BACKGROUND: Trombiculosis is the infestation of a host by the larval form of mites belonging to the Trombiculidae family. Few data are available regarding this infestation in cats. HYPOTHESIS/ OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study was to report data, clinical signs, diagnostic and therapeutic features of feline trombiculosis. METHODS: Clinical records of cats presented for dermatological examination or annual vaccination in Italy, from 2002 to 2012, were retrospectively searched using the key words trombiculosis, cat and Neotrombicula. RESULTS: Seventy-two indoor/outdoor domestic short-hair cats with infestation by Neotrombicula autumnalis were enrolled. Pruritus was reported by the owners in 43% of cases, while 57% of cats were asymptomatic. The most common clinical signs included sudden onset of pruritus and the appearance of orange-coloured granules on the skin. Mites were found incidentally in 12 cats. The larvae were localized in multiple sites in 68% of cases. The most frequently affected area was the ear (80.5% of cases). Mites were more often identified in autumn (41 cases). Eleven cats were diagnosed during winter, 13 in spring and seven in summer. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This retrospective study suggests that feline trombiculosis is probably underestimated as a cause of pruritus and dermatological lesions. Epidemiological data regarding this infestation in cats are still lacking, and it will be interesting to perform a multicentre study to increase knowledge of this disease.
BACKGROUND: Trombiculosis is the infestation of a host by the larval form of mites belonging to the Trombiculidae family. Few data are available regarding this infestation in cats. HYPOTHESIS/ OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study was to report data, clinical signs, diagnostic and therapeutic features of feline trombiculosis. METHODS: Clinical records of cats presented for dermatological examination or annual vaccination in Italy, from 2002 to 2012, were retrospectively searched using the key words trombiculosis, cat and Neotrombicula. RESULTS: Seventy-two indoor/outdoor domestic short-haircats with infestation by Neotrombicula autumnalis were enrolled. Pruritus was reported by the owners in 43% of cases, while 57% of cats were asymptomatic. The most common clinical signs included sudden onset of pruritus and the appearance of orange-coloured granules on the skin. Mites were found incidentally in 12 cats. The larvae were localized in multiple sites in 68% of cases. The most frequently affected area was the ear (80.5% of cases). Mites were more often identified in autumn (41 cases). Eleven cats were diagnosed during winter, 13 in spring and seven in summer. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This retrospective study suggests that feline trombiculosis is probably underestimated as a cause of pruritus and dermatological lesions. Epidemiological data regarding this infestation in cats are still lacking, and it will be interesting to perform a multicentre study to increase knowledge of this disease.
Authors: Marie C Cadiergues; Christelle Navarro; Eloy Castilla-Castaño; Line A Lecru; Charline Pressanti Journal: J Feline Med Surg Date: 2017-06-19 Impact factor: 2.015
Authors: Xiaofeng Dong; Kittipong Chaisiri; Dong Xia; Stuart D Armstrong; Yongxiang Fang; Martin J Donnelly; Tatsuhiko Kadowaki; John W McGarry; Alistair C Darby; Benjamin L Makepeace Journal: Gigascience Date: 2018-12-01 Impact factor: 6.524