Feline acariasis

摘要

Feline demodicosis is a relatively rare disease of cats caused by either Demodex cati (long-tailed mite) or Demodex gatoi (short-tailed mite). Demodex cati is found in the hair follicle and has a similar appearance to Demodex canis in the dog. Demodex gatoi is a superficial mite found in the stratum corneum, with a short, broad abdomen. Generalized demodicosis with D. cati is very rare and an underlying immunosuppressive disease (diabetes, FeLV/FIV, hyperadrenocorticism, respiratory infection, etc.) should always be suspected in affected cats. Demodex gatoi is contagious among cats and generalized infection with this mite is not typically due to an underlying disease. The clinical signs of feline demodicosis are quite variable. Localized demodicosis may present as a single area of alopecia and scaling, primarily affecting the periocular region, head and neck. Occasionally the mites may be confined to the external ear canals, with ceruminous otitis externa being the only clinical sign. Clinical signs of generalized demodicosis include multifocal to generalized patches of alopecia, scaling, erythema and hyperpigmentation. Bilaterally symmetrical alopecia can be a common clinical finding with generalized demodicosis, making differentiation from allergic dermatitis and psychogenic dermatosis difficult. Pruritus with D. cati is variable and usually minimal. Pruritus with D. gatoi is usually much more pronounced, with excessive grooming and subsequent alopecia being the primary presenting complaints.