Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual (1998)

mink, wolverines, and badgers. Recently, a case of Chagas' disease caused by Trypanosomiasiscruzi was reported in a striped skunk from California. Histopathological findings included myocarditisand meningoencephalitis.External parasites of mustelids include fleas, ticks, lice, and mites, including Sarcoptes scabei. Earmites (Otodectes cynotis) have been reported in ferrets and wolverines. Infestation of young ferretand mink kits by the flesh fly (Wohlfahrtia vigil) causes pruritis and restlessness as the fly larvaepenetrate the skin and cause abscessation. Mothers will often remove the kits from the nest resulting indeath from exposure. Early identification and treatment of the disease using local and systemic therapycan improve survivability. Cuterebra and Hypoderma bovis larvae have also been reported inmustelids. Filaria taxideae causes an exudative dermatitis on the ventrum of badgers. Ova and larvaecan be found in skin scrapings. Adults have been found in the heart, peritoneal cavity, and skeletalmuscle fascia.Miscellaneous DiseasesNeonatal mortalityNeonatal mortality in small-clawed otters is most commonly due to septicemia, buy starvation andhypothermia are also common in the first four weeks of life. Trauma and cannibalism also occurfrequently and are more of a problem with large litters. Neonatal losses can be minimized by providingsecluded nest boxes with sufficient bedding, insuring adequate nutrition for the dam, and providing foodand water to the young beginning at two to three weeks of age. With large litters, cross fostering orhand rearing can improve survivability.Energy demands during lactation are quite high in mustelids. Animals on a commercial dog or cat fooddiet may require additional protein supplementation during lactation.Hypocalcemia may affect ferrets approximately 3-4 weeks postpartum and pregnancy toxemia hasbeen described in domestic ferrets both pre- and postpartum. Poor nutrition has been implicated as acause, but this is not proven. Post mortem findings usually include hepatic lipidosis.Both mink and ferrets are afflicted with a syndrome known as agalactia or "nursing sickness". Thisgenerally occurs 5-6 weeks postpartum before the kits are completely weaned, but it can occur evenafter weaning. Clinical signs include lethargy, weight loss, ataxia, weakness, and coma. Occasionallyhemolytic anemia can occur. The cause of the disease is unknown, but diets high in polyunsaturated fatsmay predispose animals to the condition. Some authors believe the condition is due to a sodium chloridedeficiency. Hepatic lipidosis is often seen on post mortem examination. Offering food and water to kitsbeginning at 2-3 weeks of age will help prevent the disease.Aplastic anemia due to the hyperestrogenism occurs in unbred domestic ferrets due to a prolongedestrus. This condition has not been reported in any other mustelid. It is believed that the domestic ferretis highly susceptible to the effects of estrogen.It is not uncommon for both male and female mustelids to develop a partial alopecia during theAsian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual/Health Care-38-