Haematological response in the treatment of naturally acquired ectoparasite infestations in rabbits

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine changes in haematological values of topical administration of selamectin in rabbits with at least one species of naturally acquired ectoparasite infestation (<em>Sarcoptes scabiei</em> var. <em>cuniculi</em>, <em>Psoroptes cuniculi</em>, or <em>Cheyletiella</em> spp). Thirty-five rabbits were enrolled. They underwent physical examination and assessment of ectoparasite infestations on days 0, 14, 28, 56 and 86. Blood for haematology and serum biochemistry was collected on days 0, 14, 28 and 56. Selamectin was topically applied at a dose of 15 mg/kg onto the skin on days 0, 14 and 28, respectively. No ectoparasites or eggs were found in these rabbits from day 28 onwards by skin scraping and/or tape cytology. Haematology and serum biochemistry values were within normal limit throughout the study. However, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio significantly decreased post-treatment from 2.89 (0.90-5.47) on day 0 to 1.38 (0.56-3.09), and 1.44 (0.42-4.47) on days 14 and 56, respectively. There were no adverse drug reactions or treatment-related mortalities during the study. This study indicated that selamectin was effective and safe in the treatment and prevent re-infestation for at least 58 d post-treatment. Moreover, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio could be used for monitoring of inflammatory response in rabbits.

A Comparative pharmacological study on moxidectin and propolis ointment in rabbits naturally infested with Psoroptes cuniculi

“…These alterations were mainly attributed to the mite's toxic excretory products and its irritating effect. Logically, this hepatic damage took apart in the former hypoalbuminemia, as the liver is the major site of albumin formation (17,18).…”

Mange in Rabbits: An Ectoparasitic Disease with a Zoonotic Potential

“…Regarding Cheyletiella species, selamectin has been efficiently applied once at a dose of 12 mg/kg·b/wt [ 97 ] or at doses of 6.2–20.0 mg/kg·b/wt 1–3 times during an interval of 2–4 weeks [ 98 ]. Moonarmart et al [ 99 ] revealed that topical application of selamectin at a dose of 15 mg/kg·b/wt at a 2-week interval was effective and safe in the control of Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi , Psoroptes cuniculi , and Cheyletiella species for at least 58 days after treatment.…”

Evidence that ectoparasites influence the hematological parameters of the host: a systematic review

“…The complete blood cell count (CBC) is a routine, inexpensive, and easily requested laboratory test that allows evaluation of abnormalities in blood cells, their kinetic in the inflammatory process, and identification of hematologic disorders (Tefferi et al ., 2005; Stockham and Scott, 2011). Hematologic changes associated with hematophagous ectoparasites, such as mites (Szabó et al ., 2002; Moonarmart et al ., 2018), flies (O'Brien et al ., 2001), ticks (Pfäffle et al ., 2009; Reck et al ., 2009), mosquitoes (Jones and Lloyd, 1987), fleas (Araujo et al ., 1998), bed bugs, and kissing bugs (Pritchard and Hwang, 2009), have been reported for animals and people.…”