Lungworm
Crenosoma vulpis or lungworm is common in the United States. Symptoms include coughing and respiratory distress. Lungworm can lead to death. Diagnosis can be determined in post-mortum or necropsy exam. Larvae are excreted in the feces and become infective after one […]
Nosema Cuniculi
This is reported as being a sporadic problem, in Norway, in blue foxes. It is transmitted by healthy appearing femlaes to unborn young. Most in a litter will die. Symptoms include loss of balance, weakness, and convulsions. Laboratory test reveal […]
Coccidia
Coccidia is a protozoan parasite that will cause loose or bloody stools and unthriftiness. It can be diagnosed easily with a fecal exam. It will usually affect juvenile animals as adults can develop immunity against the parasite. Treatment with Corid […]
Mange Mites
These are mite infections of the skin. While common in wild foxes, it appears to be less common under ranch conditions. Female mites burrow just under the skin to lay eggs. This causes severe irritation and itching. The skin is […]
Ear Mites
These are very common in foxes. Black debris and irritated ears (internal) are suggestive. Irritation is due to mites deep in the ear canal. They are very small but easily seen under a microscope in the laboratory. In severe cases, […]
Hookworms (Ancylostoma)
These are a more serious problem in young animals. The worms are active blood suckers in the gut causing anemia, dark stools and death if present in large numbers. Their life cycle is somewhat similar to roundworms. However, infective larvae […]
Nervousness
Russian workers carried out a atudy on two groups of foxes. One had been selected over a number of years for quietness and ease of handling. The second group was wild and aggressive. Animals were killed and brains analyzed for […]