Infectious/Non-Infectious
Agent associated with the Disease
|
IN HEDGEHOGS
- Trichophyton erinacei in hedgehogs (J3.128.w2,
J60.1.w1,
B151, B337.3.w3)
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. erinacei (J152..3.w1,
J15.21.w1,
J18.38.w1,
B22.27.w3,
P17.24.w4)
In culture, distinguished by the production of a yellow pigment. (P17.24.w4)
- Microsporum spp. occasionally. (B22.27.w3)
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes (Trichophyton
mentagrophytes var. granulare) (J18.38.w1)
- Trichophyton schoenleinii. (J18.38.w1)
- Trichophyton terrestre (apparently
non-pathogenic). (J18.38.w1,
J152.2.w1)
- Microsporum cookei. (J18.38.w1)
May be secondary to mange, to scratch wounds or to Staphylococcus
aureus dermatitis (Staphylococcosis). (B22.27.w3)
IN BEARS
IN LAGOMORPHS
Commonest organisms reported:
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes (B600.9.w9,
B609.2.w2)
- This is the most common dermatophyte isolated in domestic
rabbits (B602.19.w19,
B604.5.w5,
B608.21.w21)
and in wild lagomorphs. (B614.15.w15)
- This fungus is more common in laboratory and outdoor rabbits. (B601.13.w13,
B610.23.w23,
J213.4.w4)
- There are several cultural variants of this fungus. (B604.5.w5)
- Identification of culture:
- Macroscopically: Flat, white to grey powdery colony that has
a brown underside. (J213.6.w1)
- Microscopically: Cigar shaped macroconidia with thin walls;
spiral hyphae and grape-like microconidia. (J213.6.w1)
- Microsporum canis
(B600.9.w9, B608.21.w21,
B609.2.w2, B614.15.w15,
J495.32.w7)
- This fungus is more common in house and pet rabbits. (B601.13.w13,
B610.23.w23,
J213.4.w4,
J213.6.w1)
- Identification of culture:
- Macroscopically: Whitish, cotton-like colony that has a
yellow orange underside. (J213.6.w1)
- Microscopically: Spindle shaped macroconidia with
knob-like ends and thick walls. (J213.6.w1)
- Microsporum gypseum (B600.9.w9,
B608.21.w21, B609.2.w2,
B614.15.w15)
- This fungus is more common in house and pet rabbits. (B601.13.w13,
B610.23.w23,
J213.4.w4,
J213.6.w1)
- Identification of culture:
- Macroscopically: Flat, pale brown colony that has a pale
yellow underside. (J213.6.w1)
- Microscopically: Spindle shaped macroconidia with no
knob-like ends and thin walls. (J213.6.w1)
Other organisms reported:
- Microsporum audouinii
- Microsporum cookei
- This fungus has been reported in wild lagomorphs [species not
specified]. (B614.15.w15)
- Trychophyton
schoenleinii
- Trychophyton verrucosum
(B600.9.w9,
B608.21.w21, B614.15.w15)
Note: Microsporum audouinii and Trychophyton schoenleinii are "now thought to be exclusively
anthropophilic dermatophytes...and the previous reports of these
infections in rabbits were most likely due to misidentification".
(B614.15.w15)
IN FERRETS
- Mycosporum canis and Trychophyton mentagrophytes, as
in dogs and cats. (B626.8.w8,
J213.6.w3)
- In an outbreak in kits in a ferret colony, Microsporum canis
was isolated. (J196.67.w1)
- Mycosporum canis has been isolated from ferrets in New
Zealand; all eight isolates over a period of 20 years were this
fungus. (J195.24.w2)
|
Infective
"Taxa" |
|
Non-infective agents |
-- |
Physical agents |
Indirect /
Secondary |
|
Disease Author |
Debra Bourne MA
VetMB PhD MRCVS (V.w5);
Nikki Fox BVSc MRCVS (V.w103);
Joanne
Osuagwuh BSc BVSc MSc MRCVS ( V.w147);
Gracia Vila-Garcia DVM, MSc,
MRCVS (V.w67)
|
 |
Referees |
Anna Meredith MA VetMB CertLAS DZooMed (Mammalian) MRCVS (V.w128);
Richard Saunders BVSc BSc CertZooMed MRCVS (V.w121) |
Major References /
Reviews
|
Code and Title List |
In Hedgehogs:
B22.27.w3,
B151,
B156.7.w7,
B228.9.w9,
B259.w7, B284.6.w6,
B337.3.w3
J3.128.w2,
J15.21.w1,
J18.38.w1,
J60.1.w1,
J152.2.w1,
J152.2.w2,
J152..3.w1,
J152.7.w1,
J152.7.w2,
J152.11.w1
P23.1999S.w8
V.w26
In Elephants:
P501.1.w2
In Bears:
B10.48.w43, B16.9.w9,
B64.26.w5,
B336.51.w51, B407.w18
J4.155.w5, J417.20.w1
V.w93
In Lagomorphs:
B10.45.w47, B64.22.w8,
B336.42.w42, B600.9.w9, B600.16.w16,
B601.13.w13, B602.18.w18,
B602.19.w19,
B604.5.w5, B606.4.w4, B609.2.w2, B610.23.w23,
B614.15.w15, B615.6.w6
J3.146.w2, J15.29.w1,
J213.4.w4,
J213.6.w1
In Ferrets:
B626.8.w8, B627.17.w17,
J195.24.w2, J213.6.w3, J196.67.w1
|
Other References
|
Code and Title List |
In Lagomorphs
J13.19.w2, J332.37.w2,
J495.32.w7 |
Detailed Clinical and Pathological Characteristics
|
General |
A fungal (dermatophyte)
