Disease Summary

Alternative Names (Synonyms)

See also: 

• Chorioptic Mange in Hedgehogs
• Demodex Infection in Hedgehogs
• Notoedres Mange in Hedgehogs
• Otodectes cynotis Ear Mite Infection in Hedgehogs
• Sarcoptic mange

Disease Type

Infectious/Non-Infectious Agent associated with the Disease

• Life cycle takes three weeks. (B272.1.w1)
• Only the adult mite is sexually dimorphic, not the egg, larva, protonymph or tritonymph. (B272.1.w1)
• The tritonymph and the adult possess genital suckers. (B272.1.w1)
• Fertilisation takes place as the female adult emerges from the tritonymph. (B272.1.w1)
• Eggs are laid singly, firmly attached to the skin of the host hedgehog. (B272.1.w1)
• These mites have short mouthparts with blunt chewing chelicerae which they use to feed on the stratum corneum of the skin or on epidermal debris. (B272.1.w1)
• These mites have short tarsal hooks and caruncles but no body spines, and they lack hooks on the main leg segments. (B272.1.w1)

Infective "Taxa"

• Caparinia tripilis  - Psoroptidae (Family)

Non-infective agents

Physical agents

References

Disease Author

Major References / Reviews

Code and Title List

Other References

Code and Title List

Detailed Clinical and Pathological Characteristics

Clinical Characteristics

• Scabby eczema and depilation may be present. (B272.1.w1)
• This may be localised. (B272.1.w1)

• Very small white mites may be seen - just visible to the naked eye. (J15.21.w1); they may be active and visibly moving. (B259.w7)
• Skin may be scurfy or scaly. (J15.21.w1)
• Spines may be lost. (J15.21.w1)
• Severe mange may be seen. (B156.7.w7)
• Secondary bacterial infection may occur.  (J18.38.w1).
• Scabby lesions and hair loss may be seen. (B272.1.w1)
• In one group of affected hedgehogs the following signs were described: skin of the pinna and on the back between the spines dry and thickened with excessive scaling (dry flakes), particularly on the ear margins. Later quill loss in one animal. No pruritis. (J2.14.w3)

In New Zealand the following stages were described for Caparinia tripilis infection:

• In mild infections, isolated mites are found, usually on the face, ears, inner surfaces of the legs and along the flanks.
• In moderate infections mites are found gathered in clusters and may be burrowing into the skin of the nose and cheeks, the inner sides of the legs and the flanks, while the ears are scaly (may be due to associated ringworm (See: Ringworm in Hedgehogs)). The skin is thickened and the hedgehog scratches excessively. (J10.22.w1)
• In severe infections the skin is thickened, folded and may crack, with bleeding where lesions are broken. The skin is covered with dry crusts. Spines may fall out and the hedgehog may be unable to roll up fully. The ears may be thickened (cauliflower ears) and may bleed. Crusts around the eyes may cause functional blindness. Secondary bacterial infection and myiasis may occur. (J10.22.w1)
• In advanced cases animals may wander during daylight in a "confused state", lie unrolled on their sides, or half-hunched and young (small) individuals may fall into a hypothermic torpor prior to death. (J10.22.w1)
• Recovery from severe infection occurs occasionally, with bald patches remaining on the back or flanks when a previously severely infected animal is seen active again. (J10.22.w1)

Infection with Caparinia erinacei in Kenya:

• Mites were more abundant on the dorsal than the ventral body and were rare on the face.
• Clusters of mites were found at the base of growing spines; the mouth of the follicle was  often enlarged.
• Skin lesions: Scaly lesions were described.  (J157.82.w1)
• Histopathology: Mild acanthosis with vacuolation and hyperkeratosis in some individuals, plus increased numbers of mast cells in the dermis.  (J157.82.w1)

In Atelerix albiventris - Four-toed hedgehog:

• Skin scaling, loss of quills and hair, ear margin keratitis, pruritis and/or otitis. (J204.59.w1)

