October 2013
Parasite in cat fecal
A 5-year-old cat that was housed in a long-term, limited-access shelter developed scaling and hair loss on the head, pinnae, and shoulder. The cat was observed to groom the affected areas frequently.
Microscopic examination of multiple skin scrapes did not reveal any mites, but these organisms were found on fecal flotation.
What is your diagnosis? Scroll down to see the answer...
Answer:
This is Demodex gatoi, a cause of demodicosis associated with superficial skin lesions in cats. Identification of demodecosis is often made when ingested mites are recovered on fecal flotation. Because D. gatoi tends to establish as a superficial infestation, fecal float can be useful to confirm the presence of mites, particularly when skin scrapes are unrewarding.
This is Demodex gatoi, a cause of demodicosis associated with superficial skin lesions in cats. Identification of demodecosis is often made when ingested mites are recovered on fecal flotation. Because D. gatoi tends to establish as a superficial infestation, fecal float can be useful to confirm the presence of mites, particularly when skin scrapes are unrewarding.
