Mange in Cats

Demodicosis, or demodectic mange, is an inflammatory skin disease in cats that is brought on by various types of Demodex mites not visible to the naked eye. Demodex mites are commonly discovered on the skin of mammals, and in many cases are not symptomatic of an irregular condition, however when the body immune system is jeopardized, by stress or disease, or the body is producing excess oil or hormonal agents, the Demodex population might become excessive, causing skin and hair problems. When the variety of mites inhabiting the hair follicles of a cat become extreme, skin lesions, genetic disorders, issues with the immune system, and hair loss (alopecia) may follow.

The intensity of symptoms depends upon the type of mite populating your cat. Although mange in cats is uncommon, Siamese and Burmese breeds appear to be at a higher risk.

Mange in Cats Symptoms

Mange can cause restlessness, intense itching and frenzied scratching, symptoms that normally appear one week after direct exposure. It likewise normally leads to patchy loss of hair and a moth-eaten look to the skin. The most commonly affected areas are a cat’s ears and face, but it can spread to the entire body.

When humans are in contact with animals who have mange, the mites can cause a rash of red bumps, just like mosquito bites. The majority of cat mange mite infections in humans are self-limiting, as the mites can not complete their life cycle off their original feline host, but the condition is very uneasy.

So, symptoms of mange in your cats may consist of hair loss around the eyelids, head, neck, and flank. In addition, lesions on the skin, scales, and crusty spots might take place.

Causes of Mange in Cats

Mite conditions, such as mange, in cats are uncommon, therefore there is little known about them. However, two of the species of mites that cause mange in cats have been identified. The first, Demodex gatoi, is possibly contagious and might be transmitted in between cats in the exact same family. The 2nd, Demodex cati, is connected with diseases of the immune and metabolic systems, such as diabetes. It has actually been found in some cases that in impaired body immune system or hormone imbalance will enable the Demodex mite to over occupy.

Diagnosis

Skin scrapings are used to discover and diagnose demodectic mange in cats. Hair samples might likewise assist identify the specific mite accountable for the condition.

A urine test might recognize other possible causes for the skin conditions, namely those brought on by a disorder in your cat’s metabolic system. Alternative diagnoses may include scabies or allergic reactions.

How to Treat Mange in Cats

In around 90 percent of the cases, demodectic mange in cats is likely to fix itself spontaneously. For severe generalized cases, long-term medication may be necessary for managing the condition. Lime-sulfur dips to the impacted areas may help ease symptoms. In either case, the basic health status of your cat must be evaluated.

Living with Mange and Prevention Steps

Follow-up care should consist of extra skin scrapings, and tiny evaluations of hairs. The latter process is known as a trichogram, a diagnostic tool which uses hairs that have been plucked for assessment so that appropriate treatment can be prescribed. With chronic long-term cases of demodectic mange in cats, regular medication may be needed.

General good health may help prevent some cases. Keeping your cat clean, without drying the skin, and in ideal health, will assist to keep the Demodex mite population in balance. It is likewise encouraged that cats with generalized chronic mange not be bred, as the condition might be genetically based in some types and may be passed to offspring.

Reyus Mammadli/ author of the article

I have had pets since childhood: cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, geese, chickens, ducks, parrots, aquarium fish and dogs (in the yard). Of course, I constantly encountered diseases of pets and treated them. Glad to be able to share my skills and experience, as well as advice on caring for and adapting these critters and birds.

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