Hormonal and behavioral changes induced by acute and chronic experimental infestation with Psoroptes cuniculi in the domestic rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus

Abstract

BackgroundParasitic diseases are important in animal production because they cause high economic losses. Affected animals often exhibit stereotypical behavioral alterations such as anorexia and inactivity, among others. Among the diseases that commonly affect domestic rabbits is mange, which is caused by the mite Psoroptes cuniculi. Therefore, within the context of the host-parasite relationship, it is critical to understand the mechanisms involved in the alteration of host behavior, in order to better utilize sick animal behavior as a strategy for diagnosis and treatment of disease.MethodsRabbits were infested placing mites in the ear conduct. We characterized changes in exploratory behavior and scent marking evoked by acute (1-9 days) and chronic (25-33 days) experimental infestation. Behavior was recorded during ten minutes while the animals were in a 120 cm × 120 cm open field arena divided into 9 squares. Serum cortisol was measured individually using radioimmunoassay kits. Locomotor activity, chinning, rearing and body weight were compared using a Friedman test, the effect of treatment (infested versus non-infested) across time was analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA, and the Pearson test was used to determine whether chinning and ambulation scores were significantly correlated. Serum cortisol levels and food consumption were analyzed with a Kruskal-Wallis test and body temperature was analyzed with an ANOVA test.ResultsWe observed a significant decrease in rearing behavior as early as two days post-infestation, while chinning and locomotor activity were significantly decreased four days post-infestation. Chronic infestation was associated with decreased food intake, significant weight loss, and a trend toward increased serum cortisol levels, while no changes were observed in body temperature.ConclusionsThe presence of visible lesions within the ear canal is commonly used to detect mite infestation in rabbits, but this is possible only after chronic infestation. The behaviors described here may be a useful and economic tool in guiding the early diagnosis of parasitic infestation by P. cuniculi, allowing for early treatment and the application of control measures before significant weight loss occurs, thereby avoiding economic losses.

Psoroptes sp. Infestation in Sulawesi Bear Cuscus (Ailurops ursinus) in Indonesia

“…The mite causes intense pruritus with formation of crusts and scabs, which can completely fill the external ear canal and internal surface of the pinnae in untreated animals (Perrucci et al, 2005). In the rabbit, it is important to mention that in present study, lesions in the experimental infestation with the mite werw detected after 21 day post infestation (Hallal-Calleros et al, 2013) However, this study, Cuscus presented pruritis, alopecic and weight loss. Clinical examination revealed severe bilateral lesions in both pinnae, and erythematous, and alopecic skin lesions with pruritis on the ventral abdomen, perianal and extremities (Figure 1).…”

Morphologic and Genotypic Characterization of Psoroptes Mites from Water Buffaloes in Egypt

“…Coproantigens of mites may cause hypersensitivities in affected hosts [ 10 , 11 ]. These lead to hair loss, reduced weight gain and, in severe cases, death due to dehydration, pneumonia or bacterial septicaemia [ 12 , 13 ].…”

The Effect of Ivermectin Injection on Some Clinicopathological Parameters in Camels Naturally Infested with Scabies

“…Second, rearrangement of the circulatory leukocytes and shifting more neutrophils from marginated pool to circulating pool on expanse of lymphocytes (this caused the noted lymphocytopenia in DG) (Momenah, 2014;Zahid, 2015;Abdel-Saeed, 2020). The stress and hypercortisoliemia, frequently reported with the disease, may also involve in the depicted eosinophilia in DG (Hallal-Calleros et al, 2013).…”