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Subcutaneous tick in a cat: treatment of a disease that provokes baldness and exhausts a pet

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Cats that spend a lot of time outdoors suffer from skin parasitic diseases. The most common of them is the subcutaneous mite (scabies). These parasites are dangerous for the animal, and for its owner, a person can also become infected with them. If you find out where the subcutaneous tick comes from in a cat, how to treat it, the symptoms and treatment of the disease, then you can easily rid your pet of the disease.

What does a subcutaneous tick look like in cats

Translated from Latin, Demodex means "worm", and for good reason. Demodex looks like a microscopic worm, 0,2-0,5 mm in size (with a grain of semolina). Light gray shade, the body of the parasite. Moving along the skin, it can cause tickling.

Subcutaneous mites, types:

  • demodex (Demodex cati or Demodex gato);
  • sarcoptosis (Sarcoptes canis);
  • notoedros (Notoedres cati).

Imago is an adult parasite with a long body. It has eight legs, a small head (sometimes the head is not visible at all). The body is covered with a shell of chitin. When bitten by a tick, the cat increases dramatically in size, filling the stomach with blood.

Features of the subcutaneous tick

Demodicosis is often diagnosed in cats. The causative agent of this dermatological disease is the subcutaneous mite Demodex. The insect belongs to the arthropod family, there are two types of parasites: gatoi and cati. The reproduction of ticks takes place in the glands that produce saliva, sweat, and in the roots of the hair.

The female lays oocytes, from which larvae appear after 4-6 days. It takes 7 to 10 days to turn into adults capable of reproduction. Microorganisms form colonies. Accumulation of mites causes dysfunction of the skin, atrophy of the sebaceous glands.
Demodicosis is distinguished localized and generalized. The localized form affects certain areas: neck and chin, eyes, ears. Generalized demodicosis is transmitted throughout the body. The risk group for this type of disease includes representatives of the Burmese and Siamese breeds.

What is demodicosis

Demodicosis is a parasitic disease that affects the coat and epidermis of the animal. Demodex mites, representing the disease, are of two types according to their placement on the body of the animal: the first type settles in the hair follicles, and the second is located in the layers of the skin. In a small area, several parasites are possible at once due to their microscopic size.

There are three types of Demodicosis:

  • localized;
  • generalized;
  • juvenile.

Pathology is not fatal, but gives the animal and its owner a lot of trouble and worries. When the symptoms become noticeable, the question arises whether demodicosis spreads to a person or not.

A tick cannot harm a person.

The disease is contagious to animals. Cats and dogs are predominantly affected. Therefore, we can say that the tick is not dangerous to humans.

Causes of the disease

A subcutaneous mite can exist in a cat's body for many years. The natural defense system prevents its reproduction, the disease does not express itself. The tick feeds on dead cells of the epithelial layer. When the cat's body is weakened, immunity decreases, microorganisms begin to multiply, and demodicosis occurs. The reasons are:

  • permanent illnesses;
  • worms;
  • non-compliance with the rules of care;
  • beriberi, poor nutrition;
  • lack of preventive antiparasitic measures.

Stress can reduce an animal's natural defense system.

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Methods of infection with a subcutaneous tick

There are such ways of infection with an arthropod parasite:

Contact

Transmission of the parasite by direct contact with the carrier.

Human

A tick can enter a cat from the bedding of an animal infected with these diseases, from a brush for combing wool. A person carries these microbes on clothes if he had contact with an infected animal.

Infection

intrauterine infection.

Owners of several cats are advised to treat all pets at the same time when a disease is detected.

Pets at risk

No cat breed is immune to demodicosis. Infection with parasites does not pose a danger to a healthy animal. Strong immunity will not allow him to multiply. The risk group includes:

  • kittens;
  • postoperative period of a pet;
  • emaciated cats, after prolonged starvation;
  • animals with such diseases: rickets, toxoplasmosis, diabetes mellitus.

Stress, a change of residence, a visit to a zookeeper can also cause the development of the disease.

Subcutaneous tick in a cat symptoms

When a tick bites, symptoms in cats do not appear immediately, at the third stage of the life cycle of the parasite. As the disease progresses, the pet suffers. Symptoms and features of the subcutaneous tick in cats:

  • hair loss;
  • redness of the area of ​​​​the body where the tick has bitten;
  • the animal constantly itches due to severe itching;
  • peeling and dandruff are formed, and then pustules;
  • the bite site is covered with a hard crust;
  • ichor (a watery liquid) oozes from the tip of the growth;
  • body wounds bleed.

