Alopecia in a captive koalaAlopecia in a captive koala

Tarra Johnson

Biology Department

Eastern CT State University

An undescribed Demodex sp. An undescribed Demodex sp. and Demodicosis in a captive and Demodicosis in a captive

KoalaKoala(Phascolarctos cinereus)(Phascolarctos cinereus)

Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 2000, 31(1):100-1062000, 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 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

Alopecia Pictures Alopecia Pictures

Demodex sp. of Mites 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 Demodex sp. Pictures

Human follicle mite

Caused by Demodex canis

Alopecia near the eye 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 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 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 MinoxidilIn some cases none of the treatment work

Results Results

Periocular alopecia after 3 days 6 months of treatment with same ointmentOcular discharge resolved Alopecia remianed the same for 7 months

with out treatment Alopecia became more extensive Oral Ivermectin used with success

Discussion 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

Questions