Incubation

• Severe infections may develop within three months. (J10.22.w1)

Mortality / Morbidity

• Direct injury to the host is generally minimal except with heavy infestations. (B272.1.w1)

• Infections are more common in males than in females (46% versus 26%) and in adults than in juveniles (41% and 16% respectively), in New Zealand. (J10.22.w1)
• Severe infections may lead to death and to a 50% increase in mortality during hibernation in New Zealand; death has also been reported associated with severe infections in Erinaceus europaeus in Germany. (J10.22.w1)

Pathology

Human Health Considerations

Disease has been reported in either the wild or in captivity in:

• Caparinia tripilis mange, sometimes severe, in hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus - West European Hedgehog) in New Zealand. (J10.22.w1)
• Caparinia tripilis infection recorded in the European hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus. (B272.1.w1)
• Caparinia tripilis was reported to be found in about 10% of hedgehogs brought to one wildlife hospital in Britain. (B259.w7)
• Caparinia erinacei has been reported on Erinaceus [Atelerix] frontalis (Atelerix frontalis - South African hedgehog) in South Africa and on Erinaceus [Atelerix] albiventris (Atelerix albiventris - Four-toed hedgehog) in Kenya. It was recorded on 48/68 (72%) Erinaceus albiventris in Kenya and was most abundant on the dorsal body. (J157.82.w1)
• Caparinia sp. on four  hedgehogs (Erinaceus spp.) at St Louis Zoo causing scaling and quill loss. (J2.14.w3)
• Caparinia tripilis mange in one wild hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in the UK, in a survey of 74 dead hedgehogs. (J3.128.w2)
• Caparinia sp. (? tripilis) mites together with Staphylococcus pyogenes infection in a hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus from a collection in the UK, with "mange-like lesions and skin ulceration." (J46.173.w1)
• Generalised infection with Caparinia sp. mites was diagnosed in a three-year old male captive European hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus in the USA. (J196.96.w2)
• In Atelerix albiventris hedgehogs in USA. (J204.59.w1)

Further information on Host species has only been incorporated for  species groups for which a full Wildpro "Health and Management" module has been completed (i.e. for which a comprehensive literature review has been undertaken). Host species with further information available are listed below:

Host Species List

• Atelerix albiventris - Four-toed hedgehog
• Atelerix frontalis - South African hedgehog
• Erinaceus europaeus - West European Hedgehog

(List does not contain all other species groups affected by this disease)

Disease has been specifically reported in Free-ranging populations of:

• Caparinia tripilis mange, sometimes severe, in hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus - West European Hedgehog) in New Zealand. (J10.22.w1)
• Caparinia tripilis infection recorded in the European hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus. (B272.1.w1)
• Caparinia tripilis was reported to be found in about 10% of hedgehogs brought to one wildlife hospital in Britain. (B259.w7)
• Caparinia erinacei has been reported on Erinaceus [Atelerix] frontalis (Atelerix frontalis - South African hedgehog) in South Africa and on Erinaceus [Atelerix] albiventris in Kenya. It was recorded on 48/68 (72%) Erinaceus [Atelerix] albiventris (Atelerix albiventris - Four-toed hedgehog) in Kenya and was most abundant on the dorsal body. (J157.82.w1)
• Caparinia tripilis mange in one wild hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in the UK, in a survey of 74 dead hedgehogs. (J3.128.w2)

Further information on Host species has only been incorporated for  species groups for which a full Wildpro "Health and Management" module has been completed (i.e. for which a comprehensive literature review has been undertaken). Host species with further information available are listed below:

Host Species List

• Atelerix albiventris - Four-toed hedgehog
• Atelerix frontalis - South African hedgehog
• Erinaceus europaeus - West European Hedgehog

(List does not contain all other species groups affected by this disease)

General Information on Environmental Factors/Events and Seasonality

• In New Zealand a higher proportion of mangy animals were observed in winter; this may have been due to the greater activity of mangy animals, since only active (non-hibernating) animals were examined. (J10.22.w1)

