Subcutaneous mites in cats: symptoms and treatment

What does a subcutaneous mite look like in cats?

There are 2 types of ticks in cats:

• Demodex cati.

Demodex cati is a permanent inhabitant of the cat’s body and is generally a peaceful resident. The variety can be transmitted from mother to kittens in the first days after birth. Not contagious to other animals. The body is narrow, elongated in length, approximately 0.5 mm. Habitat: hair follicles. This is the most favorable place for the parasite: there is food in the form of lymph, blood, dead cells, and optimal temperature.

D.cati is a cat's friend, as it eats dead skin cells and sebaceous secretions. But he becomes an enemy when his food turns out to be of “poor quality” due to the animal’s health problems.

A tick attack by D. cati begins when the pet’s immunity is weakened, under poor living conditions, or when taking drugs to artificially suppress the immune system. Therefore, demodicosis cati is almost always accompanied by chronic viral infections: peritonitis, immunodeficiency, leukemia. The tick in a cat can become more active against the background of diabetes mellitus and lupus erythematosus.

• Demodex gatoi.

Demodex gatoi are highly contagious. They live in the stratum corneum of the skin and do not affect the hair follicle. The body is short and wide. Infection occurs through contact with a sick animal. But a person can also bring a dangerous “fragment” of fur with parasites into the house. This is how completely domestic pets that do not walk on the street become infected. It is noted that the activation of this type of parasite is not associated with weakened immunity.

Subcutaneous mites: types and what affects them

There are several types of subcutaneous mites:

• Demodex (provokes demodicosis);
• Sarcoptes scabiei (sarcoptosis);
• Notoedrosis (notoedrosis);
• Cheyletiella (cheyletiellosis);
• Trombiculidae (thrombiculosis).

Infection with each of them causes specific symptoms in the animal.

Demodicosis

Most often, Demodectic mange (scabies) in cats is caused by the parasite Demodex, which is not even a mite; it is more correct to use the name glandular acne.

Demodex mites cannot be seen without a microscope

This microorganism normally lives in the hair follicles of humans and animals and feeds on sebum, which, in general, has a positive effect on skin health. But with certain metabolic disorders, Demodex has a destructive effect on the skin. Moreover, the negative impact of the parasite on the body is due to the result of its vital activity - it begins to secrete harmful toxins and dies after 15–25 days, which provokes the process of decomposition in the thickness of the skin. The result is redness, irritation, itching and suppuration.

The subcutaneous demodex mite in a cat is called opportunistic - malfunctions in the body lead to skin disease

Demodicosis, or scabies, in humans, dogs and cats is caused by different types of microorganisms. In cats, these are Demodex gatoi and Demodex cati. In humans and dogs - Demodex folliculorum. However, cats that suffer from chronic pathologies or have suffered severe stress, as well as young individuals, are susceptible to infection with the “human” tick.

Video: demodicosis in animals

Sarcoptic mange

The causative agent of sarcoptic mange is Sarcoptes scabiei.

The symptoms are similar to demodicosis, but compared to it it is more aggressive: ulcers appear, in the worst case - deep lesions of the epidermis, fistulas.

The chronic form has unpleasant consequences: the skin becomes keratinized in the affected areas, covered with pigment spots and scar-like tubercles.

With sarcoptic mange, microscopic mites devour the epidermis, causing discomfort and pain to the animal.

Notoedrosis

Notoedrosis is caused by a parasite of the genus Notoedrosis. This is the largest among subcutaneous mites. Affects the entire body of the animal. This tick is transmitted from cats to humans and pets through contact.

After infecting the host, it lives for about a month and dies. It does not reproduce in human skin (unlike animal skin). Eggs that fall on household items can become a source of spread of the disease.

Notoedrosis is a parasitic disease of cats, characterized by a high degree of contagiousness, including to humans.

Accompanied by already familiar symptoms:

• itching;
• irritation;
• hair loss.

Cheyletiellosis

The parasite Cheyletiella leads to the development of cheyletiellosis. Among the symptoms:

• the appearance of dandruff and itching;
• peeling of the skin.

It is transmitted from a sick animal to a healthy one. The lesion has clear boundaries; the skin of the back usually suffers.

Thrombiculosis

Thrombiculosis is caused by mites of the genus Trombiculidae.

