Demodecosis in cats is a disease, the causative agent of which is a subcutaneous demodex mite . As a rule, most often it appears in dogs, but representatives of the cat family can also be attacked by parasites of this species. Depending on the severity of the course of the pathology and accompanying signs, the asymptomatic, scaly and pustular extent of the disease progression is distinguished.
Symptoms of demodectic infection in cats
It should be noted right away that all breeds of cats are subject to tick infection, regardless of age or lifestyle. However, most cases of diseases are noted in Siamese and Burmese representatives of the cat family. There are two forms of demodicosis:
- Localized , which is the most common. It is accompanied by hair loss and the appearance of scaly skin on the ears, neck, head and eyelids. Affected by mite areas of the body begin to scratch unbearably and blush, the animal literally rips the skin with claws.
- The generalized form of demodecosis is characterized by the same signs, but affected areas are also on the feet and the rest of the body of the pet.
How to treat demodicosis in cats?
Correct treatment is prescribed exclusively by a veterinarian who is obliged to scrape the skin from the affected area and examine it under a microscope. The treatment of demodectic in cats is prolonged, intensive and requires the use of a large number of medicines having a local and general spectrum of influence on the parasite and eliminating the results of its activity. It is worth noting that none, even super-modern and expensive medicine can not provide 100% positive result.
Each of the two forms of the course of the disease requires different therapeutic methods, which largely depend on the characteristics of the animal's body.
The local form of the disease requires the use of solutions of amitraz and providing the pet with a bath of sulphurous lime. There is a list of drugs that can have a disastrous effect on the tick, but they should all be prescribed exclusively by the doctor, since they contain an impressive list of contraindications. It should be understood that demodicosis is a dangerous and contagious condition of the cat, which requires isolation from it of all other pets and animals. The view that demodecosis in cats is transmitted to humans is fundamentally erroneous, since parasites of this species are not adapted to life at the expense of the human body.
The generalized course of the disease requires a detailed study by a veterinary clinic specialist of the main reason for the appearance of a tick, which is done by laboratory tests. This is done for the simple reason that it is simply not productive to deal with the results of demodex life.
It is possible that the course of the disease can be complicated by the emergence of concomitant pathologies and infections of bacterial origin, which will already have to be treated with antibiotics.
Principles of effective treatment of demodectic
To combat the disease in the pet should be approached with all responsibility and care, which is especially important for young animals with weak immunity.
- careful and constant lubrication of affected areas by special means;
- providing the animal with regular medication that prevents the spread of the parasite;
- providing the cat with nutritious food, vitamins and nutrients;
- management advice of specialists.