Scabies in a llama (Lama glama): control with moxidectin long
acting (Cydectin ®LA)
References:
- Curtis C.F., Chappell S.J., Last R.Concurrent sarcoptic and chorioptic acariosis in a British llama (Lama glama). Vet. Rec., 2001, 149, 208-209. - Geurden T., Deprez P., Vercruysse J. Treatment of sracoptic, psoroptic and chorioptic mange in a Belgian alpaca herd. Vet. Rec., 2003, 153, 331-332.
Caron Y., Cavadino C., Losson B.
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases,
University of Liège, 20 Boulevard de Colonster, B43a, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
Email:
ycaron@ulg.ac.be
Tel: +32 (0) 4 366 40 09
Meeting of The Belgian Society for Parasitology Anvers – June 19th , 2009
Introduction:
Sarcoptic, chorioptic, psoroptic and demodectic mites are well known to infect llamas in the Americas, but to the author’s knowledge, it is the first time sarcoptic mange in a llama is described in Belgium. Only a treatment of sarcoptic, psoroptic and chorioptic mange in a Belgian alpaca herd was published (Geurden et al., 2003). The purpose of this study is to present this clinical case and its control with, for the first time, moxidectin long acting (Cydectin ®LA).
Commemorative and clinical description:
An adult neutered male llama (Lama glama) was presented for examination with a history of a severe long lasting (3 years) and recurrent itch and crust formation. Three years ago, scabies had been diagnosed by a local vet on the basis of clinical signs; the animal was treated several times with ivermectin (Ivomec®) injectable and phoxim (Sarnacuran®). After each treatment there was a marked clinical improvement but relapse was the rule within 1 to 2 months. During the two years preceeding our first visit the animal had received local applications of Sarnacuran every two to three weeks wich resulted in incomplete control. None of the owners had reported skin lesions compatible with scabies. On February 27th 2009 the animal showed a marked pruritus accompanied by very thick scabs and alopecia on the face (around the mouth and ears), shoulders, forelegs, hindlegs, abdomen, flanks and the tail (Fig. 1). Clinical examination revealed a fairly good general condition. Abnormalities were limited to the skin. Skin scrapings were taken and numerous Sarcoptes scabiei mites were subsequently detected microscopically (Fig. 2).
Treatments and follow-up:
On February 27th 2009, sedation and analgesia were performed via the intramuscular administration of xylazine (Vexylan®) at 0.5 mg/kg. The scabs were humidified with a camomile infusion and a maximum of material was removed and destroyed. Then the llama was treated with 10% moxidectin (Cydectin LA®) at 1 mg/kg by subcutaneous injection at the basis of the ear. On April 6th 2009, a very marked clinical improvement was observed (Fig. 3): most of the scabs had dissapeared and hair regrowth in previously alopecic area was observed. Skin scrapings were negative. However, some pruritus was still observed and a second treatment with Cydectin LA was given. The llama was visited on 29th May and the clinical condition of the animal has further improved. As some pruritus persisted a last treatment with Cydectin LA at the same dosage was given. On June 11th 2009, the owner notice almost a disappearance of pruritus and few lesions persist only on tail. The llama will be follow–up during summer.
Discussion and conclusion:
During a concurrent sarcoptic and chorioptic acariosis in a British llama (Curtis et al., 2001) the authors gave ivermectine (Panomec®) by subcutaneous injection at a dose of 200 µg/kg at weekly intervals for four weeks and a single topical application of 0.25% fipronil solution (Frontline®). By the end of the treatment period the results were similar to our moxidectin protocol. At our knowledge, this is the first time Cydecin LA is used in llama for the treatment of scabies. Its systemic activity and its long acting are two advantages and furthermore no local or sytemic adverse reactions were observed. This study shows that moxidectin is a good alternative for the treatment of scabies in llama.
Fig. 1 Thick scabs and alopecia on the face, forelegs, hindlegs, abdomen and flanks on February 27th 2009. Fig. 2 Sarcoptes scabiei
Fig. 3 Important reduction of scabs and generalized hair regrowth 91 days post
