Ectoparasites

Sarcoptes ( Scabies)

Common Name	Species Affected	Zoonotic?	Key Signs	Diagnosis	Treatment
Scabies	Dogs, cats, humans	Yes	Intense itch, alopecia	Skin scrape	Selamectin x3 (2-wk intervals)

Otodectes cynotis ( Ear mites)

Parasite

Common Name

Species Affected

Zoonotic?

Key Signs

Diagnosis

Treatment

Otodectes cynotis

Ear mite

Dogs, cats, ferrets

Rare

Ear scratching, head shaking/tilt,  dark discharge

Otoscope, swab + oil

Milbemite, Revolution, etc.

Demodex spp

Parasite

Common Name

Species Affected

Zoonotic?

Key Signs

Diagnosis

Treatment

Demodex spp.

Mange mite

Dogs, cats, humans

No

Alopecia (non-pruritic)

Skin scrape

Benzoyl peroxide shampoo, Doramectin

Cheyletiella spp.

Parasite

Common Name

Species Affected

Zoonotic?

Key Signs

Diagnosis

Treatment

Cheyletiella spp.

Walking dandruff

Very common in rabbits. Dogs and cats are seen but not as common as rabbits.

Yes

Pruritus, dandruff

Flea comb + movement

Ivermectin, Pyrethrin

Trombicula spp.

Parasite

Common Name

Species Affected

Zoonotic?

Key Signs

Diagnosis

Treatment

Trombicula spp.

Chiggers

Mammals, birds, reptiles

Yes

Intense itch, lesions

Skin observation + slide

Pyrethrin shampoo

Ticks (various)

Ctenocephalides spp.

Parasite

Common Name

Species Affected

Zoonotic?

Key Signs

Diagnosis

Treatment

Ctenocephalides spp.

Fleas

Mammals

Yes

Pruritus, flea allergy dermatitis

Flea comb, flea dirt

Monthly prevention, shampoos

Pediculus spp.

Parasite

Common Name

Species Affected

Zoonotic?

Key Signs

Diagnosis

Treatment

Pediculus spp.

Lice

Host-specific

No

Itching, eggs (nits)

Flea comb + microscope

Fipronil, selamectin

Flies (various)

Parasite

Common Name

Species Affected

Zoonotic?

Key Signs

Diagnosis

Treatment

Flies (various)

Bot flies, Maggots

Many species

Yes

Myiasis, hypersensitivity

Visual

Remove larvae, wound care

Fly Strike: Flies lay eggs on animals, developing into maggots that feed on necrotic flesh, causing tissue damage and secondary infections.

Babesia spp

Parasite

Transmission

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Babesia spp.

Tick

Anemia, collapse

Blood smear, PCR, ELISA

Atovaquone + azithromycin or imidocarb

Tick prevention

Anaplasma phagocytophilum

Parasite

Transmission

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Anaplasma phagocytophilum

Tick

Fever, joint pain

ELISA, IFA, PCR

Doxycycline (2-4 wks)

Tick prevention

Ehrlichia spp.

Parasite

Transmission

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Ehrlichia spp.

Tick

Bleeding, fever

ELISA, smear, PCR

Doxycycline

Tick control

Dirofilaria immitis (Heartworm)

Parasite

Transmission

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Dirofilaria immitis (Heartworm)

Mosquito

Cough, exercise intolerance

Snap test (ELISA), Knott’s

Heartworm meds

Monthly preventatives