Five cases of psoroptic mange in the domestic donkey (Equus asinus asinus) and treatment with ivermectin.

The research explored the impact of psoroptic mange in domestic donkeys, focusing specifically on five cases. It looked particularly at the treatment of this condition with ivermectin.

Research Background and Motivation

• The species Psoroptes equi is a parasitic mite that can cause body mange in equines like horses, donkeys, and mules.
• In literature, there has previously been no report of P equi causing body mange specifically in donkeys.
• Ivermectin, a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent, has been successfully used for various species but this study represents an attempt to use it for the treatment of donkeys suffering from sarcoptic mange.

Study Process

• Five male domestic donkeys with severe skin diseases lasting two to five weeks were examined over a two-month period.
• The symptoms included extensive areas of alopecia with heavy sticky and flaking crusts covering the neck, shoulders, withers, back and both sides of the animals.
• The researchers collected skin scrapings and biopsies from each affected donkey and subjected these samples to laboratory investigations, identifying the parasite and assessing the impact of the disease on the skin.
• The donkeys were then treated with ivermectin and closely monitored until full recovery. Skin scrapings were collected and studied on a weekly basis.

Results and Findings

• Examination of the skin scrapings under a microscope revealed numerous viable mites, including adult mites, larvae, and eggs. These were identified as the P equi species.
• Biopsies showed severe degradation of the skin, with hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and thick crust formation.
• After being treated with ivermectin, the donkeys became calm with reduced itching within nine to 12 days. Complete shedding of crusts from the hyperaemic infected areas occurred by days 25 to 28.
• One week after treatment, only few live mites were seen in the skin scrapings; two weeks after, no live mites could be found.
• Complete healing, characterized by the clearance of lesions and the start of hair regrowth, begun in a span of 32 to 35 days post-treatment.

Discussion and Conclusion

• This research presents the first reported cases of P equi causing body mange in domestic donkeys, with the observed lesions being more severe and extensive than those previously described in horses.
• The results show that donkeys might be more susceptible to infection with this species of mite than horses are, requiring greater veterinary vigilance.
• The use of ivermectin was successful in treating psoroptic mange in donkeys and showed no adverse effects, confirming its safety and efficacy in equids and other animals.