Transcript Alopecia in a captive koala

Alopecia in a captive koala
Tarra Johnson
Biology Department
Eastern CT State University
An undescribed Demodex sp. and
Demodicosis in a captive Koala
(Phascolarctos cinereus)
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine,
2000, 31(1):100-106
Linda J. Vogelnest,, B.V.Sc., M.A.C.V.Sc., Larry
Vogelnest, B.V.Sc., M.V.S., and Ralf S. Mueller,
F.A.C.V.Sc., Dip.A.C.V.D.
Alopecia

Described by the dictionary - n : loss of hair
(especially on the head) or wool or feathers;
in humans it can result from heredity or
hormonal imbalance or certain diseases or
drugs and treatments (chemotherapy for
cancer)

Not all Alopecia is cancer related
Alopecia Pictures
Demodex sp. of Mites

Very small, only 0.1- 0.4 mm.
 Usually present in mammals with out
problems.
 High percentage of mites found in older
people with out symptoms.
 Often inflamed by bacterial infection and
host factors
 Distinctive shape fused head and thorax
Demodex sp. Pictures
Human follicle mite
Caused by Demodex canis
Alopecia near the eye

Easily accessible for
bacteria
 Deep skin scrapings
confirm mites
 Along with inflammation,
redness and swelling
 Hair follicle plump, short
and sebaceous glands
prominent appearing below
the bulb of hair follicle
Demodex in the Koala’s Skin

Commonly called follicle
mites
 Often found in the hair
follicles and sebaceous
gland of the face.
 Other areas
 Severe cases animal may
have to be euthanized
Treatment

7 days of ophthalmic ointment containing
neomycin and polymixin B, sulfacetamide
sodium prednisolone.
 After relapse Oral Ivermectin
 For human cases various creams
 Cortisone shots
 Some people use Rogaine with Minoxidil
 In some cases none of the treatment work
Results

Periocular alopecia after 3 days
 6 months of treatment with same ointment
 Ocular discharge resolved
 Alopecia remianed the same for 7 months
with out treatment
 Alopecia became more extensive
 Oral Ivermectin used with success
Discussion

Other than Alopecia Koala remained
healthy until death as a result of Leukemia
 Abundance of mite population associated
with failing T-lymphocyte function.
 Mild cases may lead to an underlying
disease.
 Ivermectin is toxic and must given in small
doses to build up to larger amounts
Questions