Diagnosis of the disease in cats

To recognize the subcutaneous tick in cats, it is necessary to make a diagnosis in time in order to start treatment faster. The diagnosis will be made by a specialist, and you can determine the problem yourself, knowing the symptoms. If the animal is not treated, the number of parasites increases, whole colonies are formed.

Hypodermic tick in cats treatment

It is difficult to treat a subcutaneous tick in a cat. Treatment depends on how neglected the animal is. Initially, what needs to be done is to wash the animal with a special medicated shampoo. Bathing is done to cleanse the skin of pus, dandruff, ichor.
After bathing, disinfect the affected area with Chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide. After the skin has dried, it is necessary to carry out the main treatment, which includes topical preparations (for mild form) or injections (for severe form).

If the animal is not treated, the subcutaneous tick will begin to lay larvae and multiply. In severe cases, the animal dies.

This form of the disease is characterized by small skin lesions. Choosing a remedy for subcutaneous ticks in cats with this form is simple, there is a choice of ointments, sprays, shampoos. The main thing is to start treatment on time and follow the sequence. The drug is applied after cleansing the skin.
This form of demodicosis is more difficult to treat, since almost the entire skin of the animal is affected. Do not despair, even if the pet has ulcers and severe irritation - you can cure the cat. In order for the external preparation to be well absorbed, you need to cut the animal's hair and wash it with medicated shampoo. Impregnate the skin with special therapeutic oils and dry, treat the affected areas with the prescribed preparation. In severe cases, injections will be required.
When the disease occurs with complications, it means that a secondary infection has joined the demodicosis. In such a situation, the doctor prescribes injections with an antibiotic. A complicated form requires a balanced pet diet. Include foods fortified with minerals and vitamins. This is a boiled porridge with fish or meat, with the addition of vegetables.

Subcutaneous tick in cats: how to treat with tablets

  • weekly treat the tray, bedding, bowls with disinfectants;
  • regularly use sprays, tablets with antiparasitic properties;
  • put on a collar treated with chemicals;
  • if the cat has been ill with generalized demodicosis, it is sterilized.

The best drops for the treatment of subcutaneous mites in cats

The most effective drugs for the treatment of subcutaneous ticks are leopard drops, otoferonol, stronghold.

Leopard

Drops are insecticides. The active substance is fipronil, as well as additional substances. Fipronil has a contact insecticidal effect on the larval and sexually mature phases of ixodid and sarcoptoid ticks that parasitize dogs and cats.

Assign to cats from 10 weeks of age with entomosis sarcoptosis, notoedrosis, ixodid ticks, as well as to prevent the attack of ectoparasites on animals.

Apply as a single drip on dry, intact skin in the back area between the shoulder blades or in the neck area at the base of the skull in the doses indicated in the instructions.

The animal must not be shampooed for 3 days before and after treatment, and the drops must not be used simultaneously with other insecticides and acaricides for animal treatment.

Otoferonol

Before treatment, the auricles are cleaned of crusts and scabs with a swab moistened with the drug, and then 3-5 drops of the drug are instilled into each ear with a pipette.

For a complete treatment of the surface of the ear and auditory canal, the auricle is bent in half along the length and its base is massaged. Processing is carried out twice with an interval of 5-7 days. Drops should be injected into both ears, even in cases where only one ear is affected by otodectosis.

Otoferonol ear drops are used in veterinary medicine as a highly effective acaricidal drug. Breeders in the shortest possible time will be able to alleviate the condition of the pets and relieve the symptoms of the disease, overcome the cause of the pathology.

Stronghold

Assign Stronghold to cats to kill fleas and prevent re-infestation within 30 days after application. As part of complex therapy for the treatment of flea allergic dermatitis.

The active ingredient selamectin has a broad spectrum of antiparasitic activity against sarcoptoid mites, insects and nematodes that parasitize cats.

Stronghold for warm-blooded animals is a low-toxic drug. Well tolerated by cats of different breeds.

Amitrazine plus

Amitrazine-plus is one drug for the treatment of demodicosis and otodectosis in pets. Triple effect: acaricidal, antimicrobial and antifungal action of the drug is due to a complex of highly effective active and auxiliary substances.

Low toxicity, antibacterial and antifungal effect of decamethoxin in the composition of the drug inhibits the development of secondary microflora in the affected areas. Penetration due to excipients determines the effect of the drug in deep areas of the skin, destroys ticks that are insensitive to other drugs.
The drug is instilled 2-3 drops into the ear canal, applied to the affected areas of the skin 1 time per day. Ltreatment is carried out until the disappearance of clinical signs of the disease (6-8 procedures). By instilling the drug into the auricle, clean the external auditory canal. When treating the affected areas of the skin, simultaneously treat the area around them for at least a centimeter.

