If you see a cat itching uncontrollably and has rashes and scaly skin, then the cat probably has mange. Mange in cats is generally treatable and does not jeopardize the overall health of cats but it can get worse especially when not remedied quickly. It can act as a vector of bacteria and eventually cause infection. There can also be cases of mange infecting humans.
Cases of mange are generally caused by two types of mites, burrowing mites and non-burrowing. Burrowing mites, as the name implies, go underneath skin to lay and hatch their eggs. The hatched larvas then live out their lives under the skin of the infested cat. While these usually cannot be seen, some yellow orange larvas are visible. Non-burrowing mites stay and crawl on skin and feed themselves on skin scales.
These two types of mites cause different types of mange. Otodectic mange refers to mange in ears while Notoedric mange refers to mange on the head. Otodectic mange cases are caused by non-burrowing mites whose presence leads to an infection of the ear canal and the excretion of thick, brown wax. A veterinarian removes this wax to determine whether its cause is mites inside the ear. This kind of mange is treated through the use of ear drops.
Notoedric mange is a more acute condition because it can result in bacterial infection if left on its own. The cause of head mange is a burrowing mite known as Notoedres cati. The initial symptoms of head mange are red crusty skin along the outside of ears that can later spread out on the head and back of the infected cat. Serious cases of head mange, indicated by loss of hair and crusting of the large patches of skin, are called scabies.
Notoedric mange is diagnosed through skin scrapings which are then observed under the microscope. This is done to find out if mites and eggs are present under the skin and if they are the ones causing the intense itching and other said symptoms. This is done to rule out other skin infections.
Treatment for mange depends on the degree of mite infestation in the cat. Dipping cats on a daily or weekly basis, depending on severity of the mange, in a 2% to 3% lime sulfur mixture is a common way of killing the mites. However, cats generally do not like baths and one may need to trim their fur to ensure that the mixture penetrates the skin enough to take effect. Also, the treatment takes up to 8 agonizing weeks.
Applying topical ointments and prescription anti-flea shampoo is a better but more pricey alternative of treating mange. They are at least as effective as dipping in sulfur mix but they kill off mites quicker. The only disadvantage is that these are typically more expensive.
Nevertheless, it is important to remember that ointments and shampoo may not totally eradicate the presence of mites in the skin therefore risking recurrence of mite infestation. Ivermectin injected into the skin is considered the most convenient way of treating mange in cats although it should be kept in mind that some cats may be sensitive to injected medications. Proper diagnosis and prescription from veterinarians are needed before treating this condition.
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