Rabbit & Small Animal Health Check 101

Transcription

1 Rabbit & Small Animal Health Check 101

2 EAR CANKER Otherwise known as Ear Mites

3 What are ear mites? The ear mite is the universal parasite Psoroptes cuniculi that has five life stages: egg,larva,protonymph,deutonymph and adult mite. The lifecycle of the ear mite requires 3 weeks. Because the life cycle lasts approximately 21 days, the eggs hatch into larva 4 days after being laid. Ear mites are found mainly inside the rabbit ear pinnae (ear canal) and it is not uncommon to discover that only one ear has been affected.

4 Stages Of Ear Mites

5 Visual Inspection The ear mite itself is VERY tiny! Look inside of the ear canal for crusty build up. Affected animals will exhibit signs of chronic head shaking, evidence of scratching the face, ears and neck and itching ears. The animal on the left has healthy, mite free ears. The animal on the right does not. If you see evidence of mites, contact the show superintendent IMMEDIATELY!

6 FUR MITES

7 What Are Fur Mites? Fur mites or walking dandruff seem associated with warmer, milder weather. These mites are very common non- burrowing skin parasites that are encountered around the world and affect mainly rabbits but also cats and dogs. Here are some visual signs to look for; chronic dandruff, chronic scratching and the nape of the neck, sores or scabs on the skin at the nape of the neck and between the shoulder blades, chronic hair loss along the back of the neck and shoulder blades. If you suspect an animal has fur mites, contact the Show Superintendent IMMEDIATELY!

8 SEVERE fur mite infestation

9 Most commonly seen level of fur mite infestation

10 Cavy Lice Transmission usually occurs through direct contact with another guinea pig, from contaminated bedding or utensils, or from being carried by a person who has recently handled an infested animal, transferring eggs or lice from their clothing/person to the guinea pig. Some infestations go unnoticed until the animal begins to exhibit physical signs such as: Excessive scratching Hair loss Scabs and sores Thick, dry scaly skin Adult lice are very easy to see with the naked eye, and a visual inspection of the animal will confirm an infestation of lice.

11 Adult Louse Affected Animal Severe infestation Move the cavy s coat with your hand from tail to head, examining the hip and flank region. Adult lice are visible with the naked eye. If you see or suspect an infestation, contact the Show Superintendent IMMEDIATELY!

12 Pasteurella Multocida Commonly known as snuffles. Signs to look for: White, yellow or green nasal discharge Matted, or wet fur on the inside of the forepaws Audible sneezing Rattling sound from chest when breathing Head held back and lips drawn open when breathing

13 Matted wet nostrils Matted wet forepaws & face

14 Sore Hocks The Condition and Symptoms: Sore hocks or pododermatitis is a pressure-related condition in which the soles (weight-bearing undersides) of rabbits feet become raw and inflamed, and in particularly severe cases, ulcerated. Pale pink calluses covered by a fold of fur can often be seen on the bottoms of rabbits paws, and rabbits can live comfortably with them. Pododermatitis arises when these sensitive areas become highly aggravated. If the state becomes very serious, oozing ulcers will develop, making the rabbit vulnerable to infection. The condition is painful for the rabbit and often irreversible. The Causes: rabbits without any genetic inclination can suffer from sore hocks if exposed or subjected to the following conditions: extended periods of time in confined spaces extended periods of immobility, prolonged time sitting on wired or hard surfaces with little give or pliability damp or unhygienic surroundings overgrown nails obesity.

15 A visual inspection of the foot pads will show worn off hair, red inflamed foot pads or open sores. Open sores bleeding or weeping should be brought to the Show Superintendents attention IMMEDIATELY!!