infection of skin, hair and nails (keratinised tissues) (B101)
Dermatophytes "do not thrive in living tissue or persist in
the presence of severe inflammation". (B609.2.w2)
|
Clinical
Characteristics |
- Skin scaly and harsh; crusts may form. (B47)
- Hair brittle, appearing dry and lustreless. (B47)
|
HEDGEHOGS |
- Often subclinical. (B156.7.w7,
B284.6.w6)
- May present with generalised scale over the body with or without generalised spine loss,
or scabs and scurf in focal areas along the border of the skirt at the spine/ hair margin
or with facial and aural scale and alopecia. (V.w26,
B228.9.w9)
- Dry white flaky skin. (B337.3.w3)
- Ears in chronically infected hedgehogs may be thickened, dry, and crusty,
with crumbling margins. (B228.9.w9,
B284.6.w6)
- Cracked crusty lesions, hair loss (particularly of the face and head,
also other areas including the ventral surface); lesions bleed when
scabs are removed. (B284.6.w6)
- Often with concurrent mite infection and bacterial infection (J15.21.w1);
may be secondary to mange, scratch wounds or Staphylococcus aureus dermatitis (B22.27.w3)
- Characteristic crusts around spine base and flaky skin (J15.21.w1,
B151,
B22.27.w3, B284.6.w6).
- Spines in the area around the lesion may be loose and
easily pull out. (V.w26)
- Spines may fall out. (B284.6.w6,
B337.3.w3)
- "Lesions, when seen, mostly occur in the nose
and ears as crusty scaling scabs." (P17.24.w4)
- Commonly raised scabby lesions mainly on the snout, and
generally related to mixed infection with mites and/or Staphylococcosis.
(J18.38.w1)
- Infection with Trichophyton terrestre is
inapparent. (J152.2.w1)
- Lesions may affect the snout, ears, and sometimes the
back. (J152.2.w2)
- Lesions were scaly. (J152.2.w2)
- One individual had a bald, scaly, raised patch,
somewhat crusted and edged by an area which was partially depilated. (J152.2.w2)
- Scaling on the ears may be white to yellowish and
may form a horny mass on the ear. (J152.2.w2)
- Spread of disease from the head initially to the body
later may take place over a period of time (several weeks to months). (J152.11.w1)
- The severity of infection may increase over time. (J152.11.w1)
- Neither regression of infection nor recovery was observed in several
hedgehogs either maintained in captivity for a period of several weeks
to months or observed repeatedly in the wild over a period of months. (J152.11.w1)
- Generally non-pruritic. (B284.6.w6)
- May gain weight normally and show little irritation even with severe
infection. (B228.9.w9)
- May cause irritation such that the hedgehog scratches, excoriated the
skin so that it bleeds, and bacterial infection may then develop. (B337.3.w3)
|
BEARS |
- Ringworm can affect the hair, also the nails. (B407.w18)
- Signs may include matting and crusting of the coat, or localised
hair loss and skin inflammation anywhere on the body. (B407.w18)
In two Helarctos malayanus - Sun
bears. (J4.155.w5)
- On the ventral trunk, four lesions 1.0 - 8.0 cm diameter on one
bears; on the other five lesions 1.0 - 3.5 cm diameter. Also on the
second bear on the head, six small circular lesions. (J4.155.w5)
- Lesions involved moderate alopecia, scaling, but no erythema. (J4.155.w5)
|
LAGOMORPHS |
- "Most animals that carry T.mentagrophytes have few or
no clinical signs of infection". (B604.5.w5)
- Lesions usually begin with alopecia and scaly dry skin.
- Focal to multifocal alopecia
- Hairless areas may be two to three centimetres in diameter.
- In young rabbits the lesions are often more generalised than focal.
- Classic circular alopecia
- The typical characteristic raised, red circular lesions of
ringworm, with a clear centre, may be seen in rabbits but are
an uncommon finding.
- Broken hairs
- Papules (multiple) may be seen. (J495.32.w7)
- Erythema, scales and yellow crust are variable and often
occur in the more advanced cases.
- Pruritus is variable. It is unusual unless there is
secondary bacterial infection.
- Abscessed lesions may occur occasionally if there is a
secondary bacterial infection present.
Distribution of lesions:
- Head, face and feet are often the areas where the lesions
are initially found. Ringworm often occurs in areas that are frequently groomed including
muzzle, bridge of the nose, eyelids, pinnae, ear bases, paws
(may involve the nail beds), and legs.
