Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Contagious itchy skin disease from Demodex gatoi mites in Finnish cats
By Saari, Seppo A M et al.·Published in Acta veterinaria Scandinavica·2009·Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences (FINPAR)·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Demodex gatoi-associated contagious pruritic dermatosis in cats--a report from six households in Finland.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Ten cats from six different households in Finland were found to have a contagious skin condition caused by a type of mite called Demodex gatoi. The affected cats, including breeds like Cornish Rex and Burmese, showed symptoms like intense itching, hair loss, and skin irritation. Diagnosing the problem involved examining skin samples for the mites, while other skin issues were ruled out. Treatments varied, with some households successfully using amitraz, lime sulfur dips, or oral ivermectin, but previous treatments with other medications did not work. While many cats showed signs of itching, some had the mites without any symptoms at all.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Demodex gatoi is unique among demodectic mites. It possesses a distinct stubby appearance, and, instead of residing in the hair follicles, it dwells in the keratin layer of the epidermis, causing a pruritic and contagious skin disease in cats. Little is known of the occurrence of D. gatoi in Europe or control of D. gatoi infestation. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe D. gatoi in 10 cats, including five Cornish Rex, two Burmese, one Exotic, one Persian and one Siamese, living in six multi-cat households in different locations in Finland containing 21 cats in total. Intense pruritus was the main clinical sign. Scaling, broken hairs, alopecia and self-inflicted excoriations were also observed. Diagnosis was based on finding typical short-bodied demodectic mites in skin scrapings, skin biopsies or on tape strips. Other pruritic skin diseases, such as allergies and dermatophytoses, were ruled out. In one household, despite finding several mites on one cat, all six cats of the household remained symptomless. Amitraz used weekly at a concentration of 125-250 ppm for 2-3 months, proved successful in three households, 2% lime sulphur weekly dips applied for six weeks in one household and peroral ivermectin (1 mg every other day for 10 weeks) in one household. Previous trials in four households with imidacloprid-moxidectin, selamectin or injected ivermectin given once or twice a month appeared ineffective. CONCLUSION: D. gatoi-associated dermatitis is an emerging contagious skin disease in cats in Finland. Although pruritus is common, some cats may harbour the mites without clinical signs. In addition, due to translucency of the mites and fastidious feline grooming habits, the diagnosis may be challenging. An effective and convenient way to treat D. gatoi infestations has yet to emerge.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19843334/