This parasite is very tenacious. It lives both in the ground and on the body and skin of mammals, insects and birds. Attached in groups. There is a symbiosis of young and adult individuals. Primarily affects the mucous membranes:

• lips;
• anus;
• nose;
• eyes.

The parasite is easy to notice with the naked eye. To do this, look for soft, bright red dots measuring 0.5 mm on your cat's body. When you crush a group of such points, you will get a characteristic scarlet stain.

Video: diseases caused by subcutaneous mites in cats

Causes of red scabies

Subcutaneous mites in cats occur in all breeds. There are no restrictions by gender or age. However, it has been noted that Siamese and Burmese breeds are more often affected.

At risk:

• Animals with weakened immunity due to genetic diseases, previous infections, infection with worms, fleas, and those who have been treated with antibiotics for a long time.
• Pets up to 1-2 years old and over 5 years old.
• Kittens are artificial or taken from their mother early.
• Cats with skin diseases, wounds, abrasions.

No less influence on the immune system is exerted by nutrition, living conditions, and exposure to stress.

Signs and symptoms

If subcutaneous mites are suspected in cats, symptoms and treatment depend on the form of the disease. There are 3 of them in total.

Localized form

When the parasite penetrates the skin, inflammation occurs at the site of penetration. The skin swells and turns red. Small tubercles (3 mm in diameter) with blood or pus form. There are a lot of such elements, especially if timely treatment is not undertaken. The danger is that an infection occurs, causing the animal’s condition to worsen. Otitis media develops, focal baldness develops, the skin turns red, becomes covered with ulcers and scales. Therefore, this form is also called “scaly”.

With local demodicosis in cats, symptoms appear primarily in the area around the eyes, ears, head, and neck. There are no more than 5 lesions. The hair on them noticeably thins. The paws and back remain unaffected. D. cati does not cause concern to the animal, while D. gatoi causes severe itching. The localized form often goes away on its own in 1-1.5 months.

Generalized demodicosis

When the disease process spreads throughout the body, the following manifestations are observed:

• Areas of hair loss throughout the body.
• Redness, hyperpigmentation of the skin.
• Acne, pustular rashes.
• Inflammation of the outer ear.
• The skin peels severely, bleeds, and itches unbearably.
• Fungal and bacterial infections are added.

The head, muzzle, neck, lower and lateral sides of the torso, and limbs are most often affected. With D. gatoi, complete baldness of the affected part of the body occurs. The animal may look untidy. The wool is dull, as if sprinkled with flour, sticks together. Many owners mistakenly believe that it is dandruff. The skin becomes shiny, sticky, and an unpleasant odor begins to emanate from the cat.

The disease progresses quickly. Separate foci are connected. Most of the body is affected by Demodex. The skin becomes thicker and gathers into folds, making the head seem prohibitively large compared to the body. The eye shape narrows. Lymph nodes become inflamed - this symptom is characteristic of demodicosis.

The general condition is depressed. The cat may refuse food and not be active. Possible increase in body temperature. The disease spreads throughout the body, and signs of intoxication begin to appear.

Juvenile demodicosis

It differs from generalized only in that it is inherited. The kitten becomes infected while still in the womb. This is a very severe form, as the entire cat’s body is affected.

What is demodicosis?

Subcutaneous mite or demodicosis is a disease of parasitic etiology. It affects the skin and hair of a cat, and is caused by a parasitic mite called Demodex (Demodex cati or Demodex gatoi).

Once in the animal's body, it may not manifest itself in any way until the appropriate moment - a decrease in immunity. Against the background of a weakened body, demodicosis worsens and the waste products of the tick poison the cat’s body.

Demodex mite under a microscope

Are subcutaneous ticks in cats dangerous for humans?

As you know, people also suffer from demodicosis. But subcutaneous mites, which affect cats and kittens, are not contagious and cannot be transmitted to humans

, but cause a lot of discomfort to the animal itself. The disease in humans and cats is caused by different types of pathogenic parasites (in humans these are Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis).

How does infection occur? Transfer methods

An animal can become infected with demodicosis during contact with another sick pet; kittens can be infected by their mother. The parasite can be transmitted through shared hygiene products and objects that the cat has interacted with.

Veterinary practice knows cases when infection with demodicosis occurred during the prenatal development of kittens.

Veterinarians talk about identifying several forms of the disease - localized and generalized.