- Young rabbits that are still nursing may pick up the infection
around the mouth and muzzle.
- Alopecia on the toes and foot pads of rabbits can be caused by a
progressive mycotic pododermatitis . Treatment of the
disease in its early stages is most effective. Rabbits will often
chew their feet and exacerbate the condition. See: Self-mutilation in Rabbits
- Lesions may occur anywhere on the body however it is unusual to see generalised infections unless the animal is
suffering from a degree of immunosuppression.
(B600.9.w9, B601.13.w13,
B602.19.w19, B604.5.w5,
B606.4.w4, B608.21.w21,
B609.2.w2, B610.23.w23,
J15.29.w1, J213.4.w4,
J213.6.w1)
- In a population of Lepus americanus
- Snowshoe hares, scaly lesions with varying alopecia
and sometimes inflammation. Histologically, varying degrees of
hyperkeratosis, presence of keratotic material in hair follicles,
with associated destruction or loss of hair shafts, and cellular
poliferation in the stratum spinosum leading to slight thickening
of the epidermis focally. In rhe dermis, usually only minimal
inflammation wit minimal cellular infiltartion and slight
capillary hyperaemia. Numerous septate hyphae and spores were
found in the stratum corneum and along the cuticle of the shaft of
infected hairs. The fungus was identified as Trichophyton
mentagrophytes, (J332.37.w2)
|
FERRETS |
- Typical circular alopecic ringworm lesions, with thickened,
itchy and scaly skin. (B626.8.w8)
- Lesions are similar to those seen in cats. (J213.6.w3)
- In one ferret colony, lesions were described as "large
circumscribed areas of alopecia and inflammation on all parts of
the body", with thickened, red skin covered in crusts.
Lesions regressed with time. (J196.67.w1)
|
Incubation |
-- |
HEDGEHOGS |
- Unclear.
- In one animal, following a period of contact with an infected
individual, infection was first observed six months after the
animals had been separated. (J152.11.w1)
- Two wild individuals were observed to change from non-infected
to infected, in one case during a three month period since last
being checked, in another during a 15 month period. (J152.11.w1)
|
BEARS |
--
|
LAGOMORPHS |
--
|
FERRETS |
--
|
Mortality / Morbidity |
-- |
HEDGEHOGS |
- Incidence of infection is high. (P17.24.w4)
- Incidence of infection is low in young (less than one
year old) animals: 5/66 (7.6%) in one study, compared to 18/59 (30.3%)
of older (over one year of age) animals. (J152.7.w2)
- Incidence of infection may be higher in urban than
rural hedgehogs, possibly related to higher population density.
(J152.7.w2)
- Incidence is low. (B259.w7)
|
BEARS |
- Severe ringworm lesions are not uncommon in bears from bile farms. (D263.w7)
|
LAGOMORPHS |
- Clinical disease is uncommon in pet rabbits. (B600.9.w9,
B609.2.w2)
- Asymptomatic carriers of dermatophytes are common. (B604.5.w5)
- Studies have detected dermatophytes in 0 to 6.5% of asymptomatic rabbits. (J3.146.w2)
- In other studies, carrier rates have been up to 36%. (J213.6.w1)
- Ringworm associated with Trichophyton mentagrophytes was seen
in 22/63 (35%) Lepus americanus
- Snowshoe hare on an island in Flathead Lake,
northwestern Montana, October 1953 - July 1954. A severely affected
juvenile was found dead in a live trap; if was considered possible
that the ringworm infection contributed to its death. The
"disappearance rate" of affected hares was higher than the
disappearance rate of unaffected hares. (J332.37.w2)
|
FERRETS |
- Uncommon in ferrets. (B626.8.w8,
J213.6.w3)
- In one ferret colony, outbreaks occurred in kits in three successive
years (in kits of 2/50 litters the first year, five litters the second
year and 10 litters in the third year), then was not seen again. Lesions spontaneously regressed, but
some affected kits weakened and died at two to three weeks of age. (J196.67.w1)
|
Pathology |
-- |
HEDGEHOGS |
Histopathology:
- Skin:
- A vigorous tissue response may be seen, with hyperkeratosis and
copious inflammatory exudate which may infiltrate the stratum
corneum. Polymorphonuclear leucocytes may be present in the
vicinity of infected hair follicles. (J152.2.w2)
- Mycelium may be visible but may be present only in a few hair
follicles, invading the intrafollicular stratum corneum and the
hair root. (J152.2.w2)
|
BEARS |
Gross Pathology:
- "Ring worm" lesions of one to eight cm.
- Lesions are commonly found on the head and abdomen.
(B16.9.w9,
B64.26.w5)
|
LAGOMORPHS |
Histopathology:
- Hyperkeratotic and acanthotic epidermis with a diffuse
polymorphonuclear leucocyte infiltration of the underlying dermis.
