Parasitology

Question 1

What is the scientific name of chigger mites or harvest mites?

Answer 1

Neotrombicula autumnalis

Question 2

What is the parasitic stage of neotrombicula autumnalis?

Answer 2

Larval stage

Question 3

Neotrombiuliasis is a seasonal pruritic condition.

Answer 3

True. Larval stage (the only parasitic stage) is seasonal, mainly between September and November. Some warmer places have more than one season

Question 4

What are the clinical signs of neotrombiculiasis in cats?

What are some treatment options in cats?

What about dogs?

Answer 4

Can be highly pruritic

characteristic orange spots (the larva), erythema, papules, and crusts mostly on the ear margins, face, interdigital spaces and abdomen

Systemic selamectin, fipronil spray to affected areas BIW, 10% fipronil spot-on solution (Effipro)

Dogs: in addition, could use permethrin-pyriproxyfen