In the first case, a local part of the animal’s body is affected, or areas of demodicosis can be found in several places on the skin. Whereas there are no signs of demodicosis on the cat’s paws.

With the generalized form of mites in cats, a large area of ​​the cat’s body is affected, and signs of demodicosis appear on the pet’s paws. Such animals are no longer recommended for breeding, as there is a high risk of transmitting the disease to future offspring.

Diagnosis and symptoms of the disease

A veterinarian must diagnose the animal. But, based on some characteristic symptoms, cat owners themselves can determine that she has a subcutaneous mite.

There is a high probability that this is the case if you notice:

Reddened areas on the animal's body. The appearance of rashes on the body, with nodules and pustules. Deterioration in the condition of the coat. Hair loss in the eye area - “demodectic glasses” in a cat. Hair loss in the area of ​​the disease. Changes in skin pigmentation. The appearance of bleeding wounds on the skin. Feeling worse

In the case of a generalized form, the disease also affects the cat’s internal organs, which affects appetite and behavior.

Focusing on the symptoms of demodicosis alone to make a diagnosis is not enough. A good veterinarian will definitely suggest that you take scrapings from diseased areas of the animal’s body to study them in the laboratory. However, one sample will not be enough. At least 4-5 are needed to make an accurate diagnosis.

Example of an infected cat

How to treat demodicosis in cats

The main goal of therapy is to eliminate the pathogen. For this purpose, injections, ointments, solutions for internal use, sprays, and bathing are prescribed. Be sure to use products to strengthen the immune system, restore the condition of the skin, and adjust the diet for vitamins and proteins. Treatment of demodicosis in cats is complex.

There is no one universal remedy that can remove the parasite. Having discovered a tick in cats, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive treatment, combining medications.

Therapy for local form

The disease caused by D. cati and characterized by local damage can go away on its own, but not if the immune system is weakened.

The main treatment for cats with demodicosis:

1. Use of Amitrazine solution once a day with an interval of 3 days. In this case, it is important to treat not only the affected area, but also the area a centimeter nearby. On average, 6-8 treatments are required for the signs of demodicosis to disappear. The drug is well tolerated by animals. However, if there is scratching, the pet experiences a burning sensation. To prevent the cat from licking the product, the jaw is closed using a loop. Amitrazine is not only destructive to parasites, but also has an anti-inflammatory and softening effect.
2. An effective method of treating subcutaneous mites is considered to be feeding the animal with a 1% Ivermek solution at a rate of 0.3-0.5 mg/kg.
3. To get rid of the cat mite D. gatoi, use the medicinal solution Lime Sulfur (lime sulfur). The wool is wetted every 3 days or a week. Duration of treatment is 1-2 months. The first signs of improvement are observed after 3-4 weeks of therapy.

Generalized form

In case of extensive demodicosis caused by D. cati, the following treatment regimen is considered effective:

1. Treatment of the entire body with Lime Sulfur solution. The interval is a week.
2. Subcutaneous administration of the drug Doramectin. The dosage is calculated strictly under the supervision of a doctor.
3. Lubricate the body completely with Amitrazine every 1-2 weeks. The drug should be used with caution in the generalized form, and should not be used at all in animals with diabetes.

In severely advanced cases, treatment of the generalized form is often ineffective.

For any type of disease, treatment of subcutaneous mites in cats requires up to two negative scrapings with an interval of 1 month and elimination of lesions. Therefore, it is possible to cure subcutaneous mites in a cat no earlier than 2 months. Some veterinarians perform 3 control scrapings 2-3 weeks apart.

Treatment in cats

Treatment is usually complex, since lesions of the skin and fur are only an external manifestation of the disease, and the parasites themselves negatively affect the entire body as a whole.

