Demodex gatoi infestation-associated traumatic alopecia in a Himalayan cat

Abstract

: A 1-year-old, spayed female Himalayan cat presented with traumatic alopecia at the flanks, the cauda and the precordia. Palpation induced excessive licking behavior over the trunk. The cat was treated with glucocorticoids, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and a neuropathic pain agent. The lesions improved, but relapsed with cessation of glucocorticoids. Then Demodex gatoi was detected in the scaly alopecia, and oral fluralaner was administered. The alopecia improved and tests for D. gatoi became negative after 2 months. The medications were withdrawn, and the traumatic alopecia relapsed. It was cured by the reintroduction of fluoxetine and pregabalin, as well as administration of fluralaner every 3 months. Finally, no glucocorticoids and fluralaner were required. The relationship between D. gatoi infection and feline hyperesthesia syndrome is discussed.