What are the differences between insects and arachnids?
What is the scutum?
Hard shield or plate on dorsum of “hard” or Ixodid tick
What is the hypostome?
How can mites and ticks be distinguished from one another?
Mites do not have hypostome or scutum
How can the presence of mites be confirmed?
What are the 2 types of mites?
- Surface
List the important species of burrowing mites
Describe the apperance of burrowing mites
- Short legs
Describe the appearance of Demodex
- Short legs in one area near head (look a little like rings)
Describe the life cycle of mites
Describe Sarcoptes scabei
How is infestation with Sarcoptes scabei diagnosed?
Deep skin scraping in 12 or more affected areas
Describe Trixicarus caviae
How is infestation with Trixicarus caviae diagnosed?
Examination of hair shafts or skin scrapings to identify mite
Describe Notoedres cati
Describe Knemidocoptes
Describe the appearance of infestation with Knemidocoptes
Describe Demodex
Where does the life cycle of Demodex take place?
Entire life cycle in one sebaceous gland/hair follicle
Describe Demodex in dogs
Describe localised demodicosis
Commonly on face and forelegs of young animals
Describe generalised demodicosis
More severe, widespread from onset, often underlying disease
How is infestation with Demodex diagnosed?
Hair pluck and deep skin scrape
What are the important families of surface mites?