Oh my

Did you say

fleas?
RE B E C C A E N GL AN D , RVT
TAR L E T ON STAT E UN IVE RSIT Y

Fleas what about

them?
Fleas are considered insects.
These ectoparasites are common because of the great
popularity of dogs and cats as pets.
There are several species of fleas. Two common species include:
Ctenocephalides canis (dog flea)
Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea)

There are other species of fleas that may infect other mammals
and poultry.
They are found worldwide and are transmitted via host-to-host
contact and contact with an infested environment.
As with many parasites, environmental conditions need to be
right in order to grow and reproduce (air pressure, warmth, etc.)

Flea Anatomy
Fleas are 4 to 9mm in length
Have a head, thorax, and abdomen like
other insects
Flat and narrow bodies allow them to
navigate easily through hair
Large powerful hind legs used for jumping
onto hosts
No wings
Females are generally larger in size than
males
Fleas belong to the order Siphonaptera
because they have siphon-like mouthparts
that are used to suck the hosts blood

Adult Flea

From Notes on Small

Animal Dermatology

Life Cycle
Within the life
cycle, the adult
flea is the stage
that is most
often seen.
Adults may be
found on the pet
and in the
environment.
Less commonly,
eggs or larvae
may also be
seen.

From Diagnostic Parasitology for Veterinary

Technicians, 4th ed.

Life Cycle Stages

Eggs

Larva

Adult
Fleas

From Diagnostic Parasitology for Veterinary

Technicians, 4th ed.

Diseases of Importance
There are a few diseases and conditions of importance to be
aware of when the possibility of fleas exists:
Flea bite dermatitis
Most common cause of skin disease
Will be discussed in more detail

Cestodiasis
Fleas are the intermediate host for Dipylidium caninum, a tapeworm of dogs and cats

Anemia
May be present in young animals that have heavy flea infestations

Plague and Endemic Typhus

Zoonotic

Flea Bite Dermatitis:

Importance in Dogs and Cats
Fleas are the most common ectoparasite
They are also the most common cause of skin disease
The possibility of fleas must be excluded before any other skin
diseases are investigated
Long-term ectoparasite control in indicated in endemic areas
Commonly causes anemia in puppies with heavy flea
infestations, and may rarely cause anemia in kittens
In cats, may be challenging to find or rule out due to grooming
habits
Intermediate host for Dipylidium caninum tapeworm
Zoonotic and may be a vector for other blood-born diseases

Etiology
Fleas are the most common cause of skin disease in dogs and
cats
Skin disease is usually caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to
flea bites
A relationship with other hypersensitivities may exist
Fleas are found worldwide, but may be more prevalent in
warmer climates

Clinical Signs in Dogs

Some dogs may be asymptomatic
Lesions may or may not be present
Pruritus can be variable
Dogs most commonly present with dorsal hairloss and crusting
lesions
Young dogs may exhibit a papular and pustular rash on the ventrum
When the disease is chronic, widespread hairloss,
hyperpigmentation, and lichenification may be present
The presence of fleas may cause discomfort and irritation
Face, feet, and ears are typically not affected

Flea Bite Dermatitis in a

Dog

From Notes on Small Animal Dermatology

Clinical Signs in Cats

Some cats may be asymptomatic
Facial pruritus
Pruritus may persist even after the parasites have been
removed and may continue to be problematic in patients with
chronic disease
Lesions may or may not be present with pruritus
Miliary dermatitis
Symmetrical alopecia with little or no evidence of inflammation
Eosinophillic granuloma complex
The presence of fleas may cause discomfort and irritation

Flea Bite Dermatitis in a

Cat

From Notes on Small Animal Dermatology

Useful Diagnostics in
Dogs
The finding of a single live flea is considered significant
Brush the hair coat using a flea comb to identify the presence of flea
dirt
Flea dirt: flea feces that consist of partially digested host blood
Appears reddish-black in color and may look like specks, columns, or coils to the naked eye
If a sample is present, collect it and place it on a white paper towel or tissue moistened with
water
As the dirt comes in contact with water and dissolves, it will become red in color similar to
blood

The presence of clinical signs alone may be enough to make a

diagnosis
If no fleas are found, this does not automatically rule out the
possibility of flea bite dermatitis
Allergy testing may be useful, but ONLY if specific flea antigens are
used

Flea Dirt

From Diagnostic Parasitology for Veterinary

Technicians, 4th ed.

