Demodectic or demodicosis mange in cats is actually an inflammatory skin disease, which is due to various kinds of Demodex mites that are not visible to the naked eye. Further, the Demodex mites are usually found on mammal’s skin, as well as in most circumstances aren’t symptomatic of an abnormal illness, yet when the immunity is conceded, by illness or stress, or the body produces excess hormones or oil, the population of the Demodex might become excessive. This may lead to various hair and skin issues. In the event that the number of mites residing the hair follicles of a cat become so excessive, genetic disorders, skin lesions, hair loss, and problems with the immunity might follow. Read on to this article and learn more about this feline condition.
Demodectic Mange in Cats: What is this feline condition?
Both kinds of mange are actually characterized by sores and itching of the skin. Further, the generalized forms of Demodectic mange might be an indication of a more serious causal condition, wherein the immunity is being suppressed, just like cancer and leukemia.
Moreover, Demodectic mange in cats is an unusual feline skin disease, which is due to two species of Demodectic mites. The Demodex cati is one of the species of the Demodectic mite, which is commonly found in the hair follicles of cats. Additionally, the infections from D. cati are commonly localized and are commonly in association with immunosuppressive conditions. The infectious Demodex gatoi is what causes a transmissible kind of Demodectic mange, which might be localized to a certain area or may affect the entire body. The D. gatoi is actually more commonly existent in the southern states of the USA.
Causes of Cat Demodectic Mange
The major cause of Demodectic mange in cats are infections from the Demodectic mites. Furthermore, there are no sex or age predispositions for the Demodectic mange. Nonetheless, Demodectic mange that is due to the D. cati is more common in the Burmese and Siamese cats.
Furthermore, the Demodectic mange due to the D. gatoi is more typically diagnosed in the southern most region of the USA, specifically in Florida and Texas. The secondary causes of infection might be in association with a repressed immunity. The causes of suppressed immunity might vary depending on the causal condition.
Symptoms of Cat Demodectic Mange
The symptoms of Demodectic mange in cats might be nonspecific and might vary depending on the existence of any causal conditions. Though the Demodectic mange isn’t considered a deadly condition, you need to seek a prompt vet attention as soon as you get to notice any of the symptoms below. This is in order to minimize the pain and discomfort or the cat.
- Hair loss
- Signs of pain
- Excessive, austere grooming and itching
- Crusty sores or scabs, commonly all over the ears, neck, and head
Prognosis of Cat Demodectic Mange
The vet may be capable of making a tentative prognosis basing on a complete physical examination, as well as the presentation of the symptoms. Make sure to inform the vet regarding the duration and extent of the symptoms of the cats, as well as whatever relevant history of travel.
Moreover, the vet might also make a conclusive prognosis by way of taking some skin scrapings, as well as inspecting them under the microscope. Further, multiple skin gratings might be essential, as the mites might be removed throughout the grooming. In addition, the D. cati mites are easier to diagnose, in comparison to D. gatoi. More diagnostic examinations might be essential in ruling out underlying immunosuppressive illnesses.
Treatments for Cat Demodectic Mange
The treatment for mange in cats might vary reliant on the species of the mite present, as well as the location of the infection. Further, the vet may also be able to direct you on a certain treatment plan centered on the cat’s precise needs.
The major treatment method for the Demodectic mange is actually the use of a lime-sulfur dip once each 7 days for 4 to 6 weeks. Because of their popular antipathy to bathing, cats aren’t fond of the lime-sulfur dips. The lime-sulfur dips have a hostile smell as well, and may cause coat discoloration. Nonetheless, currently, this is the most operative treatment and carries the lowest among all the risks.
Some other treatments for Demodectic mange in cats include the topical treatment, selamectin and oral doses of ivermectin. One more alternate treatment for this ferline condition is the weekly injections of doramectin for aboput 3 weeks. Nonetheless, these medications are recommended less frequently because of some safety reasons, as well as the lack of effectiveness in the treatment of the Demodectic mange. Some other treatments might be essential, based on the existence of causal conditions.
Over-all good health might be beneficial in preventing some cases of the condition. Keeping the cat clean, lacking of dry skin, and in ideal health, may help in keeping the population of the Demodex mite well-balanced.
