Mites are tiny arthropods that belong to the class Arachnida, which also includes spiders, scorpions, and ticks. There are many species of mites, some of which are parasitic and can cause health problems in animals. In horses, mites are known to be a cause of skin disease, and can contribute to the development of a condition called Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL), which is a chronic and debilitating disease that affects the lymphatic system of horses. In this article, we will explore the role of mites in CPL in horses.
CPL is a condition that is characterized by swelling and hardening of the limbs, typically the hind legs, due to accumulation of fluid and fibrous tissue in the lymphatic vessels and tissues. CPL can cause pain, lameness, and skin infections, and can severely impact the quality of life of affected horses. The exact causes of CPL are not well understood, but it is believed to be a multifactorial disease that involves genetic, environmental, and infectious factors.
One of the infectious factors that has been implicated in the development of CPL in horses is mites. Specifically, the two species of mites that have been associated with CPL are the chorioptes mite (Chorioptes bovis) and the sarcoptic mange mite (Sarcoptes scabiei).
The chorioptes mite is a non-burrowing mite that lives on the surface of the skin, particularly in areas of the body that are covered with hair, such as the legs and tail. Chorioptes mites feed on the skin and can cause irritation, itching, and hair loss. In horses, chorioptic mange is a common skin disease that is caused by infestation with chorioptes mites. While chorioptic mange is not directly related to CPL, it has been suggested that chronic infestation with chorioptes mites can contribute to the development of CPL by causing damage to the lymphatic vessels and tissues, and by triggering an inflammatory response When chewing the legs.
The sarcoptic mange mite, on the other hand, is a burrowing mite that tunnels into the skin and causes intense itching and inflammation. Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious skin disease that can affect horses, as well as other animals and humans. While sarcoptic mange is not a common cause of CPL in horses, it has been reported that horses with CPL are more likely to be infested with sarcoptic mange.
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Written by GHP