Among the diseases that cats suffer from, a significant proportion are those caused by various parasites. One of the most common diseases in this group is demodicosis. The causative agent of demodicosis in cats is the subcutaneous mite. This parasite can cause a lot of anxiety and problems for your mustachioed pet. The Murkoshi team will talk about what it is, how the disease progresses and how to remove this parasite in this article.
1) Pathogens of demodicosis and methods of infection 2) Risk groups 3) Types of demodicosis 4) Symptoms of subcutaneous mites 5) Treatment of a localized form 6) Treatment of a generalized form 7) Prevention of demodicosis
Pathogens of demodicosis and methods of infection
The causative agent of the disease is the subcutaneous mite - demodex. Actually, there are two types of subcutaneous mites (even three, but the third is currently poorly studied and not described): Demodex cati and Demodex gatoi. The first species (Demodex cati) always lives on the cat's body, in the hair follicles (the places where the hairs of the fur grow), and usually does not cause any trouble. This species is not at all contagious. But in some cases, such as illness, stress, decreased immunity of the kitten, this subcutaneous mite on the body multiplies excessively, accordingly, causing toothache and other inconveniences.
The second species (Demodex gatoi) is an infectious parasite. This subcutaneous mite is transmitted from a sick cat to another (but it is not dangerous for humans). It lives and reproduces in the stratum corneum of the skin (the surface layer consisting of keratinized cells). If this parasite gets on a cat's body, it can lead to illness. Although the body of healthy animals with strong immunity in most cases copes with subcutaneous mites on their own. Demodicosis occurs if the immune system is weakened for some reason.
Causes of demodicosis in animals
Demodex mites have strict species specificity. Thus, only the species D. сanis, D. injai and D. сornei parasitize dogs, and D. cati and D. gatoi parasitize cats. These types of ticks are not dangerous to humans.
The development of the disease is promoted by:
- existing skin and hair pathologies;
- stressful conditions;
- immunity disorders;
- endocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, etc.);
- malignant tumors;
- leishmaniasis.
Young animals under the age of 1 year are often susceptible to the disease. It is during this period that most stressful situations occur - the introduction of vaccines, ear cropping. The peak of infections is observed in the first three months of an animal’s life. Of particular importance here are:
- the hormone oxytocin, which is produced in dogs and cats when feeding with milk and provokes the migration of ticks from the mother’s body;
- insufficient hair length and weak keratinization of the epidermis in puppies and kittens, which simplifies infection.
At-risk groups
Theoretically, all cats that have been in contact with sick animals can become infected with subcutaneous mites. But the following groups are most often susceptible to demodicosis:
— offspring of cats with demodicosis; — animals with weakened immunity and autoimmune diseases; — cats in the postoperative period; - animals in the recovery period after infectious diseases; — kittens and adult cats with rickets; - animals exhausted after starvation; - pets who have suffered severe stress; - some breeds: Siamese, Burmese, Devon Rex.
Why are ticks dangerous for cats?
It is not for nothing that people are afraid of ticks, some of which are carriers of dangerous diseases, including typhus, hemorrhagic fever, tularemia and viral encephalitis.
Domestic cats suffer less from representatives of the ixodid genus than dogs, perhaps due to their lifestyle: not every owner allows a well-groomed pet to roam around courtyards and squares.
If an animal that has escaped to freedom returns home with a couple of attached parasites, it is possible that in a few days symptoms of infectious anemia (hemabartonellosis), Lyme disease (borreliosis), piroplasmosis, theileriosis or other dangerous diseases will appear.
The culprits of the diseases are protozoan parasites and viruses that destroy red blood cells, bone marrow, lymph nodes and internal organs of the cat. The diseases are difficult to diagnose, which is why their treatment is delayed. The diagnosis is made at the veterinary clinic by examining a sample of the cat's blood in the laboratory.
Varieties of demodicosis
Veterinarians distinguish two forms of demodicosis - localized and generalized. When localized, one area of the animal’s body (sometimes several) is affected, and there are no signs of the disease on the cat’s paws. With generalized disease, many areas of the body are affected at once, and the paws also suffer. The generalized form, of course, is much more difficult to tolerate and more difficult to treat. If a cat gets sick with a generalized type of demodicosis, then there is a high probability that she will pass the disease on by inheritance. Therefore, such cats must be sterilized.
How to protect an animal from bites?
There are no products that can 100% protect your pet from ticks. Anti-tick agents applied to the withers or collars will help reduce the risk. Spray preparations are effective because they can be applied evenly to the entire body. It would also be a good idea to get your pet vaccinated.
Carefully inspect the animal after walks, paying special attention to the neck, armpit area, perineum, ears and anus.
