Demodectic Mange Associated With Lymphoma in a Ferret

Clinical demodicosis is rare in the ferret, and in other species this condition is commonly associated with concurrent immunosuppression. A 4-year-old ferret was examined for alopecia of the face and tail. Skin scrapings of the face and otic cerumen preparations revealed the presence of a large number of Demodex species. The ferret was also diagnosed with adrenal cortical disease based on clinical signs and elevated blood estradiol. Dermatologic lesions improved with oral ivermectin treatment, but the ferret re-presented for lethargy, weight loss, and anorexia 3 weeks later. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirates from an enlarged mesenteric lymph node and the spleen revealed cytologic abnormalities consistent with high-grade lymphoma. This case description is the first, to our knowledge, of spontaneous clinical demodicosis in a ferret.