Demodex cati and feline immunodeficiency virus co-infection in a cat

Abstract

A case of co-infection due to Demodex cati and feline immunodeficiency virus in a cat is described. A 5 year-old neutered male cat was presented to the Small Animal Clinic at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University with lethargy, diarrhoea, pyrexia, anorexia, adipsia, skin lesions, intense itching and alopecia. Parasitological, mycological and serological examinations were carried out. Adult D. cati mites and antibodies against FIV were detected. A proper therapy with an endectocide, antibiotic and antihistamine drug was prescribed. The improvement of the general condition was ob-served after a month of treatment. Later, the disease recurred twice and the animal was humanely euthanased for medical reasons and at the owner’s request.

Keywords

• cat
• Demodex cati
• demodicosis
• feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)