STUDIES ON PATHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF SARCOPTES SCABIEI INFESTATION ON VARIOUS ORGANS IN RABBITS IN THE STATE OF CHHATTISGARH

Abstract

New Zealand white crossbreed rabbits belonging to both sexes and age group between 5 months to 1.5 years were presented for postmortem examination within a span of 8 months in the Department of Veterinary pathology, College of Veterinary Science and AH, DSVCKV, Anjora, Durg, C.G.  The rabbits were reared in the rabbit unit  and small animal unit in different flooring systems of the institution. It was noted that the rabbits were having scabs around the eyes, mouth and ears which fully covered the organs. There was hyperkeratosis and thickening of ear pinna. Alopecia was noticed around the nose, lips, legs, abdomen, perianal region, and genitalia. The animals were emaciated and some were very cachectic. Gross examination revealed that the, lungs were adhered to the thoracic cavity along with some showing whitish deposition in the lungs covering it fully.  Urinary bladder showed turbid fluid. The lesion scoring for skin  near mouth, ear pinna, areas near eyes, legs etc.  was 4 which was very severe form of the disease. Microscopical examination of potassium hydroxide digested skin scrapings of the lesion showed Sarcoptes scabiei.  Tissue samples were observed  with routine histopathological examination for complications of suppurative pneumonia along with liver and urinary bladder lesions. Observation on flooring systems of rearing also indicated and gave insight into the mite infestation and its relevant outcome.