Diseases of the Integumentary System

Chapter 19 Diseases of the Integumentary System



THE FERRET


The normal hair coat of the ferret contains a thick, cream-colored undercoat with coarse guard hairs that determine the coat color. Numerous sebaceous glands give the coat a greasy feeling and produce a musky odor. Thinning of the coat occurs twice yearly in relation to photoperiods—increasing when daylight hours and temperature increase. Hair removed during the seasonal thinning periods may not regrow for several months.


The most common diseases affecting the skin include adrenal disease, parasites, and occasionally neoplasia. Endocrine alopecia has been covered in Chapter 16.



Parasites


Fleas (Ctenocephalides spp. and Pulex irritans) and ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are the most commonly seen parasites of pet ferrets, although if housed outdoors, ticks and Cuterebra may also be seen. Benign neoplasias also occur. Sarcoptic mange is uncommon in pet ferrets but has been seen.



CLINICAL SIGNS



• Pruritus with or without alopecia dorsally

• Dark brown, waxy discharge in the ears (ear mites)

• Head tilt (with severe infestations)


DIAGNOSIS



• Finding parasites on examination


TREATMENT



Fleas



• No flea treatments have been approved for ferrets. Care should be used if topical products manufactured for dogs and cats are used. Sprays should be applied to a cloth and rubbed onto the ferret. Avoid all products that contain organophosphates.

• New flea control products have been reported to be useful:
Lufenuron

Fipronil

Revolution

Use of these products constitutes off-label usage.


Ear mites



• Clean ears to remove exudates

• Ivermectin given subcutaneously (SQ) every 2 weeks until mite free

• Topical preparations:
Thiabendazole/neomycin/dexamethasone (Tresaderm)

1% ivermectin diluted 1:10 in propylene glycol

Selamectin at cat dosage (off-label use)

• Treatment of the environment is required to prevent reinfestation


Bacterial Skin Disease


Bite wounds and punctures can result in the formation of abscesses in ferrets. Anal gland abscesses may also be seen in these animals.



CLINICAL SIGNS



• Swollen, fluctuant mass located at the site of trauma


DIAGNOSIS



• Gram stain of aspirated mass; most common organisms found include:
Staphylococcus spp.

Streptococcus spp.

Corynebacterium spp.

Pasteurella spp.

• Anaerobic and aerobic culture and sensitivity


TREATMENT



• Drain and flush abscess

• Systemic antibiotic based on culture and sensitivity


INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS



• Keep the abscess site open to allow drainage and to allow healing to proceed from the deeper levels to the surface.


Skin Neoplasia


Benign neoplasms of the skin are a common problem in ferrets. The most frequently involved lesions are mast cell tumors, basal cell tumors, and sebaceous cell tumors.



CLINICAL SIGNS



• Mass located in the skin


DIAGNOSIS



• Biopsy of the mass


TREATMENT



• Surgical removal


INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS



• Most of these growths are benign (nonmalignant); however, some may recur after removal.

• Occasionally a mass in the skin will be malignant. Have all masses examined by your veterinarian!


RODENTS


It has been estimated that about 25% of all problems seen in mice involve the integumentary system. These problems result from behavioral problems, poor husbandry, bacterial infections, and parasite infections. Mice live a highly structured social life. The dominant mouse “barbers” others in the group, chewing off whiskers and facial hair. Fighting wounds are also common when male mice are kept together. Mice can also get abrasions from rubbing against the cage and objects in the cage. Fur mites are seen in mice and result in overall thinning of the hair and pruritus. Lesions can become infected and ulcerated. Mice are also prone to skin tumors (especially mammary gland adenocarcinomas and fibrosarcomas) or abscesses due to Staphylococcus, Pasteurella, and Streptococcus bacteria.



Fur Mites


Three mite species commonly infect mice: Myobia musculi, Myocoptes musculinus, and Radfordia affinis. Mites are spread by direct contact between mice or from infected bedding. Mite infestation is less common in rats than mice and treatment is the same for both animals.



CLINICAL SIGNS



• Generalized thinning of the hair

• Greasy coat

• +/− Pruritus

• +/− Secondary infections and ulcerations


DIAGNOSIS



• Identification of mites, nymphs, or eggs on hair shafts


TREATMENT



• Ivermectin SQ or orally (PO) twice at 10-day intervals

• Remove all bedding and clean cage thoroughly


INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS



• Have all new pets examined for mites before placing them in with other pets.

• Purchase new pets from reputable dealers.


Tumors


Mice are prone to mammary adenocarcinomas and fibrosarcomas. Most are malignant, and the prognosis is poor even with surgery. The most common tumor in rats is the fibroadenoma of the mammary gland. Tumors become large and can occur in both the male and the female rat. These tumors are not malignant but do tend to recur.



CLINICAL SIGNS



• A firm swelling involving the mammary gland or subcutaneous tissue anywhere on the body

• Tumor is usually ulcerated by the time it is examined


DIAGNOSIS



• Physical examination and history

• Cytology from fine-needle biopsy

• Biopsy after surgical removal


TREATMENT



• Surgical excision


INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS



• Even with surgical excision the prognosis for the mouse is poor.

• Recurrence of these tumors is common.

• Mammary tumors in rats are typically nonmalignant but tend to recur.


Impacted Cheek Pouches in Hamsters


Hamsters have large cheek pouches used to carry food, bedding, and their young. Food or other materials left in the pouches for long periods can become impacted.



CLINICAL SIGNS



• Large swellings on either side of the face

• +/− Rubbing with front paws


DIAGNOSIS



• Physical examination and history

• Radiographs


TREATMENT



• Gentle removal of the material with fine-tipped forceps (may require sedation)

• Correct predisposing conditions such as malocclusion and stress


INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS



• It is common for hamsters to place material into the cheek pouches. It usually does not become a problem.



TECH ALERT


Small, curved hemostats can be used to gently remove impacted contents of the cheek pouches. Follow by flushing with warm saline to assure removal of any sharp pieces of food.

Related posts:

  1. Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases
  2. Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases
  3. Diseases of the Cardiovascular System
  4. Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System

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Aug 31, 2016 | Posted by in GENERAL | Comments Off on Diseases of the Integumentary System

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