Alopecia and Dermatitis Caused by Lepoarcarus gibbus in a New Zealand White Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) – Clinical and Parasitological Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Aim: Ectoparasites associated dermatological disorders are frequently encountered in laboratory and pet rabbit medicine practice, however, L. gibbus is the only ectoparasite rarely reported in either pet and laboratory rabbits or hares as L. gibbus are usually asymptomatic. The aim of the present report is to describe a case of alopecia and dermatitis associated with Lepoarcarus gibbis in a rabbit from India. Presentation of Case: A 1.5 year old female New Zealand White rabbit was presented to the Dermatology Unit with erythema and poorly demarcated alopecia on the dorsal neck and face. A skin scraping and coat brushings were performed. On microscopic evaluation of hair samples, L. gibbus infestation was confirmed. Treatment with ivermectin (0.3 mg/kg) biweekly once for 3 doses proved effective. Discussion and Conclusion: L.gibbus may be presented with severe hairfall in the absence of other mites and treatment with ivermectin is effective. Based on the literature research this may be the first case report on alopecia and dermatitis due to L.gibbus in rabbit from India. Further studies should be planned on the prevalence of the mite as it is reported to have zoonotic potential.