Lymphocytes and plasma cells may also be seen in the dermis and
adnexal structures. (B602.19.w19,
B614.15.w15, J213.6.w1)
- There may also be a secondary bacterial abscessation of the hair
follicles. (B614.15.w15)
- Mycotic elements can be identified with the appropriate stains. (B614.15.w15)
- In one outbreak in laboratory rabbits, mycelia and spores were
present in hair follicles. (J495.32.w7)
|
FERRETS |
--
|
General Information on Investigation / Diagnosis
|
- In dogs and cats a Woods lamp (ultraviolet light) may be used for
preliminary screening: hairs infected with Microsporum canis,
Microsporum distortum or Microsporum audouini fluoresce
apple-green. (B47)
- Direct microscopic examination of skin scrapings and hair. Clear
using 20% potassium hydroxide (KOH) (place in a drop of KOH and warm gently) or stain with
Periodic acid-Schiff stain (PAS): fungal elements stain deep red. Hyphae and
conidia may be visible. The size and arrangement of conidia
assist in identification of the fungal species involved. (B47)
- Culture of skin scrapings and hair on Sabouraud's dextrose agar and on
Dermatophyte Test Medium in a moist atmosphere for 1-4 weeks. Examine
colonies (growth rate, texture, colour, reverse pigmentation),
microscopic examination (conidia, hyphae types). Trichophyton test
media may be used to differentiate Trichophyton species. (B47)
|
HEDGEHOGS |
- Clinical appearance may be suggestive but is not pathognomonic.
(B284.6.w6)
- Scales may be observed following preparation in potassium hydroxide (KOH) for
the presence of mycelium. (J152.2.w2);
this is not reliable. (B284.6.w6)
- Hairs or spines may be stained (PAS) and examined for
the presence of mycelium and/or arthrospores (both mycelium and
arthrospores may be found on the surface of spines and within spines. (J152.2.w2);
this is not reliable. (B284.6.w6)
- Presence of fungi may be demonstrated on skin biopsy. (B284.6.w6)
- Culture on e.g. Sabouraud's agar at 28°C (B228.9.w9,
B284.6.w6);
Dermatophyte Test Medium (Fungassay, C-Vet) (J15.21.w1)
is required for confirmation as Trichophyton does not fluoresce. (B156.7.w7,
J15.21.w1, B284.6.w6,
B337.3.w3)
- Trichophyton erinacei white, finely textured colonies with bright
yellow or greenish staining of the agar and no urease enzyme (B228.9.w9);
yellow to orange rather than red pigment. (J152.2.w2)
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes is positive for urease. (B228.9.w9)
|
BEARS |
- Tentative diagnosis based on the presence of typical ringworm
lesions; definitive diagnosis by culture from hairs from the affected
areas. (B16.9.w9,
B338.23.w23, J4.155.w5)
- Examination of skin scrapings. (B407.w18)
- Skin scrapings of the lesion, cleared in potassium hydroxide and
examined microscopically to detect Microsporum spp. mycelium and/or spores. (B16.9.w9,
B64.26.w5)
|
LAGOMORPHS |
Fungal culture
- This is the best method of confirming diagnosis. (B64.22.w8,
B602.19.w19,
B609.2.w2, B610.23.w23,
J213.4.w4)
- Method
- For clinical disease:
- Pluck hairs from the edge of an alopecic lesion. (B609.2.w2,
J495.32.w7)
- Skin scrapings/samples may also be cultured. (B602.19.w19,
B604.5.w5,
J495.32.w7)
- For detection of asymptomatic infections:
- The entire body is brushed with a
sterile toothbrush or surgical scrub brush and the brushings (hair and
cellular debris) are then cultured (Mackenzie's
toothbrush technique). (B600.9.w9,
B604.5.w5,
J3.146.w2)
- Incubate the samples at 25ēC on a dermasel agar. (B600.6.w6)
- Cultivate aerobically at room temperature for a minimum of
ten days. (B604.5.w5)
- Sabouraud's medium can be used for culture of ringworm. (B606.4.w4,
J495.32.w7)
- DermatophyteTest Medium:
- This medium has a colour indicator: when the medium becomes alkaline it changes
from the original yellow colour to red. (B609.2.w2,
J213.6.w1)
- Dermatophytes typically produce this red change in the media
during the early growth phase of their culture (B609.2.w2);
"as soon as the dermatophyte mycelium growth is
noticed". (J213.6.w1)
- Saprophytic fungi growth will also produce the red change in the media but
only in the
late growth phase (after the mycelium has developed and been
present for several days), therefore it is important to examine the media
daily. (B609.2.w2,
J213.6.w1)
- Positive culture:
- This indicates the existence of a dermatophyte. (B609.2.w2)
- False positives can occur if the culture was positive for just a
transient dermatophyte, e.g. if a
culture was obtained from the feet which had come in to
contact with a geophilic dermatophyte. (B609.2.w2)
- Negative culture:
- If a plate does not show growth of fungi within three weeks, it
can be considered negative. (B600.6.w6)
- False negatives do occur. (B609.2.w2)
- Identification of the species of fungi should be performed by
macroscopic and microscopic examinations (for details on identification
see the section at the top of this page on Infectious / Non-infectious
Agent(s)).
