Various types of ticks often live under the cat's fur, without causing any trouble. But sometimes, especially if the animal is weakened by the disease, the tick is activated, and the cat becomes ill with demodicosis.
What is demodicosis
Demodectic mange is a rare but rather dangerous disease caused by the subcutaneous mite Demodex gatoi. In this case, the hair follicles of the animal are affected, where the mite lays its eggs. As a result, the cat's hair begins to fall out, and pockets of baldness are formed. At the same time, other signs of the disease are observed, which immediately catch the eye of attentive owners.
Symptoms of demodicosis in cats
If the cat has a subcutaneous tick, the animal becomes restless, constantly itching. Pustules and crusts appear on the combed areas. Most often, the skin around the eyes, on the ears and on the bridge of the nose is affected - this is a localized form of demodicosis. In advanced cases, there are areas of baldness on the body, this form of the disease is called generalized.
Diagnostics and treatment
It is impossible to diagnose a subcutaneous tick in cats by symptoms alone. There are several types of subcutaneous mites, and the signs of infection by them will look exactly the same. But treatment, nevertheless, requires different things. Therefore, to establish an accurate diagnosis in a veterinary hospital, a biopsy of the affected tissue is taken.
Since mite-killing drugs are toxic, it is imperative that the dosage is correct. Only a veterinarian can correctly calculate the amount of funds and the frequency of treatment. Therefore, you should not risk the life of the animal by buying the first available "tick remedy" at the veterinary pharmacy and treat the pet according to an arbitrary scheme.
Treatment of demodicosis is carried out with antiparasitic drugs in the form of ointments, as well as taking vitamins and immunomodulators. Bathe your cat with a special anti-dermatitis shampoo. After bathing, you can apply olive oil or linseed oil to bald skin. It is imperative to make sure that the cat does not lick itself for several hours.
Once the oil is completely absorbed, the veterinarian prescribed remedy can be applied to the affected areas. Usually, the following ointments are prescribed as an antiparasitic agent: "Sulfuric", "Safroderm", "Cytioat", "Amidel-gel", "Amitrazin". A sick cat should be fed a balanced, fortified food, drink mineral water.
Localized forms of demodicosis, with well-chosen therapy, completely disappear in 6-8 weeks, and the affected areas are again overgrown with wool. The treatment of generalized forms takes several months.
