Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cats with hair loss from Lynxacarus mites - what to know
By Han, Hock Siew et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2019·The Animal Clinic·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Self-induced, noninflammatory alopecia associated with infestation with Lynxacarus radovskyi: a series of 11 cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Eleven indoor cats were brought in for itching and hair loss, which turned out to be caused by an infestation of Lynxacarus radovskyi mites. The cats had dull coats and areas of hair loss, especially around the rear and thighs. They were treated with selamectin, a medication that targets parasites, given twice with a two-week gap, followed by monthly treatments. After this treatment, the cats showed improvement, with no signs of other skin issues.
People also search for: cat itching hair loss treatment · Lynxacarus radovskyi in cats · selamectin for cat mites
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Infestation of Lynxacarus radovskyi (Lynxacarosis) on cats is usually asymptomatic - most cats are presented with a dull, dry, dishevelled coat, with easily epilated hairs. The physical presence of the mite gives the coat a "peppered" appearance, and previous reports have described some cats developing pruritus and alopecia. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical signs of Lynxacarus radovskyi associated self-induced alopecia. ANIMALS: Eleven client-owned, indoor and naturally infested cats. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Cats with the primary complaint of pruritus and alopecia with sole infestation of Lynxacarus radovskyi, were included in this case series. Their age, sex, breed and clinical presentation were recorded. Cats were treated with selamectin twice, with a 14 day interval, followed by monthly maintenance therapy. RESULTS: Self-induced alopecia was found on the perianal (10 of 11), caudal-lateral thighs (eight of 11), sacral-tail base region, abdomen (each seven of 11), on the flanks (five of 11) and dorsal-lumbar (four of 11) areas. There were no eosinophilic dermatitis lesions nor head and neck pruritus in any cat. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Lynxacarus radovskyi infested cats can have lesions which are strikingly similar to flea allergic dermatitis with lesions most commonly found on the perianal area.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31006922/