Successful treatment of non-pruritus, excessive hair shedding and scales in a cat due to Demodex gatoi with fluralaner topical spot-on

Abstract

Case summary A 1-year-old female intact Scottish Fold cat was presented with a 1-month history of excessive hair shedding with white scales on the coat without pruritus. The cat lived mostly indoors and had no history of any systemic disease. Dermatological examinations were performed step by step. Several Demodex gatoi were identified from cellophane tape impressions from the scales and examined under a low-power objective (10×) microscope. Skin cytology showed keratinocytes without any microorganisms. Based on the findings, fluralaner (Bravecto for cats; MSD) spot-on was used once every 12 weeks for ectoparasiticidal control. An essential fatty acid supplement was recommended to repair and restore the coat and skin barrier. After 4 weeks of treatment, the cat showed substantial improvement, with a normal coat and no scales. Re-examination using a cellophane tape impression for mites was negative. Ectoparasitic control is highly recommended regularly for the treatment and prevention of ectoparasites. Relevance and novel information Feline demodicosis is an uncommon parasitic dermatosis with primary clinical signs that may cause generalised or localised dermatitis with frequent pruritus, erythema and alopecia. The aims of this study were to report on dermatological lesions with excessive hair shedding and scales in a cat that were caused by demodicosis, without presenting the main clinical sign of pruritus or overgrooming. In addition, to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the successful treatment of demodicosis due to D gatoi infestation with fluralaner single spot-on in an off-label use that was safe and easy to apply clinically.