Feline trombiculosis: a retrospective study in 72 cats

Abstract

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. The aim of this retrospective study was to report data, clinical signs, diagnostic and therapeutic features of feline trombiculosis. 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. 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. 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.