Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ear infection caused by Demodex cati mites in a cat
By J.P.C. Ribeiro et al.·Published in Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia·2024·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Otitis externa associated with Demodex cati - case report
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
An 11-year-old male mixed-breed cat was brought in for severe itching and hair loss around his right ear, along with redness and a brown discharge. He had a history of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and was on medication for other health issues. Tests showed he had a rare mite infection caused by Demodex cati. Treatment with a topical medication containing imidacloprid and moxidectin was given in two doses a month apart, which successfully cleared the infection and resolved his symptoms.
People also search for: cat ear itching treatment · Demodex mites in cats · FIV cat skin problems
Abstract
ABSTRACT Feline demodicosis caused by Demodex cati is a rare parasitic disease, characterized by local or generalized dermatitis and less commonly by otitis. A feline, male, castrated, mixed breed, 11 years old, presented progressive cervical pruritus with alopecia in the caudolateral region of the right ear and mild erythema, abrasions, brownish ceruminous secretion and otopodal reflex. He had a history of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection and feline gingivitis stomatitis complex (GSC), in addition to continuous use of prednisolone. In the parasitological examination of the cerumen, different stages of Demodex sp. were found. Genetic sequencing revealed 99.33% homology for D. cati. Therapy with imidacloprid and moxidectin in spot-on formulation, in two doses at 30-day intervals, promoted remission of clinical signs and elimination of the mite.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4162-13004