Demodicosis in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

This report describes the clinical signs, diagnosis, and therapy of demodicosis in ferrets. Two ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) were presented with a history of local alopecia and pruritus after repeated treatment with a glucocorticoid-containing ointment for recurrent ear mite infections. Skin scrapings and biopsies revealed adult mites and larvae of Demodex spp., which were measured according to current classification techniques. Treatment with amitraz was effective and did not cause noticeable side effects. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of demodicosis in ferrets.