Pine processionary caterpillar Thaumetopoea pityocampa envenomation in 11 cats: a retrospective study

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the clinical manifestations in cats of contact with caterpillars of the pine processionary moth. Methods Data were retrospectively obtained from the medical records (2004-2016) of cats that had been in contact with caterpillars of the pine processionary moth. Results Eleven cats were included in the study. The prevalence of lepidopterism was 0.13%. Tongue lesions and ptyalism were both present in 10/11 (91%) cats. Systemic signs consisted exclusively of vomiting and were encountered in 4/11 (36%) cats. The survival rate was 100%. Long-term follow-up data were available for 7/11 cats, and none of the cats showed impaired quality of life or definitive sequelae. Conclusions and relevance The clinical presentation of lepidopterism in cats appears to be similar to that in other animals; however, the clinical signs are less severe than those previously reported, mainly owing to the cautious behaviour of this species. Moreover, the prognosis is excellent, the length of hospitalisation is short (maximum 48 h) and our study showed the absence of any long-term disability after hospital discharge.

Plants and zootoxins: Toxico-epidemiological investigation in domestic animals

“…As for the zootoxins, the dog was the species most commonly concerned, with just one case related to a cat. Episodes involving venomous asp viper (Vipera aspis), common toad (Bufo bufo), fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) and pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) were reported, similarly to what has been described in literature (Berny et al, 2010;Caloni et al, 2017;Lervik et al, 2010;Niza et al, 2012;Pelander et al, 2010;Pouzot-Nevoret et al, 2017;Pouzot-Nevoret et al, 2018). In particular, dog poisonings due to pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) are very common in Europe (Caloni et al, 2018;Caloni et al, 2012;Guitart et al, 1999;Kaszak et al, 2015;Lassak, 2005;Perez-Lopez et al, 2004;Pouzot-Nevoret et al, 2017), as well as cases due to venomous viper bites (Barbier, 2005;Caloni et al, 2018;Caloni et al, 2012;Caloni et al, 2017;Lassak, 2005;Lervik et al, 2010;Schediwy et al, 2015).…”

Suspect severe gastroenteritis associated with ingestion of caterpillar setae fragments in a cat

“…Ptyalism was identified in 91% of the reported cases. 4 Two cats in this study did not require hospitalization. Nine cats required hospitalization for 12-48 h only.…”

“…This study retrospectively reported 11 cats envenomated with the European pine processionary caterpillar Thaumetopoea pityocampa, a close relative to the processionary caterpillar found in Australia, Asia and Africa. 4 Tongue lesions were identified in 91% of cats. Labial, gingival, facial or cutaneous oedema in 6% and vomiting in 36% of cats.…”

“…3 Clinical signs in cats appear similar to other species, with 91% of cats presenting with tongue lesions; however, a previous publication reported symptoms to be less severe with an excellent prognosis. 4 This case report aims to describe severe gastroenteritis in a cat suspected secondary to ingestion of caterpillar setae. In this case, intralesional chitinous structures were detected on histopathology of full-thickness gastric biopsies, and the morphology, including the size and presence of obvious barbs, supports these structures being urticating hairs (setae).…”

“…A literature review of caterpillar setae migration in other species demonstrated that ingestion or contact with setae causes intense irritation and a marked inflammatory reaction occurs. 4 An anti-inflammatory dose of 0.06 mg/kg dexamethasone was administrated intravenously. The cat improved clinically, ate and was discharged with oral gabapentin 7 mg/kg every 12 h, maropitant 2 mg/kg every 24 h and ondansetron 0.5 mg/kg every 8-12 h.…”