rare instances where may be needed for a very short duration.
  • warn owners of side effects and be prepared to stop immediately
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15
Q

What should you consider for non-pruritic alopecia? 9

A
  • companions who might be overgrooming
  • don’t rule out bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections as some can be non-pruritic (Dermatophytes, usually Trichophyton, treat with topical/systemic antifungals, environmental control, zoonotic)
  • endocrine disorders
  • hypovitaminosis C
  • neoplasia
  • abscesses
  • pododermatitis
  • myxomatosis
  • flystrike
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16
Q

List 2 endocrine disorders causing non-pruritic alopecia in rodents

A
  • CYSTIC OVARIES - in GPs, bilateral symmetrical flank alopecia
  • HYPERADRENOCORTICISM in hamsters - alopecia, PU/PD, thin skin, pot belly, definitive diagnosis difficult (reference ranges aren’t validated for small animals)
17
Q

Name 3 endocrine disorders causing non-pruritic alopecia in ferrets

A
  • HYPEROESTROGENISM - occurs in 50% of female entire ferrets, swollen vulva, bleeding, collapse, alopecia starts at tail base then works up towards the flanks.
  • HYPERADRENOCORTICISM - bilateral symmetrical alopecia, can be pruritic or non-pruritic, associated with neutering ferrets
  • SEASONAL ALOPECIA - ask owners if similar signs at this time of year previously
18
Q

Outline hypovitaminosis C in small mammals

A
  • .-> non-pruritic alopecia
  • GPs have absolute dietary requirement of 10mg/kg vitamin C daily
  • potential underlying factor in bacterial, fungal and parasitic disesase
  • SIGNS: rough coat, scaling pinnae, petechiae
19
Q

Outline neoplasia as a cause of non-pruritic alopecia in small mammals

A
  • must distinguish from normal structures (scent glands)

- high incidence of cutaneous neoplasia in hamsters

20
Q

Describe abscesses as a cause of non-pruritic alopecia in small mammals

A
  • toothpaste-like pus
  • thick abscess capsule (septicaemia unlikely, hard to penetrate with ABs, cut out surgically)
  • ABs need to cover anaerobic infection
  • more likely in rabbits than tumours
21
Q

Outline pododermatitis in small mammls

A
  • -> non-pruritic alopecia
  • hock burns found in 94% rabbits
  • associated with inappropriate substrate, inactivity and weight
  • Tx = topical/systemic anti-inflammatories, husbandry changes to increase movement
22
Q

Outline myxomatosis as a cause of skin disease in small mammals

A
  • pox virus
  • transmission: biting insects (fleas, mosquitoes)
  • SIGNS: swelling (around eyes, genitals), URT signs
  • Dx = based on signs
  • usually fatal if unvaccinated
23
Q

Outline prevention of myxomatosis

A
  • annual combined vaccine
  • myxomatosis + viral haemorrhagic diseaes
  • vaccinate from 5 weeks of age.
24
Q

Describe flystrike in small mammals

A
  • potentially fatal
  • warm weather
  • eggs laid on any inflamed or dirty areas, hatch over 1-3 days, develop into maggots, rapid tissue damage and possibly death
25
Q

Tx - flystrike

A
  • ALL eggs and maggots physically removed at early stage, (often sedation needed)
  • intensive nursing and supportive care - pain relief, fluids, ABs
  • euthanasia
26
Q

Prevention - flystrike

A
  • rabbits need checking daily in summer
  • reduce flies in environment
  • prevent fly eggs developing by applying Rearguard (an IGR) at high risk times
  • one treatment will help prevent flystrike for 8-10 weeks.
27
Q

When do most pet birds moult?

A

yearly - during or just after breeding season (birds can be less active due to the energy demands of moulting)

28
Q

What should you do in a bird that is feather plucking?

A

1.) determine if the bird is truly self-traumatising - due to pruritus? pain? behavioural?

29
Q

What is Psittcine beak and feather disease (PBFD)?

A
  • circovirus
  • inhaled or ingested
  • affects dividing cells: sudden death, immunosuppression, feather and beak signs
30
Q

What is Polyoma virus

A
  • common in budgies
  • inhaled or eaten
  • may occur at same time as PBFD –>sudden death, feather abnormalities, bruising and bleeding
31
Q

What is the normal structure and shedding for reptiles

A
  • structure depends on species
  • may contain osteoderms, secretory pores, sense organs
  • skin shed regularly (ecdysis)
  • problems usually environmental
32
Q

What is dysecdysis and when does it occur?

A
  • issues with shedding reptile skin
  • often secondary to low humidity
  • may be due to systemic disease
  • alternatively consider local skin problems
33
Q

Describe burns in small mammals

A
  • common consequence of inappropriate heat source
  • reptiles can be slow to respond to thermal pain
  • prolonged tx often necessary
34
Q

Which species is ivermectin contraindicated in?

A

Turtles and tortoises absolutely (even as a spray)

Dermatology (27 decks)

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