Could fox pose a risk to our dog?

QWe have occasionally seen a fox at the bottom of our garden. It looks worse for wear and has lost fur in patches across many parts of its body. Could this be some form of mange and is our golden retriever at risk?

AMange is the term for a parasitic mite infestation of the skin. The two most common mites that cause mange in dogs are sarcoptes scabiei (sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies) and demodex canis (demodectic mange, also known as demodicosis).

Sarcoptic mange in foxes is very common, and the third most common cause of death. Most cases in dogs are caught from other dogs, but foxes are a possible source of contagion so, in answer to your question, there is a risk to your dog if the fox has a den or resting place in your garden and your dog visits the area.

Scabies is an unpleasant disease because it causes an almost intolerable itch. Foxes in particular rapidly become emaciated and succumb to other infections, especially when the weather is extremely cold. It is very likely that the fox you have seen is affected by sarcoptic mange. In dogs there are relatively mild signs at first, with itchiness around the face and ears.

Without treatment there is a steady deterioration with incessant scratching. Highly effective treatments are available from your vet.

Many are also used for prevention and your vet will advise on the best product for your dog.

QWe live in the countryside and our cats have the run of our garden. Some of our friends have told us that cats can catch fleas from wild rabbits. Is this true, how would we know and do conventional treatments work?

ACats have their own species of flea, ctenocephalides, and, if there are untreated cats in the neighbourhood, it is likely that this will be the species living on your cat.

Your friends are correct, however, in telling you that wild rabbit fleas can infest domestic cats.

This is more likely in warm summer months, though, if your cats roam into rabbit territory.

The wild rabbit species is called spilopsyllus, which is an example of a ‘stick tight’ flea. This means it embeds its mouthparts in the skin making it very difficult for a cat or rabbit to dislodge it while it feeds.

In cats, these fleas are usually seen in clusters stuck to the inside edge of the ear.

With careful inspection you will have no difficulty in finding them.

If the cat is unfortunate enough to develop an allergy to the bites it will cause a lot of ear inflammation, and the fleas will be less numerous due to prolonged scratching.

There are other examples of stick tight fleas in animals, including one in poultry.

Licensed flea products from your vet that are absorbed through the skin, or given by mouth, are effective in reducing attachment or killing any fleas that do attach themselves.