Demodicosis in nine prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus)

This case report describes the clinical signs and treatment of demodicosis in nine pet prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). Clinical records including history, clinical examination, microscopic evaluation and fungal culture of the skin lesions were available for all nine animals. In seven animals, blood was obtained for haematological and biochemical analyses. Clinical signs comprised bilaterally symmetrical alopecia extending from the middle part of the back down to the skin of the thighs and the dorsal and ventral parts of the tail. Demodex mites were found in skin scrapings from all cases. Treatment with amitraz at 250 p.p.m. resulted in resolution of lesions and hair regrowth. This is the first report of demodicosis in this species.