Stress Reduction in Alpaca (<i>Vicugna pacos</i>) Mange Management
Stress and dermatosis or itching are strictly related to mange caused by <i>Sarcoptes</i> spp. and <i>Chorioptes</i> spp. mites, which are particularly stressful in alpacas. Treatment is challenging due to limited options, poor response, and low topical efficacy. Paradoxicall...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-11-01
|
| Series: | Veterinary Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/11/11/587 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1846152262515163136 |
|---|---|
| author | Marilena Bolcato Mariana Roccaro Filippo Maria Dini Arcangelo Gentile Angelo Peli |
| author_facet | Marilena Bolcato Mariana Roccaro Filippo Maria Dini Arcangelo Gentile Angelo Peli |
| author_sort | Marilena Bolcato |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Stress and dermatosis or itching are strictly related to mange caused by <i>Sarcoptes</i> spp. and <i>Chorioptes</i> spp. mites, which are particularly stressful in alpacas. Treatment is challenging due to limited options, poor response, and low topical efficacy. Paradoxically, veterinary procedures can exacerbate stress, worsening the clinical conditions of these fragile prey species. This case report aims to highlight the key role of stress in the onset and evolution of dermatological diseases. Three alpacas, introduced to an animal theme park, developed dermatological issues three months later. Clinical exams revealed mild itching, and alopecic and hyperkeratotic lesions on their ears, belly, and limbs. Skin scrapings confirmed <i>Sarcoptes scabiei</i> and <i>Chorioptes bovis</i>. Subcutaneous ivermectin was administered at 0.2 mg/kg, repeated at 7, 14, and 21 days. Weekly inspections monitored disease progression and stress responses, including increased vigilance, running, jumping, vocalizations, tachycardia, and tachypnoea. Due to the persistent stress and despite positive parasitological test results, treatment was suspended after day 21, with remote disease monitoring. A month later, the parasitological exam was negative, and three months later, all alpacas showed no clinical signs of complete hair regrowth. Understanding and addressing stress in alpacas is vital in veterinary practice for effective disease management and overall well-being. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4f2b74f9a5844ef68b2e95dd55d4edff |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2306-7381 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-11-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Veterinary Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-4f2b74f9a5844ef68b2e95dd55d4edff2024-11-26T18:25:04ZengMDPI AGVeterinary Sciences2306-73812024-11-01111158710.3390/vetsci11110587Stress Reduction in Alpaca (<i>Vicugna pacos</i>) Mange ManagementMarilena Bolcato0Mariana Roccaro1Filippo Maria Dini2Arcangelo Gentile3Angelo Peli4Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Bologna, ItalyDepartment for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Corso D’Augusto, 237, 47921 Rimini, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Bologna, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Bologna, ItalyDepartment for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Corso D’Augusto, 237, 47921 Rimini, ItalyStress and dermatosis or itching are strictly related to mange caused by <i>Sarcoptes</i> spp. and <i>Chorioptes</i> spp. mites, which are particularly stressful in alpacas. Treatment is challenging due to limited options, poor response, and low topical efficacy. Paradoxically, veterinary procedures can exacerbate stress, worsening the clinical conditions of these fragile prey species. This case report aims to highlight the key role of stress in the onset and evolution of dermatological diseases. Three alpacas, introduced to an animal theme park, developed dermatological issues three months later. Clinical exams revealed mild itching, and alopecic and hyperkeratotic lesions on their ears, belly, and limbs. Skin scrapings confirmed <i>Sarcoptes scabiei</i> and <i>Chorioptes bovis</i>. Subcutaneous ivermectin was administered at 0.2 mg/kg, repeated at 7, 14, and 21 days. Weekly inspections monitored disease progression and stress responses, including increased vigilance, running, jumping, vocalizations, tachycardia, and tachypnoea. Due to the persistent stress and despite positive parasitological test results, treatment was suspended after day 21, with remote disease monitoring. A month later, the parasitological exam was negative, and three months later, all alpacas showed no clinical signs of complete hair regrowth. Understanding and addressing stress in alpacas is vital in veterinary practice for effective disease management and overall well-being.https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/11/11/587alpacamixed mangestressmanagementtreatmentanimal welfare |
| spellingShingle | Marilena Bolcato Mariana Roccaro Filippo Maria Dini Arcangelo Gentile Angelo Peli Stress Reduction in Alpaca (<i>Vicugna pacos</i>) Mange Management Veterinary Sciences alpaca mixed mange stress management treatment animal welfare |
| title | Stress Reduction in Alpaca (<i>Vicugna pacos</i>) Mange Management |
| title_full | Stress Reduction in Alpaca (<i>Vicugna pacos</i>) Mange Management |
| title_fullStr | Stress Reduction in Alpaca (<i>Vicugna pacos</i>) Mange Management |
| title_full_unstemmed | Stress Reduction in Alpaca (<i>Vicugna pacos</i>) Mange Management |
| title_short | Stress Reduction in Alpaca (<i>Vicugna pacos</i>) Mange Management |
| title_sort | stress reduction in alpaca i vicugna pacos i mange management |
| topic | alpaca mixed mange stress management treatment animal welfare |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/11/11/587 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT marilenabolcato stressreductioninalpacaivicugnapacosimangemanagement AT marianaroccaro stressreductioninalpacaivicugnapacosimangemanagement AT filippomariadini stressreductioninalpacaivicugnapacosimangemanagement AT arcangelogentile stressreductioninalpacaivicugnapacosimangemanagement AT angelopeli stressreductioninalpacaivicugnapacosimangemanagement |