The sight of a cat scratching obsessively with rashes and scales on its skin is a common indicator that the cat may have mange. Mange in cats is a treatable ailment and not one that should not endanger their overall well-being, but it should still be treated quickly before it can get worse. Left untreated, it can draw in bacteria that can cause severe infection. Humans around infected cats can also be infected themselves.
In general, the mange is caused by two different mites: burrowing and non-burrowing. The burrowing mites go beneath skin where they hatch their eggs. The larvae then complete its life cycle under skin. In some cases, larvae which are yellowish-orange can be visible. Non-burrowing mites on the other hand feed on skin scales and are usually seen crawling on skin.
The common types of cat mange are Otodectic or mange in ears, and Notoedric or mange on the head. The former is caused by non-burrowing mites and can be observed as infection of the ear canal along with the production of thick, brown wax. Veterinarians scrape out the substance inside the ear to check the presence of ear mites that cause this particular mange. Ear drops are the most common treatment for Otodectic mange.
The latter is considered more acute than ear mange and may lead to bacterial infection when left untreated. Head mange is caused by a burrowing mite called Notoedres cati. Symptoms start as red, crusted skin along the ear margins which later on spread on the head and back of the cat. Severe head mange is typically called scabies, symptoms of which include loss of hair and crusting of skin.
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.
The proper treatment for mange is contingent on the degree of mite infestation present. Dipping cats in a two to three percent lime sulfur mixture every few days is a widely used way of getting rid of mites. The problem with this treatment is that cats do not like baths and that their furs needs to be trimmed in order for the mixture to penetrate the skin. This treatment is also very slow.
A faster but more costly treatment is the use of topical ointments and anti-flea shampoo. These are just as effective as sulfur dips but work quicker.
However, the use of sulfur dips, topical ointments, and anti-flea shampoo might not totally get rid of mites and thus might run the risk of recurrent mite infestation. A more sure way to treat mange in cats is the injection into skin of Ivermectin. This is most effective as long as the infested cat is not sensitive to injected medicine. The better way to go is to get a diagnosis and prescription from a veterinarian so that the right treatment is identified for the cat.
Find help for mange cats by going online. With Notoedric mange there are certain treatments you will need to use. Go online now and learn more.
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