Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Diagnosing and treating suspected neurocuterebriasis in cats
By Chen, Xin Yu Wei & James, Fiona M K·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2025·Department of Clinical Studies, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Antemortem diagnostic tests and treatment outcomes using ivermectin in 13 cases of presumptive feline neurocuterebriasis.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Thirteen cats with neurological problems were treated with a 3-day protocol using ivermectin, diphenhydramine, and dexamethasone. Most of these cats were young to middle-aged and had outdoor access, with some showing signs of upper respiratory illness before their neurological issues. After treatment, 10 out of 13 cats showed improvement, while 3 had to be euthanized due to worsening symptoms. This suggests that the ivermectin treatment could be a helpful option for cats with certain neurological conditions.
People also search for: cat neurological problems treatment · ivermectin for cats · feline encephalomyelopathy symptoms
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Limited reports exist on the antemortem presumptive diagnosis and treatment of feline neurocuterebriasis. A 3-day treatment protocol reported for 3 cats had no adverse effects. This protocol comprised ivermectin (0.4 mg/kg), diphenhydramine (4 mg/kg), and dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg) given q24h. OBJECTIVE: To describe the treatment outcomes for cats that received the 3-day ivermectin protocol and antemortem diagnostic methods used before. ANIMALS AND PROCEDURE: Medical records from a single veterinary referral centre were searched to identify cats treated with the 3-day protocol. Variables extracted included signalment, season, history, neurological examination findings, and advanced diagnostic tests, as well as outcomes based on follow-up. RESULTS: Thirteen cats were diagnosed based on advanced imaging. Ten of 13 also underwent cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Other diagnostic factors included season (July through September), signalment (young to middle-aged), lifestyle (outdoor access), history (7/13 cats showed upper respiratory signs preceding neurological deficits), and clinical signs (central neurological deficits). After being treated with the 3-day ivermectin protocol, 10/13 cats improved. Three cats were euthanized after showing worsening clinical signs. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Outcomes using the 3-day ivermectin protocol appeared favorable. This provided insight about a treatment option for a periodic cause of feline encephalomyelopathy that has potential for deployment in first-opinion practice.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39781413/