This will help you notice and remove the parasite in time. On our website there are more than 3420 veterinary clinics in Moscow for you on our website tick removal analysis for piroplasmosis treatment of rodents animal vaccinations
Symptoms of subcutaneous mites
In the case of demodicosis, there is a “pitfall”: the disease develops gradually, and accordingly, symptoms gradually appear. Therefore, it is not always possible to immediately notice signs of a subcutaneous mite in a kitten. Moreover, the danger is that the longer Demodex parasitizes, the more dangerous it is in terms of reducing the animal’s immunity. This is why it is important to take your cat to the vet at the first sign of symptoms. It's better to be safe than to get sick! So, the following symptoms may indicate the presence of a subcutaneous tick in a cat:
- redness of the skin; - the appearance of rashes in the form of nodules or small pustules; - deterioration in the appearance of the coat; - such a characteristic symptom as “demodicosis glasses” appears - hair loss and peeling of the skin around the eyes; - hair loss and peeling of the skin on the head, ears, neck (localized form), as well as on the legs and torso (generalized form); — violation of skin pigmentation; - acne; - itching; - bleeding wounds.
You can accurately diagnose demodicosis in a cat by taking scrapings from the affected areas of the body. Treatment will depend on whether the form is localized or generalized. Owners need to keep in mind that demodicosis is a very serious disease that may require long-term therapy (from six months to a year). Experienced volunteers of the Murkosha shelter warn: self-medication if a cat has a subcutaneous tick is unacceptable! “Folk remedies”, at best, have not proven their effectiveness against demodicosis, and at worst, they can worsen the animal’s condition. Remember that only a doctor can prescribe the exact course of treatment. He will tell you if any of the "folk remedies" are suitable for your situation.
Walking dandruff (Cheyletiellosis)
Cheyletiellosis is called “walking dandruff” because of the appearance of the mite, the white colonies of which on the animal’s skin look like dandruff. The disease is caused by the mite Cheyletiella blakei, which is highly contagious, especially in kennels or homes with multiple pets. People often become infected with this mite.
Symptoms
- area of distribution – back;
- peeling of the skin along the back;
- itching from mild to intense;
- billionth dermatitis in areas of skin lesions;
Some cats may not show any signs of infestation but carry mites and pass them on to other pets and people.
Thrombiculosis
This type of scabies is caused by parasitic larvae of mites of the Trombiculidae family. Its adults look like tiny spiders and live on rotting material. Cats become infected with them on their paws when they walk or when they lie on the ground.
In temperate areas, cats and other animals can become infected with thrombiculosis in the summer and fall; in warmer areas, infection occurs throughout the year.
Symptoms
- redness;
- papules, bumps, crusts;
- tiny orange-red oval dots during the parasite's dormant period;
- swelling;
- itching, anxiety;
Treatment of localized form
Localized demodicosis is treated in stages.
1. First, you need to bathe your pet using special “Doctor” and “Elite” pet shampoos. They will cleanse the cat's skin and fur from suppuration, lymph and dandruff. 2. Then all affected areas on the cat’s body should be treated with a solution of chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide - this will cleanse the skin of scabs and crusts. You need to wait until these places dry out. 3. On the recommendation of a veterinarian, you can use the antiseptic "Citeal" - once every 2-3 days, you need to wash the affected areas of the cat's body with it. 4. After this, the treatment of demodicosis itself begins, that is, the removal of subcutaneous mites from the cat. The skin is treated with special solutions, ointments and gels as prescribed by the veterinarian: “Amitraz”, “Stronghold”, “Advocate”, “Demos”, sulfur and aversectin ointments, etc. 5. Areas with lost hair and wounds are treated with the preparations “Tsipam”, “ Perol”, “Ektodes”, “Ivermek”, “Neostomazan”, “Mikodemotsid”, “Amit”, etc. 6. The pet must be given means to increase immunity: “Gamavit”, “Immunol”, “Gala-vet”, “Maksidin”.
Please note that the exact treatment regimen is prescribed by a specialist, depending on the age of the cat, the degree of damage, general condition and other factors.
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How and how to treat demodicosis in dogs and cats
In the treatment of this disease it is necessary to use acaricidal agents, antiseptics and antibiotics. Additionally, anti-inflammatory drugs, tissue regeneration activators and immunostimulants can be used.
The Ivermek line of drugs from the NITA-FARM company can help with demodicosis. So, Ivermec spray is a combination product that contains:
- ivermectin - has a pronounced antiparasitic effect;
- lidocaine - reduces pain and itching;
- dexpanthenol - promotes tissue healing;
- chlorhexidine - fights concomitant infections.
Treatment of demodicosis in dogs and cats with this drug consists of treating the affected areas 2-4 times with an interval of 3-5 days until clinical symptoms disappear.
