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Alopecia in a captive koala. Tarra Johnson Biology Department Eastern CT State University . An undescribed Demodex sp. and Demodicosis in a captive Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 2000, 31(1):100-106.
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Alopecia in a captive koala Tarra Johnson Biology Department Eastern CT State University
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
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