External parasites bothersome to cats include fleas, ear mites, mange mites and walking dandruff mites. Notoedric mange is also called Feline Scabies and is caused by a microscopic mange mite called Notoedres cati. Notoedres mites in cats are similar to Sarcoptic mange mites in dogs. Notoedric mange causes intense itching. Lesions begin on the ear margins. The skin is red and irritated with crusts and scales. Lesions progress to involve the face and without therapy will spread to involve the entire body. Both mites burrow into the skin and cause severe itching. They can also be spread to other pets and people by direct contact with an infected cat.
SYMPTOMS
Walking Dandruff
* Severe itching
* Scratching
* Hair loss
* Dandruff with small scabs on the head, neck and back
Feline Scabies
* Severe itching
* Crusts and scales first on ear margins then on face and can spread to entire body.
WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
For Feline Scabies and Walking Dandruff, diagnosis is usually confirmed by skin scrapings in which the mite is visualized under the microscope. For Feline Scabies and Walking Dandruff, a product called Ivermectin given by injection in two doses two weeks apart kills the mites. Itching subsides a few days after the first dose. The skin damage and secondary bacterial skin infections generally take a few weeks to resolve, depending on their severity. Unfortunately Ivermectin is not approved for this use in cats. Revolution contains Selamectin and is a new monthly product available in a liquid form labeled as a preventative for heartworms, fleas and ear mites. Revolution is approved to treat Sarcoptic Mange in dogs and effectively eliminates these mites in cats but is not yet specifically approved. Your vet will recommend the best therapy for your cat.
WARNING
These mites are contagious to animals and humans. Everyone in the whole house can end up itching. In people, the mange usually clears up in a few weeks with or without treatment. Wear gloves and wash your hands well to decrease your exposure risk when handling infected animals.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY
Herbal Remedies
Echinacea (purple cone flower): compresses soaked in the infusion can be applied topically to infected areas.
Homeopathic Remedies
Sulphur 6c is useful to relieve. One pellet once a day for 30 days. Withhold food 10 minutes before and after treatment.
TIP
Immuno-stimulant herbs such as Reishi and Astragulus as well as Vitamins A and E may be beneficial to enhance immune function in these cases.
