External Parasites

Rick · Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2004 9:17 pm Post subject: External Parasites

External Parasites

Arthropods that survive by feeding off of the host animal. Usually by sucking blood. The most common of these are mites and ticks. Mites are very small arthropods about the size of a pin head resembling small ticks (which are also mites). They live by sucking blood and are found on both captive and wild-acquired animals and have a life cycle of about two weeks. Long term infestations may cause scarring, scale damage, and small skin hemorrhages. Ticks are red or brown arthropods approximately 1/4 of an inch in length. They live by sucking blood and are usually easily visible.

Physical Symptoms:

Ticks and mites are small insects with round bodies tightly attached to your animal's skin. Mite infested lizards may display signs of itching or skin irritation. Mites may be visible as tiny black, orange, or red bugs on the reptile or surfaces it comes in contact with. "Dust" of white or gray color may also be visible; these are the mites' feces. Mites are most commonly found around the the head and under scales. Ticks are visible on the surface of the animal's skin.

Cause/Transmission:

Mites and ticks can crawl from one reptile to another. They may also be transmitted via handling and infested substrates or housing. Ticks are usually found only on wild caught animals.

Treatment:

Remove ticks by plucking them off of the animal with forceps or tweezers. Be certain you have removed the tick's head or infection may result. Disinfect the area with a povidone iodine solution. Mite problems should be discussed with a veterinarian. Mites are often treated with an internal parasiticide will be recommended by a veterinarian. These are extremely effective. Occasionally strip insecticides are used. These may be risky, as there is a very fine line between the level of airborne toxin that will kill the parasites and the level that will harm your animal. When using such a strip, all water and food must be removed from the cage and you must make sure the enclosure is well ventilated. Place the strip in a plastic or cardboard container with holes cut in it to allow the parasiticide to escape. Be absolutely sure that your animal cannot touch the strip. Usually six millimeters of strip are used per ten cubic feet of cage space. After such a treatment, clean the cage well. This treatment may have to be repeated once a week for a month. Spray parasiticides like pyrethrins are available and are usually quite safe. They may be sprayed directly onto animals and the enclosure. Formulas made for kittens and puppies under 12 weeks of age may also be used no less than once each week. Most pet supply stores sell very safe parasiticides, although these may be less effective. Other highly effective external, spray formulas may be more toxic and will have to be diluted. In all cases be sure to read and follow the specifications on the packaging in addition to consulting your vet. Soaking is another way to temporarily remove the majority of the mites from a animal's body; however, it leaves the mites on the animal's head alive, and this is an area where they tend to congregate. The animal is placed in water and allowed to soak for an extended period of time. Rubbing olive oil over a reptile's body can also help to suffocate mites. This should only be done with adult reptiles and you must take special care not to get any oil in the reptile's eyes or nostrils. Again, mites in these areas will remain living and will repopulate the animal if left untreated. Ivermectin may never be used on tortoises or turtles. Remember that the enclosure must be thoroughly treated as well.