Among the diseases that cats suffer from, a significant proportion are those caused by various parasites. One of the most common diseases in this group is demodicosis. The causative agent of demodicosis in cats is the subcutaneous mite. This parasite can cause a lot of anxiety and problems for your mustachioed pet. The Murkoshi team will talk about what it is, how the disease progresses and how to remove this parasite in this article.
1) Pathogens of demodicosis and methods of infection 2) Risk groups 3) Types of demodicosis 4) Symptoms of subcutaneous mites 5) Treatment of a localized form 6) Treatment of a generalized form 7) Prevention of demodicosis
Pathogens of demodicosis and methods of infection
The causative agent of the disease is the subcutaneous mite - demodex. Actually, there are two types of subcutaneous mites (even three, but the third is currently poorly studied and not described): Demodex cati and Demodex gatoi. The first species (Demodex cati) always lives on the cat's body, in the hair follicles (the places where the hairs of the fur grow), and usually does not cause any trouble. This species is not at all contagious. But in some cases, such as illness, stress, decreased immunity of the kitten, this subcutaneous mite on the body multiplies excessively, accordingly, causing toothache and other inconveniences.
The second species (Demodex gatoi) is an infectious parasite. This subcutaneous mite is transmitted from a sick cat to another (but it is not dangerous for humans). It lives and reproduces in the stratum corneum of the skin (the surface layer consisting of keratinized cells). If this parasite gets on a cat's body, it can lead to illness. Although the body of healthy animals with strong immunity in most cases copes with subcutaneous mites on their own. Demodicosis occurs if the immune system is weakened for some reason.
What is demodicosis
Demodectic mange is a parasitic disease that affects the fur and epidermis of an animal. The Demodex mite, which causes the disease, can be of two types depending on its location on the animal’s body: the first type settles in hair holes, and the second parasitizes in the layers of the skin. Several parasites can settle in a small area due to their microscopic size.
Demodectic mange is divided into three types:
- localized;
- generalized;
- juvenile
The pathology, although not fatal, brings both the animal and its owner a lot of trouble and problems. When the symptoms become noticeable, the first question that arises is whether the disease demodicosis is transmitted to humans or not. In fact, a tick cannot cause any harm to a person. The disease is contagious only to animals. Cats and dogs are most often affected. Therefore, we can safely say that the tick is not dangerous to humans.
At-risk groups
Theoretically, all cats that have been in contact with sick animals can become infected with subcutaneous mites. But the following groups are most often susceptible to demodicosis:
— offspring of cats with demodicosis; — animals with weakened immunity and autoimmune diseases; — cats in the postoperative period; - animals in the recovery period after infectious diseases; — kittens and adult cats with rickets; - animals exhausted after starvation; - pets who have suffered severe stress; - some breeds: Siamese, Burmese, Devon Rex.
Is it possible to get infected from animals?
This type of parasitic organism is not believed to be transmitted to humans. However, when examining a sick animal, it is still recommended to wear gloves. The disease is contagious to almost all mammals, but a person cannot become infected with subcutaneous mites from a cat.
When a tick gets on the epidermis of a pet owner, it dies. It is worth noting that there are still cases when demodicosis can be transmitted to a person from a sick animal and people become infected with this parasitic disease. In case of inflammatory processes in the body and chronic diseases, subcutaneous mites can also be dangerous for humans.
Learn about other types of ticks on cats >>>
Varieties of demodicosis
Veterinarians distinguish two forms of demodicosis - localized and generalized. When localized, one area of the animal’s body (sometimes several) is affected, and there are no signs of the disease on the cat’s paws. With generalized disease, many areas of the body are affected at once, and the paws also suffer. The generalized form, of course, is much more difficult to tolerate and more difficult to treat. If a cat gets sick with a generalized type of demodicosis, then there is a high probability that she will pass the disease on by inheritance. Therefore, such cats must be sterilized.
Complications
If you do not respond to the symptoms of the disease in time, the disease can lead to complications.
What are the consequences of ignoring treatment?
