From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2002-09-19 00:30:36 UTC
Subject: RE: Mites on tails
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <27353815.1032395436217.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Aha - the old ear mites on the tail theory. Yes, this can rarely happen with cats, but it has never been demonstrated with ferrets. I've never seen an ear mite anywhere but on the ears. Ferrets also have demodectic mites, and can even get sarcoptic mites, but disease would be obvious in these animals.
Yes, ear mites can be seen on a simple microscope - you can see them easily with a 4x objective - and if you've never done it, it's a great show! Here's how to do it:
Get a ferret with dirty ears - a new introduction or pet store kit is usually fine, a small amount of mineral oil, and a q-tip.
Put a drop of mineral oil on the slide, then get a good deep swab of the ear - get some of that dark brown wax. Mush it around in the mineral oil drop on the slide.
Then look at it under the 4x objective (which will be 40x magnification). Look for movement - the first time you see them it'll scare you! You can also probably see eggs if they are there.
Don't worry, they look much nastier than they really are, but I'm glad that they are much much smaller than me.
Ear mite diagnosis is not something that takes a vet, if you have access to a microscope.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
Author wrote:
> Interestingly enough many of my ferrets tails are suddenly thin (in
> fur). Two are getting rat tail. I thought of the earmite theory with the
> tails. I see no signs of ear mites, but I have not had them to a vet to
> check yet. They are currently on 1cc/lb of Ivermetin solution orally a month
> for prevention of heartworm. I had thought this prevents ear mites as well.
> Does it? If they did have ear mites, would it not be treated with this ivec
> itself? I'm asking because the one time we did have ear mites, our vet
> treated with Revolution.