The good, the bad and the itchy… Ectoparasites The good, the bad and the itchy…

Definitions.. Ecto- Outside Parasite- organism that survives either by living inside or outside of another living thing. Transmission- how disease is contracted or passed to others Infestation- invasion or overrun by parasites

Fleas Ctenophilides Cati Transmission: Animal to animal, in carpets, floors, bedding Diseases: anemia, tapeworms, bartonellosis (cat scratch fever) Signs/symptoms: itching especially around hind end and behind ears Prevention: Topicals Flea allergy: allergic to saliva www.youtube.com/watch?/=6lf359EbUcw

Ticks Deer tick or black legged tick: Ixodex scapularis Many different kinds of ticks, but deer tick is main carrier of Lyme disease. Transmission: High grass, wooded areas Diseases: RMSF, Lyme, Ehrlichia, Babesia Prevention: Topicals, amitraz collar(Preventic), treat yard

Ear Mites Transmitted: cat to cat, not common in dogs Signs/symptoms: black discharge, itchy ears Diagnosis: Looking at ear discharge under microscope for mites or mite parts Treatment: Cleaning, then drops of parasiticide (Tresaderm) and/or injection Genderless deutonymph mates with adult male

Sarcoptic Mange ZOONOTIC Dogs: Sarcoptes scabei “scabies” Cats: Notoedres cati, facial itching & scabs Transmission: from bedding or infected animal Signs/ symptoms: Red, itchy lesions on tips of ears, inguinal area, elbows Diagnosis: Skin Scraping Treatment- ivermectin injections and/or oral ivermectin

Demodectic Mange Not zoonotic Demodex canis Autoimmune disease Demodex cati & Demodex gatoi not as common Autoimmune disease Mites are on all animals naturally Pup that shows symptoms most likely has underdeveloped or suppressed immune system Transmission: contact with mother Signs/ symptoms: hair loss on feet, legs, face Three forms Localized, Generalized and Pododermatitis

Demodectic Mange “Demodex” Localized Localized means 4 legions or less Often on face (around eyes) Thought of as “puppy disease” 90% self limiting & 10% become generalized Generalized Adult onset or juvenile onset Body is covered with bald spots and lesions Pododermatitis Confined to the paws Very resistant Old English Sheepdogs & Sharpeis

Demodectic Mange Diagnosis: Skin scraping Treatment Minimize stress, current on physicals & vaccines Ivermectin injections, oral parasiticide and dips Prognosis: Good for dogs under 1½ years but more difficult with adult dog, relapse Dogs with Demodex (especially generalized) should NOT be bred!

Ringworm Fungus- not a parasite!! Dermatophytosis Transmitted: skin contact with spore Spores are on hair and skin ZOONOTIC Signs/symptoms On people: circular hairless red patches-itchy On animals: dry, grey, scaly patch Diagnosis: woods light, fungal culture

Ringworm Treatment: Certain cat breeds more susceptible Lime sulfur dips Griseofulvin (Fulvicin) or Itraconazole (Sporonox) antifungal ointments Disinfect house (constantly shedding spores) Bleach 1:10 on all surfaces kills 80% Vacuum or wash everything else Confine pet until negative Certain cat breeds more susceptible Persians and Himalayans

Lice Species Specific, 2 main categories Mallophaga- chewing lice Anoplura- sucking lice Transmission: Direct or indirect contact, fomites

Lice 3 types- Signs/symptoms- Diagnosis- Treatment- Trichodectes canis- chewing louse of dogs=- carries Dipylidium (tapeworm) Felicola substotratus- chewing louse of cats (wild cats) Lignathus setosus-sucking louse of dogs Signs/symptoms- Itching, hair loss Diagnosis- Clinical signs or seeing nits Treatment- Flea control chemicals- fipronil, imidiclopramid, selemectin

Prevention & Treatment Advantage (Imidacloprid) Advantage multi (Imidacloprid + Mexidectin) K-9 Advantix (Imidacloprid + Permethrin) Capstar (Nitenpyram) Comfortis (Spinosad) Frontline (Fipronil) Frontline Plus (Fipronil + Methoprene) Heartgard (Ivermectin) Heartgard Plus (Ivermectin + pyrantel) Interceptor (Milbemycin) Program (Lufenuron) Promeris (Metaflumizole) Revolution (Selamectin)