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

2. 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):
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.

3. 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

4. Alopecia Pictures

5. 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

6. Demodex sp. Pictures
Human follicle mite
Caused by Demodex canis

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Questions