Localized Demodicosis Due to Demodex Cati on the Muzzle of Two Cats Treated with Inhalant Glucocorticoids

Two cats with asthma developed localized demodicosis on their muzzles due to chronic therapy with inhalant glucocorticoids. Both cats exhibited patchy alopecia, mild erythema, crusting, and scaling in the muzzle area exposed to the fluticasone-dispensing chamber. Deep skin scraping revealed Demodex cati. Discontinuation or reduction of fluticasone and administration of milbemycin resolved clinical signs within 2 months, with one cat showing a negative skin scrape after 7 months. The study concluded that demodicosis should be considered in cats with facial alopecia or skin lesions exposed to inhalant glucocorticoids, and recommended minimizing contact between the glucocorticoid and the skin.