Saprophytic fungal growth can be identified macroscopically as a
black, dark brown or grey culture. Microscopic examination should
not be performed before five to seven days from the first observation of
fungal growth. For microscopic examination, place a piece of tape against
the fungal colony and then examine on a microscope slide with one drop of
cotton blue lactophenol. (J213.6.w1)
- Colony morphology and characteristics of macroconidia can be
used to indicate fungal species. (J495.32.w7)
Wood's Lamp Examination
- This may be diagnostic for some forms of Microsporum canis (50%
of strains). (B604.5.w5,
J213.6.w1)
- Many pathogenic dermatophytes (including the most common
dermatophyte in rabbits: Trichophyton mentagrophytes) do not
fluoresce so this is not a particularly useful screening tool. (B600.9.w9,
B602.19.w19, B609.2.w2)
- False-positive fluorescence is quite common and will appear white
or blue in colour. (B609.2.w2,
J213.6.w1)
- This may occur due to debris, scales, bacteria or keratin associated with epidermal sebum
on skin and hair. (B609.2.w2,
J213.6.w1)
- The lamp needs to be warmed up for a minimum of five minutes and
then it also needs to be exposed to the suspicious lesion for several minutes. (B609.2.w2,
J213.6.w1)
- A true positive reaction that is associated with Microsporum
canis is an apple-green fluorescence at the base of the hair shafts. (B609.2.w2,
J213.6.w1)
Microscopic examination of hair shaft or skin scrapings
- Hair shafts:
- "The presence of fungal spores in broken hair shafts plucked
from a lesion is diagnostic of dermatophytosis". (B600.6.w6)
- Skin scrapings:
- Collect the samples from the periphery of the lesion and then mount samples
in 10% potassium hydroxide under a cover slip. (B64.22.w8,
B600.6.w6,
B602.19.w19, J213.4.w4)
- It may be possible to see fungal mycelia and ectothrix
arthrospores.
(B600.6.w6, B602.19.w19)
Skin biopsy
- Useful in confirming true fungal invasion and infection. (B609.2.w2,
B614.15.w15)
- One of the following stains can be used to identify fungal elements:
- Periodic acid-Schiff stain (B602.19.w19,
J213.6.w1)
- Gomori's methenamine silver (B602.19.w19,
J213.6.w1)
- Gridley fungal stain (B602.19.w19)
- It may be possible to see fungal mycelia and arthrospores. (B602.19.w19)
- Useful in ruling out other causes of alopecia. (B609.2.w2)
Indirect ELISA
- An indirect ELISA has been developed for Trichophyton
mentagrophytes. (B601.13.w13,
B610.23.w23)
|
FERRETS |
- Inspection under a Wood's lamp, and microscopic examination of hairs
can be used. (B626.8.w8)
- May or may not be Wood's lamp positive with Microsporum canis
infection. (J213.6.w3)
- Culture on dermatophyte culture medium. (J213.6.w3)
|
Related Techniques |
|
 |
Specific Medical Treatment
|
-- |
HEDGEHOGS |
- Topical natamycin (Mycophyte, Intervet), or enilconazole
(Imaverol, Janssen Animal
Health). Oral griseofulvin (J15.21.w1)
- Enilconazole
(Imaverol - Janssen Animal Health) diluted 1 part per 50 parts lukewarm
water. Place within a shallow container ensuring that the depth of fluid is not too
great for the hedgehog. Bathe the conscious hedgehog with the solution paying attention to
covering all areas of its body whilst avoiding the animal inhaling the solution. Bath four
times at three day intervals and reassess case progress after this course of treatment (V.w26)
- Clipping spines and removing excess scale and scurf may be useful
to increase penetration of the topical medication to the skin over affected areas. (V.w26)
- Ensure that the hedgehog is placed in a disposable box with absorbent material clearly
marked for use for ringworm hedgehogs only and is kept in a warm area to avoid
chilling following treatment. (V.w26)
- Enilconazole
(Imaverol, Janssen Animal Health, mix 1:50 with sterile
water, apply as a spray, once daily) (B151);
continue treatment for at least 50 days (J60.1.w1)
- Bathe in enilconazole
(Imaverol, Janssen Animal Health) twice weekly plus griseofulvin on food
(D66)
- Oral griseofulvin
sprinkled on the food. (B259.w7)
- Oral griseofulvin
alone or in combination with topical therapy: griseofulvin 1/4 of a
tablet (125 mg/tablet) for animals under 500g bodyweight, 1/2 tablet for
animals over 500 g bodyweight, daily for at least four weeks, plus
topical treatment with enilconazole
(Imaverol, Janssen Animal Health), 100 mg/ml diluted 1:50 with water, three
baths at two day intervals. Localised topical treatment with antifungal creams
such as clotrimazole (Canesten, Bayer) may also be used. (B291.12.w12)
- Vitamin A supplementation may be of value as an additional therapy. (B291.12.w12)
Note: Recovery, with regeneration of skin and spines, takes a
long time. (B284.6.w6)
|
BEARS |
- Microsporum canis has been treated with 500 mg/day oral
griseofulvin in the diet for 30 to 60 days. (B16.9.w9,
B64.26.w5)
- Griseofulvin
(microcrystalline), orally, at 500 mg per day for each of two Helarctos malayanus - Sun
bears, approximate bodyweight 45 kg each; 250 mg/day appeared
