Alopecia in a captive koala Tarra Johnson Biology Department Eastern CT State University

An undescribed Demodex sp An undescribed Demodex sp. and Demodicosis in a captive Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 2000, 31(1):100-106 Linda J. Vogelnest,, B.V.Sc., M.A.C.V.Sc., Larry Vogelnest, B.V.Sc., M.V.S., and Ralf S. Mueller, F.A.C.V.Sc., Dip.A.C.V.D.

Alopecia Described by the dictionary - n : loss of hair (especially on the head) or wool or feathers; in humans it can result from heredity or hormonal imbalance or certain diseases or drugs and treatments (chemotherapy for cancer) Not all Alopecia is cancer related

Alopecia Pictures

Demodex sp. of Mites Very small, only 0.1- 0.4 mm. Usually present in mammals with out problems. High percentage of mites found in older people with out symptoms. Often inflamed by bacterial infection and host factors Distinctive shape fused head and thorax

Demodex sp. Pictures Human follicle mite Caused by Demodex canis

Alopecia near the eye Easily accessible for bacteria Deep skin scrapings confirm mites Along with inflammation, redness and swelling Hair follicle plump, short and sebaceous glands prominent appearing below the bulb of hair follicle

Demodex in the Koala’s Skin Commonly called follicle mites Often found in the hair follicles and sebaceous gland of the face. Other areas Severe cases animal may have to be euthanized

Treatment 7 days of ophthalmic ointment containing neomycin and polymixin B, sulfacetamide sodium prednisolone. After relapse Oral Ivermectin For human cases various creams Cortisone shots Some people use Rogaine with Minoxidil In some cases none of the treatment work

Results Periocular alopecia after 3 days 6 months of treatment with same ointment Ocular discharge resolved Alopecia remianed the same for 7 months with out treatment Alopecia became more extensive Oral Ivermectin used with success

Discussion Other than Alopecia Koala remained healthy until death as a result of Leukemia Abundance of mite population associated with failing T-lymphocyte function. Mild cases may lead to an underlying disease. Ivermectin is toxic and must given in small doses to build up to larger amounts

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