Diagnosis in Cats
Can be very challenging
Look for evidence of fleas:
Check for presence of clinical signs
Combing for flea dirt, as discussed earlier
Examination of coat brushings
Examination of coat brushings from other pets within the household
Microscopic examination of hair broken ends may indicate pruritus

Check for signs of overgrooming:

Alopecia may be symmetrical or non-symmetrical
Lesions due to excoriation (self-trauma)
Hairball problems
Fur attached to tongue papillae
Oral or lip granulomas
Fecal exam to check for presence of hair or parasites

If no fleas are found, this does not automatically rule out the
possibility of flea bite dermatitis

Primary Treatment
Several types of treatment are generally necessary to resolve
flea bite dermatitis
The yard, house, and ALL pets must all be treated to help
eliminate the possibility of reinfestation
Year-round treatment should be considered, especially in highrisk areas

Primary Treatment
Yards may be a major source of flea infestation
Spray approved for fleas may reduce populations in the outside environment

The house itself may serve as a source of reinfestation

Adults lay eggs which are dispersed into the environment to later reinfest the animal
The environment should be vacuumed to remove eggs, larvae, and adult fleas
Bedding should be washed regularly
Foggers, sprays, and powders are available for use
Caution must be taken during and after use, as these products can be toxic if ingested
or inhaled, especially to CATS

All pets within the household must be treated with an

ectoparasiticide, even if only one pet currently has the problem
Flea treatments generally include ingredients that are considered
adulticides (kills adult fleas), insect growth regulators (prevents
further life stage development), or a combination of both

Primary Treatment
There are several types of flea products available for animal
application
Daily or weekly sprays or powders
Flea collars
Once-a-month liquid topicals such as Frontline, Advantage, or Vectra 3D
Once-a-month oral medications such as NexGard
Some oral products also contain heartworm or intestinal parasite preventatives an
example is Trifexis
Injection available for use in cats that has a duration of action of 6 months an example
is Program
Capstar is another available oral preventative for dogs and cats however, its duration
of action is only intended to kill adult fleas over a period of 24 hours

It is critical to understand that all flea products are labeled for use
in certain species only. Never use dog products on cats or other
animals without direct instruction or supervision by a veterinarian.
Severe consequences may occur, including seizures and death.

Example of Monthly
Topical for Dogs

From personal photography library

Example of
Monthly Oral for Dogs

From personal photography library

Supportive and Topical

Treatment
Supportive treatment may also be necessary for up to 6 weeks
after primary treatment to make the patient more comfortable
and prevent the recurrence of clinical signs
This may include the use of glucocorticoids to relieve the pet of
pruritus and break the itch-scratch cycle
Topical or oral medication may be needed to heal lesions from
excoriation
Shampooing the skin may also be beneficial in removing fleas,
debris, and scale. Shampooing may also reduce discomfort
When utilizing shampoo, it is important to time the use of it
correctly when also using topical ectoparasiticides some
products require drying of 48 hours or longer before bathing or
water activities are permitted

Examples of Supportive
and Topical Treatment

From personal photography library

Treatment Specific to
Cats
Because diagnosis of flea bite dermatitis in cats can be difficult, it is
important that all cats with skin disease be treated regularly with flea
prophylactics
Environmental treatment is absolutely necessary, especially initially
Flea treatments may need to be repeated more often in cats that overgroom
themselves; this should only be done under the direction of a veterinarian
When choosing flea products to use, only products designated for cats
should be used on cats, as discussed previously
Pyoderma that occurs secondarily to flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is
uncommon and therefore antibiotics are rarely needed
Long-term glucocorticoid treatment may be necessary in cats with severe
disease
Topical treatments such as shampoo may be helpful, but cats often do not
tolerate bathing well

Example of
Monthly Topical for Cats

From personal photography library

Prognosis
In dogs, the outcome is generally good, especially if treated
early
Long-term flea control is usually required to prevent reinfestation

Prognosis is guarded in dogs where severe skin thickening,

lichenification, or deep pyoderma occur
In cats, control can be possible, but very challenging
This is especially so in multi-cat households

In Review
Fleas are common and considered the most common cause of skin disease in
dogs and cats
Clinical signs vary in different species and should be considered carefully when
making diagnoses and treatment plans
There are several diagnostic techniques to consider
The yard, house, and all pets should be treated to prevent reinfestation
Several pet treatments are available and should always be used as directed
remember that cats have special needs
Supportive treatment may also be necessary so pets can be relieved of clinical
signs
Long-term ectoparasite control should be utilized regularly for prevention and
treatment of fleas
Prognosis is variable, but generally good especially if treated early

References
Hendrix, C. M. and Robinson, E. (2012). Diagnostic
parasitology for veterinary technicians, 4th ed. St. Louis,
MO: Elsevier Mosby.
Joyce, J. (2010). Notes on small animal dermatology.
Ames, IA: Wiley- Blackwell.