Feline trombiculosis : a retrospective study in 72 cats

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