Demodicosis, sometimes called demodectic mange, is a skin inflammation in felines leading to symptoms like itching, an accumulation of ear waste, frequent head shaking, lesions, and alopecia.
This condition arises due to certain tiny Demodex mites that inhabit the cat's skin. Cats primarily get infected by three variants of these mites: Demodex gatoi, Demodex cati, and another uncommon, unnamed Demodex species.
While Demodex mites might be found in various pets at home, they are particular to each species. For instance, mites that thrive on dogs won't migrate and affect cats and the other way around.
Causes Of Demodectic Mange In Cats
Three main types of Demodex mites lead to Demodectic mange:
Demodex gatoi: Commonly found in healthy felines, these mites reside in the skin's superficial layer and can spread among cats.
Demodex cati: Typically found in cats with weakened immune systems due to another ailment or disorder. They inhabit hair follicles and can occasionally be located in the ear passages of the impacted cats.
An uncommon, unidentified Demodex variant: Although infrequent, this mite is often linked to some underlying illnesses and tends to reside in hair follicle
Symptoms Of Demodectic Mange In Cats
The signs you observe will vary based on the type of mite affecting your feline.
Signs of Demodex Gatoi
The predominant sign of Demodex gatoi is itchiness, which can cause the cat to over-groom. This often results in hair thinning and flaky skin. Additionally, excessive licking and scratching might lead to the formation of scabs and wounds on the cat.
Signs of Demodex Cati
With Demodex cati, skin problems can be localized or widespread across the cat's body. Typical skin reactions involve inflammation, flakiness, scabbing, and hair shedding. The level of itchiness can range from mild to intense. For some cats, the only noticeable symptoms might be an accumulation of ear waste and signs of ear discomfort, leading to frequent head shaking.
Diagnosis Of Demodectic Mange In Cats
Identifying demodectic mange typically requires mite tests and additional procedures based on the results and the specific mite involved.
Demodex Gatoi Diagnosis
To diagnose Demodex gatoi, skin samples or adhesive tape might be used to collect skin fragments and detritus for microscopic examination. Checking feces for mites or their eggs can also provide insights.
Nonetheless, pinpointing Demodex gatoi can be challenging. If mites are elusive, but an infection is suspected, your veterinarian might suggest initiating treatment regardless. A subsequent positive reaction to this treatment could then validate the diagnosis.
Demodex Cati Diagnosis
Spotting Demodex cati is usually straightforward on thorough skin samples that are microscopically inspected. These mites can also be detected on ear samples observed under a microscope.
It's notable that cats afflicted with Demodex cati often suffer from conditions that weaken the immune system, such as feline viral infections (like FeLV and FIV), malignancies, diabetes, or toxoplasmosis. In light of this, a veterinarian should conduct additional tests to pinpoint any root issues.
Treatment Of Demodectic Mange In Cats
Treatments for all Demodex mite varieties are consistent. Typically, 2% lime sulfur dips administered weekly for a few weeks or at least two doses of Bravecto or Revolution Plus have shown efficacy in treating Demodex in felines. While no product is officially endorsed for treating Demodex in cats, these flea medications have proven beneficial.
Since Demodex gatoi can spread amongst cats, treating every feline that might have come in contact with an infected one is essential.
Recovery Of Demodectic Mange In Cats
Typically, treatments can effectively eradicate Demodex gatoi mites; however, itchiness might continue for a few weeks post-treatment.
For Demodex cati, the effectiveness of the treatment hinges on recognizing and addressing any co-existing condition weakening your cat's immune defenses.
There's no need for environmental interventions, as Demodex mites can't thrive outside a host. Importantly, these mites don't transmit to humans or canines.
This on-line company is such a good find. They provide quality products at a good price with delivering them efficiently. Definitely recommend purchasing from them.
Two sweet girlies decided to make our deck their home. Mosquitoes are a big problem where we live and we had to get them protected. This was the best bang for the buck. I’ve ordered from 79Pets several times and while delivery is not fast it is very consistent.
As a retired veterinary technician I was extremely happy to finally see a flea and heartworm medication that actually does tapeworms too!!!!!!! This is a 1st to my knowledge....I live in a tropical climate where fleas never die so this is heaven sent.
Great price, authentic quality and reliable shipping. Shipping takes a bit longer, since it is being shipped from abroad. But still a reliable service.
After Seresto collars failed to get rid of fleas, I didn't know where to turn. I saw a post on a page I follow (Kentucky Kitty Cats) saying that they use Nexgard Combo for the cats they shelter. I decided to try it and IT WORKS!
This is Lexi Marie! She was wondering why mom was so excited for buying flea medicine. I explained to her that we saved $100 and that she would understand some day when she grows up.
Last year, I made a visit to the vet. I told them that Kattie/cat had ear mites. They gave me an ointment costing $80canadian. I used it up and purchased another bottle. $160. total not including the cost of the vet visit. No results. The ear mites have been there for a long time. Canadian vets have control of what is sold in Pet stores and you cannot purchase off the shelf products not recognized by them.
I jumped at the chance to purchase your produce with a recommended 100% effectivity. I was willing to try, but was suspicions.
After a month there was still a little scratching but after 6 weeks, the mites are gone and the scratching is gone.
Thank you very much for this mite solution. I recommend it heartily. Harry
P.S. Do not tell the Canadian vets as they will outlaw your product.
En fait, c'est le seul produit dont mon chat "Winston" ne soufre pas de problèmes cutané et perte de poils, le "Révolution plus" fait très bien le travail, merci.