More detailed information about the drugs in the Ivermek line and other NITA-FARM veterinary drugs can be found in the product catalog
Disinfection of veterinary inspection facilities Cattle diseases
Treatment of the generalized form
The generalized form is more difficult to treat and takes longer. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the primary disease that caused the exacerbation of demodicosis. Without this, complete recovery of the animal is impossible. Veterinarians also advise completely trimming the cat to make it easier to treat with medications (since the disease covers almost the entire body). Next, the same methods are used as in the treatment of a localized form.
Often, veterinarians also prescribe a course of Dectomax or Cydectin injections. At the same time, the animal is prescribed injections of antibiotics - Kanamycin, Betamox, Baytril, Amoxicillin, etc.
It is also necessary to restore the cat’s immunity - the drug “Ligfol” will help here, as well as a vitamin and mineral complex. We draw special attention to the fact that treatment of this form of the disease should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.
What to do if your cat is bitten by a tick
A cat coming in from the street (especially during seasonal tick activity) should be carefully examined and then combed with a fine-toothed comb. Sometimes a swollen tick is discovered when stroking the fur and, if it has not had time to gain a foothold, it is removed and destroyed. If the tick has managed to attach itself, you should not try to pull it out with your fingers, as there is a risk of the head being torn off from the body. Extraction is carried out in a special way.
Pre-treat the skin near the embedded pest with medical alcohol or any alcohol tincture. The substance weakens the muscles of the tick, promotes free extraction, and also prevents infection from entering the wound.
The tools used are tweezers, forceps, syringes, and thread. Additionally, you will need a needle. All instruments must be wiped with alcohol. Wear rubber gloves.
- Use tweezers or tongs to pick up the body at the base, scroll clockwise or counterclockwise several times. The tick should be twisted, but not pulled out.
- The part to which the needle is attached is cut off from the syringe. The edges are lubricated with Vaseline or vegetable oil. Positioned in such a way that the body remains inside. Pull the piston towards you. Under vacuum pressure, the parasite is released.
Further treatment of a tick bite is carried out based on the general symptoms. Be sure to disinfect the wound - fill it with iodine and brilliant green. It is allowed to use products to reduce itching and eliminate local allergies - Fenistil gel, Zvezdochka Balm, aloe vera juice.
Do cats get encephalitis?
Cats, just like dogs, suffer from encephalitis. The disease can appear in absolutely any pet, regardless of gender and age, so the owner must not only know the answer to the question of whether cats get encephalitis from a tick bite, but also immediately begin treatment for the pet as soon as he notices the first signs of pathology.
The carriers of the encephalitis virus are ixodid ticks. Most often, insects attack stray animals and those with access to the street, but a domestic cat can also be bitten by a tick, which can become ill if the owner brings the insect on clothes or shoes.
Typically, tick-borne encephalitis in cats is detected in pets between May and October. During this time period, ticks are most active. However, not only an insect bite can provoke the development of pathology. Encephalitis can be caused by:
- infection with infectious listeriosis. This disease is also called pseudorabies. It is caused by pathogenic microorganisms that enter the brain tissue through lymph and blood;
- toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasma living in the body of cats can sometimes affect the lining of the brain, causing an inflammatory process;
- otitis. Chronic inflammation of the inner ear can cause your cat to develop a severe form of encephalitis;
- head injuries. Brain edema, characteristic of head injuries, leads to compression and damage to blood vessels, provoking an inflammatory process.
"Important information! If the owner does not begin timely treatment of the animal, encephalitis can lead to the death of the pet.”
How is tick-borne encephalitis transmitted to humans?
When a tick bites a person, the virus enters the bloodstream along with its saliva, but this does not always happen. If there was a small dose of the virus in the insect's saliva, or if the person has a strong immune system, then the disease will not develop.
In addition to a tick bite, encephalitis can also be contracted through the saliva of a sick cat, therefore, to avoid infection, you should maintain hygiene and regularly examine the animal.
If a person does become infected, he will exhibit the following symptoms, presented:
- fatigue;
- constant feeling of cold due to spasmodic blood vessels;
- increase in temperature indicators;
- nausea and headache;
- conjunctivitis;
- muscle hypotonicity of the face and neck;
- disorder of consciousness.
To avoid infection with this dangerous disease, it is enough to get vaccinated against encephalitis, which is included in the vaccination calendar.
Vaccination
Unfortunately, not a single vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis can protect a cat 100%. However, in combination with sprays or anti-tick collars, it gives a very good result.
Even if a tick attacks an animal, after it attaches itself to the skin, it will simply fall off and die without causing any harm to the cat.
From the beginning of spring to mid-summer, when ticks are especially active, it is better to try not to let the animal go outside, and if that fails, then try to carefully examine it after each walk.
"Important information! During the examination, the ears, armpits, groin and abdomen should be checked most carefully. These areas are least covered with fur, so ticks try to attach themselves to these areas.”