- abscesses of hair follicles;
- intoxication of the body;
- weakened immunity;
- slowing down metabolism;
- deterioration of apatite;
- disruption of the sebaceous glands;
In addition, if the subcutaneous mite from a cat is not removed in time, tissue necrosis with signs of rotting occurs at a late stage.
Symptoms of subcutaneous mites
In the case of demodicosis, there is a “pitfall”: the disease develops gradually, and accordingly, symptoms gradually appear. Therefore, it is not always possible to immediately notice signs of a subcutaneous mite in a kitten. Moreover, the danger is that the longer Demodex parasitizes, the more dangerous it is in terms of reducing the animal’s immunity. This is why it is important to take your cat to the vet at the first sign of symptoms. It's better to be safe than to get sick! So, the following symptoms may indicate the presence of a subcutaneous tick in a cat:
- redness of the skin; - the appearance of rashes in the form of nodules or small pustules; - deterioration in the appearance of the coat; - such a characteristic symptom as “demodicosis glasses” appears - hair loss and peeling of the skin around the eyes; - hair loss and peeling of the skin on the head, ears, neck (localized form), as well as on the legs and torso (generalized form); — violation of skin pigmentation; - acne; - itching; - bleeding wounds.
You can accurately diagnose demodicosis in a cat by taking scrapings from the affected areas of the body. Treatment will depend on whether the form is localized or generalized. Owners need to keep in mind that demodicosis is a very serious disease that may require long-term therapy (from six months to a year). Experienced volunteers of the Murkosha shelter warn: self-medication if a cat has a subcutaneous tick is unacceptable! “Folk remedies”, at best, have not proven their effectiveness against demodicosis, and at worst, they can worsen the animal’s condition. Remember that only a doctor can prescribe the exact course of treatment. He will tell you if any of the "folk remedies" are suitable for your situation.
Diagnostics
When making a diagnosis, it is important not to confuse this disease with similar diseases in cats, such as ringworm or dermatitis. Therefore, the veterinarian pays attention not only to external symptoms, but also conducts diagnostics in the laboratory.
To do this, you need to take a sample of the affected skin and carefully examine it. In severe cases, scraping reveals the presence of parasites that are at different stages of development, namely eggs, larvae and mites. If only adult individuals are found during scraping analysis, then the carrier is considered safe for other animals. In addition to obtaining a scraping, they may take a swab sample from the ear, which is examined using a microscope.
Treatment of demodicosis in cats is prescribed by a doctor after an external examination and study of test results. It happens that in order to detect a tick it is necessary to take scrapings several times from different parts of the animal’s body. If your cat licks itself thoroughly, you can find ticks in its feces, which will help with diagnosis. Provided that the cat does not have external symptoms of demodicosis, it is also advisable to undergo tests to exclude the presence of a tick.
Treatment of localized form
Localized demodicosis is treated in stages.
1. First, you need to bathe your pet using special “Doctor” and “Elite” pet shampoos. They will cleanse the cat's skin and fur from suppuration, lymph and dandruff. 2. Then all affected areas on the cat’s body should be treated with a solution of chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide - this will cleanse the skin of scabs and crusts. You need to wait until these places dry out. 3. On the recommendation of a veterinarian, you can use the antiseptic "Citeal" - once every 2-3 days, you need to wash the affected areas of the cat's body with it. 4. After this, the treatment of demodicosis itself begins, that is, the removal of subcutaneous mites from the cat. The skin is treated with special solutions, ointments and gels as prescribed by the veterinarian: “Amitraz”, “Stronghold”, “Advocate”, “Demos”, sulfur and aversectin ointments, etc. 5. Areas with lost hair and wounds are treated with the preparations “Tsipam”, “ Perol”, “Ektodes”, “Ivermek”, “Neostomazan”, “Mikodemotsid”, “Amit”, etc. 6. The pet must be given means to increase immunity: “Gamavit”, “Immunol”, “Gala-vet”, “Maksidin”.
Please note that the exact treatment regimen is prescribed by a specialist, depending on the age of the cat, the degree of damage, general condition and other factors.
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Treatment of demodicosis in cats
The localized form of the subcutaneous mite can give remission. The inflammatory process subsides, external manifestations of pathology disappear. But without treatment, the animal cannot recover; after a month, the clinical signs of demodicosis return. The next outbreak of the disease may develop into a more severe form.
It is extremely important to diagnose the disease at an early stage in order to begin treatment in a timely manner. The treatment regimen for each cat breed may be different. Owners must be prepared for long-term therapy for their pets, which can last from six months to a year.
Treatment of localized form
The treatment regimen is prescribed by a veterinarian, taking into account the degree of damage, the age of the animal, its condition, the breed of the cat and other factors. Treatment should be comprehensive using external agents (ointment solutions) and internal ones (injections, tablets). Self-medication for such a serious illness is unacceptable.
How is localized demodicosis treated:
- First, cats are bathed with “Doctor” (with benzoyl peroxide) or “Elite” (with chlorhexidine) shampoos to cleanse the skin of suppuration, lymph and dandruff.
- The affected areas are treated with a solution of chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide to cleanse the skin layer of scabs and crusts. After treatment, the skin should be dried carefully and thoroughly.
- If the veterinarian does not prohibit you from using the antiseptic Citeal, then this drug can be diluted with water and washed with it on the affected areas of the cat’s body, then rinsed and dried well. This procedure is performed once every 2-3 days.
- Treating the animal with Amitraz or Butox 50 solutions (the solutions are prepared and used according to the instructions).
- Use the skin application of Stronghold or Advocate according to the following scheme: 2-4 applications at monthly intervals to the skin in the area of the cat’s shoulder blades.
- After cleansing the affected areas of crusts, you can apply ointments, gels or liniments: sulfur ointment, Demos liniment, Amidel-gel, Ivermec-gel, Aversectin ointment.
- As prescribed by the veterinarian, the cat is treated with Neostomazan. Before use, dilute it according to the instructions, and then treat the affected areas of the body with the resulting solution by spraying or lubricating. Animals are treated in the same way with ready-made sprays - Acaromectin, Ivermek, Tsidem, Perol.
- After cleansing of scabs and scales, oily solutions are applied to areas with fallen hair and wounds - Mycodemocid, Tsipam, Ektodes, Amit.
Important!
Use all medications together, following your veterinarian's instructions. Additionally, you need to give your cat drugs that stimulate the immune system: Immunoparasitan, Gamavit, Gala-vet, Immunol, Maxidin.
Treatment of the generalized form
Treatment of this form of subcutaneous mite must begin, first of all, with eliminating the primary disease that caused the exacerbation of demodicosis. Without this, complete recovery of the animal is impossible.
The same medications are used externally to treat demodicosis in cats as for the localized form.
Injections
Intramuscular administration of Dectomax (0.3 ml per 3.5 kg of cat weight) or Cydectin (0.4 ml single dose) is carried out strictly according to the recommendation and under the supervision of a veterinarian - these drugs are very toxic to animals.
When a secondary infection occurs, the doctor prescribes injections of antibiotics - Kanamycin, Betamox, Baytril, Amoxicillin, etc.
For any form of subcutaneous mites in cats, it is necessary to use vitamin-mineral complexes and immunostimulating drugs.
Important!
It is necessary to disinfect the cat's household items, from food bowls to the bed.
Folk remedies
Folk remedies for subcutaneous mites in cats used at home have not been proven effective. They can be used at the initial stage of the disease and to alleviate the cat’s condition.
- Spot treatment or bathing the cat in chamomile decoction once every 2-3 days.
- Treatment of affected skin with calendula tincture.
- Local treatment of areas with fallen hair with kerosene, after which do not rinse or treat the skin for 2 days.
- Bathing a cat using soap or gel containing birch tar.
Important!
Do not continue experiments with folk remedies; if the disease progresses, be sure to show the animal to a veterinarian.
Treatment of the generalized form
The generalized form is more difficult to treat and takes longer. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the primary disease that caused the exacerbation of demodicosis. Without this, complete recovery of the animal is impossible. Veterinarians also advise completely trimming the cat to make it easier to treat with medications (since the disease covers almost the entire body). Next, the same methods are used as in the treatment of a localized form.
Often, veterinarians also prescribe a course of Dectomax or Cydectin injections. At the same time, the animal is prescribed injections of antibiotics - Kanamycin, Betamox, Baytril, Amoxicillin, etc.
It is also necessary to restore the cat’s immunity - the drug “Ligfol” will help here, as well as a vitamin and mineral complex. We draw special attention to the fact that treatment of this form of the disease should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.
Is it possible to get infected from a person?
The Demodex mite affects not only animals, but also people. However, these are completely different types of parasite. As has already become clear, infection from an animal is not dangerous. But transmission from person to person is possible.
Routes of infection from humans:
- direct contact;
- cloth;
- bed sheets;
- facial cleansing in the salon.
According to statistics, 90-92% of the population are carriers of the subcutaneous mite. But demodicosis manifests its symptoms only in certain cases: weakened immunity, frequent stress, pregnancy, metabolic disorders.
An exacerbation of the disease is often observed in the autumn season. The reason for this is the experience of hot summer days, when the skin often sweats and becomes oilier. In addition, summer heat, or rather ultraviolet radiation, can significantly weaken the immune system.
Routes of infection
A subcutaneous mite in a cat can appear when it is transmitted through fur, saliva, or microscopic injuries at the time of contact of an already affected animal with a healthy pet. Only the four-legged pet that is currently suffering from reduced immunity or impaired metabolic processes within the body will become infected.
Modern veterinarians consider the following to be the highest risk groups:
- elderly individuals;
- pregnant cats;
- pets with already developed chronic diseases.
As for kittens, they can get an infection from a sick mother while in utero development. Transmission of subcutaneous mites is possible through any hygiene products with which the cat is in direct contact. If a cat has a sufficiently strong immune system, then it is highly likely that it will become a carrier of infection, but will not get sick.
How dangerous is demodicosis for a pet?
If parasitic mites are not dealt with, they will make your cat’s life unbearable. Parasites will constantly provoke pain and itching in the animal, literally eating its skin.
In this case, the disease will further undermine the pet’s immunity. As a result, he will become more vulnerable to many infections and diseases. Sometimes demodicosis in cats causes death.
The medications used to eliminate ticks are extremely toxic to cats. To neutralize their negative impact on the liver, the animal is given hepatoprotectors (for example, Hepatovet or Essentiale).
Symptoms of the disease
Infestation with subcutaneous mites can be identified by the following manifestations:
- oozing nodules or bumps on the skin;
- redness on the body, changes in skin pigmentation;
- skin thickening;
- focal hair loss;
- “demodicosis glasses” - the cat loses hair around the eyes;
- peeling and itching of the skin;
- bleeding wounds;
- deterioration of health.
Photo gallery: signs of activation of the subcutaneous mite
Red bumps on the skin are a concentration of subcutaneous mites. Due to inflammation and strong friction during scabies, areas of the skin turn red. Hair loss is one of the main symptoms of subcutaneous mite infestation. Hair loss around the eyes is a marker of demodicosis. Severe itching is the first sign of a mite infection. We recommend reading: How to do it correctly measuring the horse to determine weight
With mild local forms of damage, self-healing is possible.
In particularly severe forms of the disease, intoxication of the entire cat’s body occurs with waste products of the tick. In this case, complications are possible in the form of:
- further decrease in immunity;
- decreased skin barrier function;
- formation of purulent foci;
- enlarged lymph nodes.
Pregnant cats and kittens
Pregnant cats and kittens are considered to be at increased risk of contracting an unwanted infection. Therapy, in this case, is implemented with certain difficulties. If a tick is found in cats during pregnancy, then local drugs that are not absorbed into the body are chosen for treatment. Most often, these drugs are produced on an oily basis. Any treatment with similar means is preceded by cleaning the surface of the pet’s skin and removing scabs.
There are similar recommendations for kittens. It is important to seek help from a professional veterinarian as early as possible. Only he can correctly select the safest treatment.
