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Uncontrollable itching with rashes and scaly skin are the usual initial warnings that a cat has a case of mange. Mange in cats is a generally treatable condition that does not lead to other ailments but must still be treated swiftly so that it does not worsen. Untreated infestations can draw bacteria in and lead to bacterial infection. Though unlikely, mange can also be contagious to humans.
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.
Accordingly, there are also two types of cat mange. Otodectic mange refers to ear mange while notoedric mange refers to head and skin mange. The cause of ear mange are non-burrowing mites that infest the ear canal and cause the production of thick, brown wax. This wax is removed to check for mites in the ear. Curing ear mange is usually done by applying ear drops.
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.
Diagnosis of notoedric mange is carried out through the inspection of skin scrapings under a microscope. This test determines whether mites and their eggs are present under or on skin. If mites are found, then they must be the cause of the itching symptoms and mot some other skin infection.
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.
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.
Find help for mange cats by looking online. With Notoedric mange there are certain treatments you will need to use. Go online now and learn more.
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