Regions / Countries where the Infectious Agent or Disease has been recorded

• Europe including Britain, New Zealand, Africa, USA. (J2.14.w3, J3.128.w2, J10.22.w1, J46.173.w1, J157.82.w1, J196.96.w2, J204.59.w1, B259.w7, B272.1.w1)

Regions / Countries where the Infectious Agent or Disease has been recorded in Free-ranging populations

• Europe including Britain, New Zealand, Africa (J3.128.w2, J10.22.w1, J46.173.w1, J157.82.w1,B259.w7, B272.1.w1)

General Information on Investigation / Diagnosis

• Presence of mites (white) just visible to the naked eye (J15.21.w1, B259.w7)
• Powdery deposit on cheeks and around ears (B151).
• Sellotape impression slides may aid in diagnosis (V.w26).
• Skin scrape: presence of Caparinia mites. (B150.w1, B228.9.w9, B272.1.w1, J2.14.w3, J204.59.w1, V.w26)
  • Scrapings from skin and lesions, heated gently in 0.5% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and examined microscopically. (J10.22.w1)
  • Caparinia mites have short mouthparts with blunt chewing chelicerae, short tarsal hooks and caruncles but no body spines, and they lack hooks on the main leg segments. (B272.1.w1)
  • Repeat scrapings several months after treatment to check that the parasite has been eradicated. (B150.w1)

Note: May occur as a synergistic infection with Ringworm. (J15.21.w1)

• Physical Examination of Mammals
• Necropsy of Mammals
• Chapter 2 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen Collection and Preservation
• Chapter 3 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen shipment
• Appendix A - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Sample specimen history form

Similar Diseases (Differential Diagnosis)

• Other mange mite infections. N.B. It has been suggested that Chorioptes sp. mange may be diagnosed in hedgehogs which have Caparinia sp. mange.(J204.59.w1)
• See:
  • Chorioptic Mange in Hedgehogs
  • Demodex Infection in Hedgehogs
  • Notoedres Mange in Hedgehogs
  • Otodectes cynotis Ear Mite Infection in Hedgehogs
  • Sarcoptic mange
• Note: May occur as a synergistic infection with Ringworm. (J15.21.w1)

Specific Medical Treatment

• Ivermectin. Topical application, a few drops of Ivomec (Merial Animal Health) diluted 1:9 with propylene glycol. (J15.21.w1).
• Ivermectin (Ivomec Injection for Cattle, Merial Animal Health) 400µg/kg, (if mixed 1:9 with propylene glycol, then 0.4 ml/kg)  (B151); 200µg/kg orally or subcutaneous injection. (B156.7.w7, B228.11.w11)
• Ivermectin 0.2mg/kg subcutaneously (use Ivomec mixed 1 part to none parts propylene glycol) (B156.7.w7)
• Ivermectin (Ivomec), 0.2 to 0.4 mg/kg orally or subcutaneously, three doses at two week intervals for mite infections. (B150.w1)
• Ivermectin (Ivomec), 0.2 to 0.5 mg/kg orally or subcutaneously (dose given for Atelerix albiventris - Four-toed hedgehog), three doses at two week intervals; alternatively Amitraz dip. (J204.59.w1)
• Alugan dip (bromclyclene) [this is no longer available in the UK], allowing the hedgehog to drip-dry under a heat lamp after it has been treated; repeat after ten days. (B259.w7)
• It has been recommended that the environment in which a hedgehog with mange has been kept should be treated with an appropriate acaricide. (J204.59.w1)

• Subcutaneous Injection of Hedgehogs
• Treatment and Care - General

General Nursing and Surgical Techniques

• Treatment and Care - General

Preventative Measures

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• Treatment and Care - General

Environmental and Population  Control Measures

HEDGEHOGS

• It has been recommended that the environment in which a hedgehog with mange has been kept should be treated with an appropriate acaricide. (J204.59.w1)

• Environmental and Population Management - General