Ferret Dermatoses Dana Coover 5/29/2012 Fleas

The culprits: Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides canis, Pulex irritans Hx: Ferrets in homes with dogs and/or cats CSx: Asymptomatic to severe pruritis Dorsal neck pruritis Dorsal cervical and thoracic alopecia Flea Allergy Dermatitis: papules & crusts on the ventral abdomen, caudomedial thighs, rump, tail base and flanks. May also display fur mowing shortened hairs and the skin looks normal.

Topical ivermectin Revolution Treat 2o bacterial infection Tresaderm Dont use anything that could be toxic to the middle ear in case the tympanic membrane has ruptured!

Scabies
The culprit: Sarcoptes scabeii CSx: Localized form o Feet are the only thing affected and they are inflamed, swollen and crusted with dystrophic or absent claws. A pruritic pododermatitis Generalized form o Nonseasonal, non-steroid responsive intense pruritis with papules, alopecia, erythema and crusts

Ddx: Scabies, Demodex, Dermatophyte Dx:Visualization of fleas and flea dirt, response to treatment Tx: Frontline spray or topical Advantage Environmental control Revolution Lufenuron General rule: If its safe for cats and kittens its safe for ferrets.

Ddx: Fleas, Demodex Dx: Cytology skin scraping, response to treatment Tx: Treat all animals in contact Clean cages, environment 2% Lime sulfur dips Ivermectin SQ Treat 2o bacterial infection Note: Not a common disease. It is ZOONOTIC!!!

Ear Mites
The culprit: Otodectes cyanotis CSx: None to severe pruritis Asymptomatic most common Mild to moderate dark brown otic exudate External ear canal and pinnal inflammation Head shaking Excoriation around head Head tilt Neurologic signs

Dermatophytosis
The culprits: Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes Hx: Young or immunosuppressed animal CSx: Localized, multifocal or generalized Alopecia with scaling, stubbly hairs and erythema

Ddx: Parasitic alopecia, bacterial dermatitis Dx: Tx: Clip hair around lesion(s) Clotrimazole cream Rule out other causes UV light for some M. canis Cytology Fungal culture

Ddx: Bacterial or fungal infection. Most common: Normal Brown waxy discharge! Dx: Otoscopy, visualization of mites on cytology Tx: Clean ears gently

Miconazole cream Griseofulvin Povidone iodine scrubs Keratolytic shampoos Vacuum and disinfect environment

Adrenalectomy Leuprolide Melatonin Mitotane

Neoplasms Mast cell tumors Benign!!!

CSx: Raised wart-like erosive bleeding lesions Head, neck, shoulders and trunk Solitary or multiple Waxing & Waning Firm, soft or cystic Black exudate Pruritic

Notes: Treat 2 weeks beyond resolution of clinical signs. Remember this is ZOONOTIC!!!

Canine Parvovirus
Hx: Spotty vaccination protocol CSx: Chin crusting Swollen, hyperkeratotic foot pads Conjunctivitis Fever Erythematous pruritic skin rash Generalized dermatitis especially inguinal area Serous oculonasal discharge changing to mucopurulent Anorexia Photosensitivity

Dx: Cytology, Biopsy Tx: Surgical Excision Diphenhydramine Benign neglect

Ddx: Demodex, Bacterial infection Dx: Rule out, presumptive usually, conjunctival scraping, serology Tx: Supportive but realistically it is 100% fatal so euthanasia Adrenocortical disease The culprits: Excessive endogenous androgen hormones CSx: Dry lusterless hair coat Progressive, bilateral, symmetrical, constant alopecia Neutered animal Pruritis Dermatitis Comedones Rat tail Vulvar enlargement Muscle atrophy Pendulous abdomen Stranguria in males Strong odor in neutered

Basal Cell Tumors Benign!!!

CSx: Well defined White to pink nodule Pedunculated or plaque-like

Dx: Cytology, Biopsy Tx: Wide surgical excision

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Malignant!!!

CSx: Firm Ulcerated Head, lip, digits, tarsus, thigh, pads, trunk Discrete lesion or metastatic

Dx: Biopsy Tx: Wide surgical excision Note: This is a very uncommon disease

Ddx: Seasonal alopecia, Hyperestrogenism Dx: Androgen hormone panel @ UT, UCCR, Ultrasound, Exploratory laparotomy Tx: