Demodecosis in a cat is caused by a subcutaneous tick. The problem can affect all animals, regardless of breed or age. However, it should be understood that this tick is constantly on the skin of the pet, but the disease occurs due to weakened immunity, against the background of constant chronic pathologies and other negative factors. Veterinarians recognize the tick as opportunistic, because only a malfunction in the immune system leads to the manifestation of the clinical picture of the disease.
Causes of the problem
On the skin of most animals, the demodex tick is often parasitic, while it does not cause a problem and the pet does not bother. But under certain conditions on the skin of cats you can notice the affected areas. The following factors can trigger the inflammatory process and provoke demodicosis in a cat:
- the presence of worms and intoxication caused by their vital activity;
- insufficient intake of fats with food;
- immunity weakened by frequent diseases;
- lack of vitamins A, E and group B;
- improper conditions of detention (damp, dirt);
- lack of quality care and disinfection of bedding, animal bowls.
Demodecosis in a cat occurs due to the penetration of a tick into the skin. In this case, inflammation occurs, and characteristic symptoms are visible.
How does the disease develop?
Depending on the degree of damage and the development of the problem, the following forms of the disease are distinguished:
- Localized. Demodecosis in a cat manifests itself in a certain area. Usually affected area of the mouth, eyes, ears or neck. If treatment is started on time, the prognosis is always favorable.
- Generalized. If you ignore individual areas of the lesion, then soon the tick will affect multiple areas. Demodecosis can quickly develop in individuals that are predisposed to this pathology. Therefore, veterinarians recommend, after the course of treatment, to castrate or sterilize the animal in order to stop the appearance of kittens with hereditary vulnerability.
Typical signs of a disease
It is worth noting that the first signs of the disease are difficult to notice immediately. Pathology develops slowly, which is why the pet owner does not notice the sites affected by demodicosis for a very long time. Symptoms and treatment of a cat should be known to every owner of the animal.
Signs that should alert:
- the coat loses its former luster, becomes dull and lifeless;
- bald patches may appear;
- eyes redden, peeling resembling dandruff appears;
- on the skin you can find tubercles or small growths;
- pustules are revealed that itch and bother the animal;
- the cat begins to constantly itch, traces of blood are noticeable when combing the pustules.
It is impossible only by external signs to detect demodecosis in cats. The photo partially conveys the main symptoms, but the specialist will always prescribe a scraping and only on the basis of its results will he diagnose and determine the treatment.
Troubleshooting
Symptoms of demodicosis in cats depend on the form of its manifestation. Therefore, appropriate treatment is selected based on this. It is advisable to show the pet to the doctor and, after diagnosis, start therapy.
Diagnosis
An accurate diagnosis is important because some of the symptoms are similar to ringworm or other dermatitis. The veterinarian relies not only on external examination, but also conducts a number of examinations. A full picture gives scraping from the affected areas. In this case, it is possible to detect the presence of parasites and determine the stage of their development.
It is worth considering that if the analysis showed the presence of only adult individuals in the skin, then the cat is not a carrier of the disease and is not dangerous for other animals. A swab taken from the ear is also informative.
If a tick is not found in the scraping, then analysis from another site will be required. Often a feces test is prescribed because the animals carefully lick themselves. Thus, the parasite enters the body. Tests also help to establish a diagnosis in the absence of obvious external symptoms.
Localized form treatment
To eliminate the onset of symptoms, it is necessary to bathe the cat in a special treatment shampoo. It is recommended to use the drug "Doctor" or "Elite." Means contribute to the removal of excess sebum, coarse particles, antibacterial skin protection from the appearance of new pustules. Next, you need to give the wool to dry well and treat the affected areas with an antiseptic. You can use hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine.
Treatment of demodicosis in cats at home should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. For this, medicines are used that cause the death of the parasitic tick. Drugs must be carefully treated the affected area twice a week. It is necessary to capture not only a diseased area of the skin, but also the entire diameter near it - about 1 cm.
The following tools are recommended for this:
- Amit;
- Neostomazann;
- "Cypan";
- "Perol";
- Ectodes;
- Ivermek
- Mycodemocide.
However, among these contraindications, contraindications include pregnancy and lactation of the cat, as well as the presence of infectious diseases.
In addition to medicines, vitamin therapy is needed. To speed up recovery and increase the immunity of the animal, "Maxidin" or "Gamavit" are recommended for use.
First aid kit
If the animal has a localized form of the disease, then treatment of demodicosis in cats at home is possible using folk remedies. Of course, their use does not cancel the standard therapy, but can contribute to a faster recovery and elimination of unpleasant symptoms.
Tar tar or shampoo are well established. Ticks cannot stand its smell and hastily leave their shelter in the skin. Pustules and wounds are recommended to be treated with tincture of calendula, chamomile, sage. The use of sulfuric ointment will not hurt.
Generalized form treatment
If the initial manifestations of demodicosis are not treated, then its generalized form, which is considered a complication of the local stage, is rapidly developing. In this case, shaving of the hair will be required to provide access to the affected areas. The animal must be bathed using the same shampoos that were listed just above. In this case, the wounds are treated with chlorhexidine.
A pet diagnosed with a generalized form will need Cydectin injections. The dosage is calculated taking into account 0.5 ml per kilogram of cat body weight. In total, two injections with an interval of seven days will be required.
The defeat of the whole body is characterized by extensive demodicosis in cats. Treatment in this case will not do without taking antibiotics. The veterinarian may prescribe one of the following drugs:
- Baytril
- Amoxicillin;
- "Kamacidin".
Mandatory intake of vitamins and immunomodulators. In this case, it is recommended to take one of the following means:
- "Gala Vet";
- "Immunol";
- "Immunoparasitan";
- Ligfol.
To prevent parasitization of the tick, it is appropriate to apply Amit Forte drops to the withers.
Preventative measures
Preventive measures that prevent the development of demodicosis are reduced to strengthening the immunity of a cat. To do this, you must:
- provide the pet with balanced and nutritious nutrition;
- regularly give the animal vitamin and mineral complexes;
- do all vaccinations as scheduled;
- to carry out deworming;
- regularly treat and disinfect the litter of the animal, its bowl and toys;
- provide complete care;
- in case of any doubts in the state of health, it is better to show the cat to the veterinarian in order to clarify the diagnosis and receive treatment recommendations.
It is important that with demodicosis, a tick from cats is not transmitted to humans. Therefore, you can carry out full-fledged care, while not using special protective equipment. However, it is recommended that you follow the rules of personal hygiene and wash your hands constantly after processing the skin of the animal.
Information in conclusion
Demodecosis causes a cat a lot of problems. The skin itches, becomes inflamed, a secondary infection may join. Veterinarians warn that treatment will be easier and more effective if you start drug therapy at the very beginning of the onset of the first symptoms. The tick spreads very quickly throughout the body and affects more and more places on the body. Therefore, pet grooming, taking stronger drugs and subsequent recovery will be required, which will not affect the general health condition in the best way.