to be ineffective. (J4.155.w5)
- For Ursus americanus - American black bear
cubs, griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Schering) microsize, 10 mg/kg orally
twice daily for 4-6 weeks, or for at least 21 days and continuing for
one to two weeks after clinical signs have ceased. Additionally,
topical treatment (on affected areas or the whole bear) with lyme
sulphur solution. (B338.23.w23)
- Note: griseofulvin can cause low leucocyte
count. Check the blood count every two to three weeks during
treatment, or if the bear shows any adverse clinical signs. (B338.23.w23)
|
LAGOMORPHS |
Many animals will have spontaneous resolution of a dermatophyte
infection but this may take a few months. Treatment will hasten the clinical cure, reduce
the environmental contamination and decrease the risk of spread to
owners. (B600.9.w9,
B609.2.w2,
J15.29.w1, J213.6.w1)
Notes:
- Antifungal treatments that are safe for use in kittens can be used
for medicating rabbits. (B336.42.w42)
- Treatment regimes are similar regardless of the fungal species isolated. (J213.6.w1)
- Imidazole-containing lotions and creams may not be
effective as they don't penetrate infected hair follicles and hair
shafts. (B602.19.w19)
- Corticosteroids are contra-indicated because systemic or topical use may severely
exacerbate dermatophytosis. (B609.2.w2)
Treatment plan:
- Treat all in contact animals. (B609.2.w2)
- Wear gloves to decrease zoonotic risk. (J213.6.w1)
- Clip the fur:
- Ideally, clip the fur before applying topical medication. (B602.19.w19)
- However, for local lesions, one author advises against clipping
because it can increase the risk
of the infection becoming generalised due to iatrogenic skin
abrasions and it can also increase environmental
contamination. If the animal is a long haired breed then it is
usually necessary to clip the fur but only clip the fur that is
surrounding the lesion and then this should be disposed of it properly. (J213.6.w1)
- For small, superficial lesions:
- There are a variety of topical antifungal agents that can be
used daily until resolution, e.g. clotrimazole or miconazole
creams. In addition to this, a lime sulphur bath or dip is
recommended once weekly for four weeks. (J213.6.w1)
However washing or dipping small mammals can be difficult and may be stressful for
them. (J15.29.w1)
- Widespread lesions or lesions unresponsive to topical treatment:
- Systemic therapy should be initiated. Griseofulvin is
recommended. (J213.6.w1)
- Length of treatment:
- This varies with different protocols but in general, treatment
should continue for a minimum of two weeks past clinical
resolution or until there has been two negative fungal cultures
with a four week interval in between them. (B602.19.w19,
J213.6.w1)
- Most treatment regimes last for a minimum of three to four months. (B602.19.w19)
- Environmental control: this is an important part of the
treatment. (J213.6.w1)
Topical therapy options:
- 1% clotrimazole cream or lotion (B600.9.w9,
B606.4.w4, J213.4.w4,
J213.6.w1)
- For use in small lesions. (B602.19.w19)
- Apply to lesions every 12 hours. (B609.2.w2)
- Avoid use concurrently with cisapride due to the risk of adverse
drug interactions. (B600.9.w9)
- Miconazole cream or lotion (B600.9.w9,
J15.29.w1, J213.6.w1)
- For use in small lesions. (B602.19.w19)
- Apply to lesions every 24 hours for 14 to 28 days. (B609.2.w2)
- Avoid using concurrently with cisapride due to the risk of adverse
drug interactions. (B600.9.w9)
- Lime sulfur dip
(J213.4.w4)
- For use in multiple lesions. Clip the entire coat and dip the
rabbit in the solution and then administer Griseofulvin. (B602.19.w19)
- Use once every seven days. This treatment has been used
successfully for ringworm in rabbits. (B609.2.w2,
J213.6.w1)
- It is odiferous and may stain. (B609.2.w2)
- Dipping is often difficult with rabbits because there is a high
risk of skeletal fractures or excessive chilling if performed by
inexperienced people. (B609.2.w2)
- Enilconazole
0.2% (B610.23.w23,
J15.29.w1)
- use at a 1:10 dilution (B606.4.w4)
- Other topical treatments- Use twice daily applications of
one of the following:
- Chlorhexidine and water mix 1:10 (B602.19.w19,
J15.29.w1)
- Povidone-iodine (Iodophors)
(B602.19.w19,
B606.4.w4)
- dipping the affected toes in a solution of iodine several
times a day for weeks may destroy infective fungus in nail
beds. (B604.5.w5)
- 1% Triclosan (B606.4.w4)
- 2% Chlorhexidine
and 2% miconazole shampoo (B602.19.w19,
J15.29.w1)
- Germicidal Barrier Ointment (Health and Hygiene,
Sunninghill, South Africa) (J15.29.w1)
Oral medication options:
- Griseofulvin
(B600.9.w9,
B615.6.w6)
- 25 mg/kg orally every 24 hours for:
- four to six weeks. (B609.2.w2,
J15.29.w1)
- thirty days. (J213.4.w4,
J213.6.w1)
- Use in cases with multiple lesions, along
with the lime sulfur dip. (B602.19.w19)
- "If using an ultramicrosized form of griseofulvin,
decrease the dose by 50% and give with a high fat meal".
