P‐30 Use of fipronil for treatment of Lynxacarus radovskyi in outdoor cats in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to report 20 cases of Lynxacarus radovskyi infestationin 20 cats. Lynxacarus radovskyi was diagnosed by physical examination and microscopic examination of plucked hair where countless adult mites and immature stages were identified. Microscopic examination was repeated every 7 days. The animals were observed daily for the first 7 days, and again on day 15 and day 30 for mites, pruritus and clinical signs. Clinical signs included salt‐and‐pepper appearance to a dull and opaque hair coat, alopecia of the dorsal and lateral areas of the hind limbs, and evidence of self‐mutilation. One case had papules and crusts of the hind limbs. The pruritus was mild in animals with low infestation, but very intense in those with a heavy infestation. Most mites occurred in the lateral area of the hind limbs and sacral area. Twenty of 100 animals had confirmed L. radovskyi infestation. Therefore, we suggest that the transmission occurs through fomites. Treatment consisted of 0.5 mL application of Fipronil® (Frontline TopSpot) per cat, with resolution in 100% of cases by day 15. Funding: Merial.