Concurrent tick and mite infestations in a rabbit colony

AbstractThree rabbits were presented at Avian and Exotic Pet Unit (AEPU), Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital, Chennai, with a history of weakness, loss of appetite, pale visible mucous membranes and frequent scratching. Whitish crusty lesions were found on the ears, lips, nose and feet along with alopecia and visible tick infestation for the last four months. Ticks were seen on the pinna and neck of the animals. The ticks and skin scrapings were collected and were morphologically identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Sarcoptes scabiei respectively. The rabbits were treated with ivermectin @ dose rate of 0.4 mg per kg body weight S/C at weekly intervals for four weeks. In addition, benzyl benzoate lotion was applied topically SID for a fortnight along with haematinic supplements resulting in complete recovery in 60 days.