(J213.6.w1)
- Initiate therapy with this drug. Use at a dose of 25-50 mg/kg
once daily. (B610.23.w23)
- "Griseofulvin given orally at a dose of 25 mg/kg twice
daily for 4-6 weeks is effective". (B606.4.w4)
- Less effective than Itraconazole. (B609.2.w2)
- Use in refractory cases or animals that are severely affected. (B609.2.w2)
- Can be difficult to titrate a dose. Tablets can be crushed and
suspended in water but it should not be dispensed in this form to
owners because adverse effects have been reported on ova and sperm. (J15.29.w1)
- Tablets can be broken and then given in a small amount of
strawberry jam. (B606.4.w4)
- Precautions:
- Wear gloves. (B602.19.w19)
- Bone marrow suppression (pancytopenia, anaemia and
neutropenia) has been reported in cats and dogs with prolonged
therapy or as an idiosyncratic reaction. This has not been
reported in rabbits yet but it might occur therefore it is
recommended to do a weekly or biweekly CBC. (B602.19.w19,
B609.2.w2)
- Neurological side effects have been reported in cats and
dogs so it is necessary to monitor for this possibility in the
rabbit. (B609.2.w2)
- Gastrointestinal side effects: in cats and dogs, this drug can cause gastrointestinal
signs, e.g. anorexia. (J213.6.w1)
- Contraindications:
- Griseofulvin is a teratogenic so it should not be used in the first two trimesters of
pregnancy. (B609.2.w2)
- Ketoconazole
- Use in rabbits that will not tolerate griseofulvin. (B602.19.w19,
J213.6.w1)
- 10 to 15 mg/kg orally every 24 hours. (B602.19.w19,
B609.2.w2)
- 10 to 40 mg/kg/day orally (J213.6.w1)
for fourteen consecutive days has been
reported by one author in 1983, as being highly effective. (B604.5.w5)
- Safety and efficacy in rabbits is unknown. (B609.2.w2)
- Hepatopathy reported in cats and dogs may be quite severe. (B609.2.w2)
- Contraindications:
- Do not use in breeding animals as this drug may
affect steroidal hormone synthesis, particularly testosterone. (B602.19.w19,
B609.2.w2)
- Itraconazole
- 5 mg/kg orally every 24 hours for three to four weeks. (B609.2.w2)
- 5-10 mg/kg orally every 24 hours. (B602.19.w19)
- Use in refractory cases or animals that are severely affected. (B609.2.w2)
- 10 mg/kg once daily seems to be safe and effective in rabbits. (J15.29.w1)
- Itraconazole may be a safer option to dispense to owners than
griseofulvin, especially as Itraconazole is supplied in liquid
form. (J15.29.w1)
- Terbinafine
- 8-20 mg/kg orally every 24 hours. (B602.19.w19)
- Lufenuron
- This medication has been successful in treating fungal infection
in cats and dogs. (J213.6.w1)
- Lufenuron is used to treat fleas by acting as an insect growth
regulator by inhibiting chitin synthesis, polymerisation and
deposition. Fungal cell walls also contain chitin and other
complex polysaccharides so are affected by this medication. (J213.6.w1)
- There are anecdotal reports of usage in rabbits at 135 mg/kg
orally every four weeks until resolution. Lufenuron should be
given with a meal that is high in fat. (J213.6.w1)
Eliminating dermatophytes from large rabbit colonies
- Carriers of Trichophyton mentagrophytes were reduced after
using one of either:
- 1% Copper Sulphate- used successfully for
dipping rabbits. (B602.19.w19,
J213.6.w1)
- dip twice weekly for three to four weeks. (B614.15.w15)
- Dipping is often difficult with rabbits because there is a
high risk of skeletal fractures or excessive chilling if
performed by inexperienced people. (B609.2.w2)
- Metastabilized chlorous acid / chlorine dioxide (MECA)
- "a topically applied two-component commercial cold
disinfectant". (B615.6.w6)
- (LD disinfectant, Alcide
Corp., Norwalk, CT)
- This can be used diluted one part base
compound, to one part activator compound, to ten parts tap
water, and is then massaged into the fur. (B602.19.w19,
B615.6.w6,
J213.6.w1)
- This has been used to spray large numbers of infected rabbits
and also to treat the environment. (B602.19.w19)
- Use twice weekly for three to four weeks using around
eight ounces per rabbit at each application. (B614.15.w15)
- The LD
disinfectant is
more commonly used as an environmental disinfectant and is
apparently nontoxic, nonirritating, and non-mutagenic. (B604.5.w5)
- "The authors conclude that LD disinfectant and
copper sulfate may serve as economically feasible alternatives
to conventional dermatophyte treatments when large numbers of
animals are involved". (B604.5.w5)
- Treatments were used six times over a twenty six day period. (J213.6.w1)
- Griseofulvin-medicated diets or drinking water
- Used in large dermatophye outbreaks. (B10.45.w47,
B602.19.w19)
- The cost may be prohibitive. (J213.6.w1)
- 0.825 g per kilogram of diet. (B602.19.w19)
- 0.75 g per kg of feed for fourteen days. (J213.6.w1)
- Or 20 mg/kg in the feed (300 grams per 3 tons of feed) for 25
days or longer. (B604.5.w5)
- 0.375 grams of powdered griseofulvin per pound of feed for
fourteen days. (B614.15.w15)
|
FERRETS |
- Griseofulvin, 25 mg/kg orally. (B626.8.w8)
- N.B. Adverse effcts have been reported with griseofulvin.