In most cases, treatment is carried out according to the following algorithm src=»https://obnaruzhil.ru/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Koshka-2.jpg» class=»aligncenter» width=»600″ height=»450″ [/img]

1. Initially, it is necessary to destroy parasites on the surface and in the upper layers of the skin. To do this, use soapy water or a 1% water-based solution of chlorophos.
2. Simultaneously with the treatment of the animal, the entire premises and means for caring for the pet are disinfected .
3. If the lesion has not yet taken a serious form and there are only a few lesions, then the hair in these places should be cut and shaved. These areas are additionally treated with Vishnevsky ointment or special lotions for cats.
4. When treating the most severe forms of the disease, systematic treatment of the pet is necessary, which is carried out every five days with a 2% chlorophos solution.
5. The most positive result is achieved with subcutaneous administration of drugs prescribed by a veterinarian. Ivermectin is most often used; the frequency of its use and dosage are also determined by a specialist depending on the characteristics of the disease and its severity, but do not exceed the norms specified in the instructions for the drug.
6. Some animals have individual intolerance to ivermectin or other prescribed drugs, as well as individual components that make up them. In order to avoid negative consequences, the first subcutaneous injection of the product should be of a trial nature. To do this, the animal is first given some anti-allergy drug, and then the minimum dose of the prescribed medication. If there is no allergic reaction or other side effects, then further use of the product must be carried out in accordance with the recommendations given by the veterinarian. This treatment may cause weakness or uncontrolled increased salivation; these symptoms go away on their own after a few days; however, if this does not happen, then you should stop taking the medications and seek new advice from a specialist.
7. Particular attention should be paid to the treatment of kittens, since they still have rather weak immunity. All procedures are carried out in accordance with the instructions of the veterinarian; changes in the regimen or specifics of treatment are not allowed. This will help prevent the formation of new lesions.
8. The entire course of treatment must be accompanied by proper and balanced nutrition. The food given to the cat must contain large quantities of different groups of vitamins, minerals and essential elements and compounds. Most likely, you will additionally need to take a vitamin course.

Since subcutaneous mites often also cause a complication in the form of ear scabies, to treat this disease it will be necessary to take an additional set of measures:

1. Clean the cat's ears from dirt accumulated in them using a clean cotton swab, which must first be moistened with camphor alcohol.
2. Instill no more than three drops of Octovedin, Demos or another remedy prescribed by a specialist.
3. Treat the skin around the ears with a special medicinal ointment, for example, Wilkinson's ointment.

All drugs used during treatment are prescribed by a specialist, but the following types are most often used:

1. Ivermectin in tablet form is a universal drug with antiparasitic effects, is widely used in veterinary medicine and has a high degree of effectiveness. Causes paralysis and subsequent death of ticks; use in conjunction with other drugs of a similar nature is prohibited. The price for a package of domestically produced tablets is about 60 rubles.
2. Ivermec in liquid form is an analogue of ivermectin, which is intended for subcutaneous injection. It is more effective because the active ingredients enter the blood faster. The cost is about 45 rubles per bottle of 1% solution with a volume of 1 ml.
3. Saphroderm ointment is intended for external treatment of affected areas of the animal's body. The product is an antiseptic and additionally helps speed up the healing process of wounds and relieve local inflammation. The approximate cost is 80 rubles per 25 ml bottle.
4. Mycodemocid is a solution whose main active ingredient is chlorophos 0.7%. The drug disrupts the processes responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses in the tick's body, which leads to subsequent paralysis and death of the parasite. The cost is about 200 rubles per 100 ml bottle.
5. Immunoparasitan is not an independent drug for the destruction of subcutaneous mites or the treatment of diseases caused by them. It is used as an additional remedy, which is taken in combination with medications prescribed by a veterinarian. The main purpose of using Immunoparasitan is to increase the cat’s immune reactions and resistance to existing parasites. Containers with a volume of 8 ml can be purchased at veterinary pharmacies, the cost is 180-200 rubles.

There are also a large number of folk remedies for removing parasites of this type, but it must be remembered that they cannot replace the main course of treatment and a visit to the veterinarian; they are recommended to be used only as additional and auxiliary measures.

The most common methods of controlling ticks are:

1. Using chamomile decoction, which can be used to wipe the affected areas on the animal’s body or bathe it every 2-3 days.
2. Using calendula tincture to treat affected areas.
3. Increasing the dryness of the skin by any available means, which will create unfavorable conditions for the existence of parasites.
4. Washing the cat using gel or soap, one of the components of which is birch tar.
5. Treat areas where hair loss has been noticed with kerosene. After a few days, the treated areas will need to be rinsed additionally with water.

Drugs

All medications for subcutaneous mites in cats are selected exclusively by a doctor. The list of funds below is for reference only.

When an infection is added, antimycotics and antibiotics are prescribed in combination (Amoxiclav, Cefazolin, Tsiprovet, etc.).