Mammomonogamus auris infection in the middle ear of a domestic cat in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, USA.

Author(s): Tudor EG, Lee AC, Armato DG, Bowman DD

Affiliation(s): Paradise Island Animal Hospital, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, USA.

Publication date & source: 2008-10, J Feline Med Surg., 10(5):501-4. Epub 2008 Jun 24.

Publication type: Case Reports

A 2-year-old female domestic shorthair cat on the island of Saipan was presented to a local veterinarian for headshaking. Otoscopic examination showed mild erythema of the right tympanic membrane, but was otherwise unremarkable. Headshaking resolved with topical gentamicin/betamethasone/clotrimazole therapy; however, erythema persisted. Further otoscopy revealed movement of the erythematous region, which was in fact the red-colored strongylid nematode, Mammomonogamus auris, residing within the middle ear. Myringotomy and a saline flush were performed under heavy sedation. A silastic tube was inserted into the incision and the worms were retrieved by applying negative pressure. Follow-up treatment included topical thiabendazole/dexamethasone/neomycin ointment as well as selamectin. Mammomonogamus auris has previously been documented only three times, once each in China, Sri Lanka and Japan. This is the first report of M auris in cats from Saipan.