(J213.6.w3)
- Shave the affected area and treat this area with keratolytic shampoo
and miconazole cream. (J213.6.w3)
- If systemic treatment is considered appropriate, itraconazole
(oral suspension) should be used. (J213.6.w3)
- Continue treating until a month after clinical signs have resolved.
(J213.6.w3)
- Note: this disease can be self-limiting. (B626.8.w8,
J213.6.w3)
|
Related Techniques |
|
 |
Environmental
and Population Control Measures
|
General Environment Changes, Cleaning and
Disinfection |
--
|
HEDGEHOGS |
- Dispose of or disinfect accommodation following treatment. (V.w26)
|
BEARS |
--
|
LAGOMORPHS |
- Avoid infective soil if there is a geophilic dermatophyte involved. (B609.2.w2)
- It is important to treat the environment especially in recurrent
cases. (B609.2.w2)
- Dispose of any bedding, brushes or rugs. (J213.6.w1)
- Vacuum all the contaminated areas. (B602.19.w19)
- Regularly clean or vacuum the cage during the treatment period and
properly dispose of the vacuum bag after each use. (J15.29.w1,
J213.6.w1)
- Metal/plastic parts of the cage should be soaked in a sporicidal
disinfectant. All traces of the disinfectant need to be rinsed away to
prevent any potentially toxic exposure to the animal. (J15.29.w1)
- Diluted household bleach (1:10) (Hypochlorites)
- practical and relatively
effective (not 100% effective in killing fungal spores).
Use to clean all surfaces. (B602.19.w19,
B604.5.w5,
B609.2.w2,
J15.29.w1,
J213.6.w1)
- Concentrated bleach (Hypochlorites)
and Formalin
(1%) - effective
means of killing spores but their use is not particularly
practical in many situations. (B609.2.w2)
- Chlorhexidine
- ineffective in pilot studies. (B609.2.w2)
- Metastabilized chlorous acid / chlorine dioxide
- diluted with activator compound and water 1:1:10
respectively. (B602.19.w19)
- Enilconazole spray or fogger
- A solution of this drug can be made into a spray and then
used at a rate of 50 mg/metre˛ twice a week for five months.
(B606.4.w4)
- May be useful in rabbitries or households (J213.6.w1)
- Foggers that contain formaldehyde or enilconazole are preferable to
steam cleaning for carpets as steam cleaning will not reach a high
enough temperature to kill infectious spores. (B602.19.w19,
J213.6.w1)
- Benzalkonium chloride - effective in the environmental
control of ringworm. (B604.5.w5)
- Glutaraldehyde - effective in the environmental control of
ringworm. (B604.5.w5)
- Eliminate any wild rats or mice from the environment as they are
often carriers of this disease. (B606.4.w4)
- As a general preventative measure:
- maintain high standards of husbandry particularly with aged,
young, stressed or pregnant rabbits. (B604.5.w5)
- maintain optimal adjustment of humidity and temperature. (B604.5.w5)
|
FERRETS |
- Following three years of outbreaks in a ferret colony, "the
wooden nestboxes were dipped in a lye solution and allowed to dry."
No further cases occurred. (J196.67.w1)
|
Population Control Measures |
-- |
HEDGEHOGS |
-- |
BEARS |
-- |
LAGOMORPHS |
- In the colony situation it may be best to eliminate carriers. (B604.5.w5)
- Isolate affected animals from nonaffected animals. (J213.6.w1)
|
FERRETS |
--
|
Isolation, Quarantine and Screening |
-- |
HEDGEHOGS |
- Ensure all hedgehogs with
suspect or confirmed ringworm infection are kept in isolation within disposable or easily
disinfected accommodation. (V.w26)
- Handle affected individuals wearing gloves, and last, to reduce the
chance of spreading infection to other individuals. (B337.3.w3)
|
BEARS |
--
|
LAGOMORPHS |
- Initiate a quarantine period and all animals that are entering the
household must be subjected to dermatophyte cultures. (B609.2.w2)
|
FERRETS |
--
|
Related Techniques |
|
 |