Leporacarus gibbus and Spilopsyllus cuniculi infestation in a pet rabbit.
A one-year-old male, chequered giant rabbit had a simultaneous infestation with both Leporacarus gibbus and Spilopsyllus cuniculi. Recurrent episodes of mild to severe pruritus had been noted over a period of two months. On clinical examination, partial alopecia and slightly erythematous skin with flea faeces was evident, although microscopic and cultural examinations of skin scrapings were negative for fungi. Parasitological examination, including adhesive tape strips of the rabbit's skin and fur, revealed L gibbus surface dwelling mites and the rabbit flea S cuniculi. The rabbit was successfully treated against both parasites with topical pyrethrin applied three times over a three-week period, and the clinical signs resolved in four weeks.
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Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
D000505:Alopecia / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D008924:Mite Infestations / Q000662:veterinary*; D011537:Pruritus / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011817:Rabbits; D005423:Siphonaptera / Q000033:anatomy & histology