scabies in cats and its causes
Scabies in cats is a serious infectious disease among cats, and the danger is that it moves quickly and can affect many cats in your home. It may lead to the death of the cat in addition to the disease may be transmitted to humans in the form of infections and irritation of the skin, which causes many problems for humans, because scabies in cats is contagious to humans.
In this article we discuss the definition of scabies in cats and methods of treatment and prevention to get rid of it or prevent its transmission to other cats or to you.
What is scabies in cats?
Demodex, or demodectic mange, is an inflammatory skin disease in cats, caused by various types of mite type Demodex invisible to the naked eye.
There are mites called Demodex that are commonly found on the skin of mammals, including cats, and in most cases do not cause any abnormal strikes.
But when the immune system is stressed or sick, or the body produces an excess of oil or hormones, the numbers of Demodex mite are likely to increase, leading to skin and hair problems.
When the number of mites inhabiting the cat’s hair follicles becomes large, it may be accompanied by skin lesions, genetic disorders, immune system problems, and hair loss (alopecia in cats).
The severity of the symptoms depends on the type of mites that inhabit the cat. Although scabies are rare in cats, Siamese and Burmese breeds are at greater risk.
Is scabies a common disease among cats?
In fact, scabies in cats is a low incidence of disease because the cat must be in poor health and a weak immune system in order for the scabies to control the cat’s body. This leads to infection and transmission to other cats
the Symptoms of scabies in cats
Symptoms may include if your cat has scabies with some distinctive signs, because scabies in cats is a rare disease And few appear.
Symptoms of scabies include:
- Hair loss for cats around the eyelids
- Loss of head, neck, and abdomen hair.
- High temperature.
- Idle and general weakness.
- The presence of scars in the face of the cat or in her body.
- Possible presence of lesions on the skin, crusts and cortical spots.
- Severe itching and descent of blood from the place of itching.
- Skin ulcers from scabies.
Causes of cat scabies
Mite disorders (such as scabies in cats) are rare, and therefore little is known. However, two types of mites that cause scabies in cats have been identified.
The first is Demodex gatoi, potentially infectious and may travel between cats in the same house. It is transmitted as a result of direct contact or through food vessels or fleas
The second (Demodex cati) is linked to diseases of the immune system and metabolism (such as diabetes). In some cases, weakened immune systems or hormone dysfunction have been found to allow Demodex mites to spread and thus to develop scabies.
Therefore, scabies often does not appear as a single disease, but must be accompanied or preceded by other diseases that cause the weakened immunity of the cat and therefore infected scabies.
How is a proper diagnosis of the disease
The veterinarian examines the cat and sees the infections, and can approximate the scabies by looking at the clinic.
The doctor may also examine a sample of skin or hair under the microscope. Skin residue is used to find and diagnose demodectic mange in cats. Hair samples may also help determine the mites responsible for the condition.
In addition, a urine test may identify other possible causes of skin conditions, particularly those caused by a disorder in your cat’s metabolic system. A cat may have scabies, allergies, or both.
How to Treat Scabies in Cats
In about 90% of cases, a cat is more likely to treat itself for demodectic mange automatically. Some cats develop scabies and heal due to the strength of their immune system.
For acute persistent conditions, long-term treatment may be necessary to control the condition
Fat in sulfur-affected areas may help relieve symptoms. In both cases, your cat’s overall health should be assessed.
Some special medical preparations, such as Selamectin, are effective in treating all types of parasites in cats and dogs.
But we never prefer to neglect the condition of mange in your cat and you should consult your veterinarian for optimal treatment.
Recovery and recovery from illness
Follow-up with your doctor should include additional skin tests, and microscopic hair tests. The latter process is known as a trichogram, a diagnostic tool that uses picked hair to examine, so that proper treatment can be prescribed.
In long-term chronic cases of demodectic mange in cats, regular medications may be necessary.
protection your cat
Hygiene and the health of your cat’s place may help prevent certain conditions. Cleaning your cat (without drying the skin) while maintaining optimal health will help keep the demodex moth balance. It is advised not to breed cats with chronic permanent scabies,
where it can be a genetic condition in some breeds, and can be transmitted to the offspring.