Otoferonol gold

Otoferonol Gold ear drops have antiparasitic and immunostimulating effects. Otoferonol Gold deltamethrin, which is part of the ear drops, has a contact-intestinal acaricidal effect, intense against sarcoptic mites, the causative agents of otodectosis in cats.

The mechanism of action of deltamethrin is based on blocking the neuromuscular transmission of nerve impulses at the level of peripheral nerve ganglia, which leads to paralysis and death of parasites.

Before using the drug, the auricles are cleaned of crusts and scabs with a swab moistened with the drug, and then 3-5 drops of the drug are instilled into each ear with a pipette. Processed twice with an interval of 5-7 days. If necessary, the course of treatment is repeated.

Tzipam

Tsipam is an insect-acaricide of contact-intestinal action, it is active against sarcoptoid, demodectic, ixodid ticks, lice, fleas and withers that parasitize animals.

The degree of impact on the body of warm-blooded animals, the drug belongs to moderately hazardous substances and, at recommended doses, does not have a local irritating, resorptive-toxic and sensitizing effect.

It is prescribed for the treatment of dogs, cats with otodectosis, psoroptosis, notoedrosis, sarcoptic mange, demodicosis, as well as with the defeat of animals by ixodid ticks, fleas, lice.

Amit

Amit is recommended as a highly effective remedy for the treatment of skin diseases caused by ixodid and sarcoptoid mites. Amit for dogs and cats has an increased activity due to the liquid dosage form and easy application.

The drug is applied to areas of the skin, previously cleared of scabs, crusts and mechanical impurities. Using Amit for cats, you should evenly distribute the product over the surface of the lesion with a cotton swab and capture a healthy area of ​​\uXNUMXb\uXNUMXbthe skin. This must be done to eliminate the risk of further spread of damage.

For the duration of the procedure, fix the jaws of the animal with a loop or muzzle. Having processed, the pet should be released only after 20-25 minutes. The procedures are carried out with an interval of 5 days, and the number ranges from 4 to 7, depending on the degree of damage and the severity of the course of the disease.

Blochnet max

Blokhnet max is an effective insecticide and acaricide for cats with an enhanced active formula. Provides maximum protection for cats from fleas, ticks, lice, mosquitoes.

The drug destroys adults, eggs and larvae of fleas on the animal, destroys the larvae in the place where the dog is kept.

The use of modern active ingredients in the preparation solves the problem of resistance (immunity) of external parasites to drugs. The protective effect of the drug against fleas is up to 2 months.

anandin plus

Anandin plus is effective against sarcoproid mites that cause otodectosis in dogs and cats. The bactericidal and anti-inflammatory elements that make up the drops eliminate itching, irritation and ear infection.

It is prescribed for dogs and cats with a therapeutic and prophylactic purpose for otodectosis (an ear form of scabies), also complicated by otitis media of bacterial and fungal etiology.

It is treated once a day for 1-3 days until the animal recovers, which is confirmed by microscopic examination of scrapings.

The course of treatment is repeated if necessary. When the cat shakes its head after using the drug, be sure to fix the head for a few minutes to avoid splashing, and if drops get on the coat, wipe it off.

Anandin Plus ear drops should be clearly taken, if the reception is disturbed, the effectiveness decreases. Skipping one dose, it is necessary to resume the use of the drug in the same dose and according to the same scheme.

Surolan

Surolan is prescribed for dogs and cats with external otitis and dermatitis caused by bacterial, fungal infections, as well as ectoparasites. Drug for the treatment of otitis in dogs and cats bacterial, fungal and parasitic etiology.
The drug has a clear syrupy suspension with a slight specific odor. Miconazole nitrate is a synthetic imidazole derivative with strong antifungal activity and strong action against gram-positive bacteria.

aurican

Aurikan belongs to the group of combined preparations with acaricidal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and local anesthetic effects.

Aurikan is used for the prevention and treatment of ear diseases in dogs and cats: otitis media of bacterial etiology, ear scabies, as well as for hygienic treatment of the ears.

Selamectin

Broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent. Has a wide range of systemic nematocidal, insecticidal and acaricidal action, active against nematodes, insects and sarcoptoid mites that parasitize dogs and cats. It has larvicidal and ovocidal properties.
Selamectin is applied to dry skin between the shoulder blades at the base of the neck. The dosage of selamectin is set taking into account the weight of the animal. For the destruction of fleas (Ctenocefalides spp.) in dogs and cats, use once, and to avoid re-infection - once a month during the entire season of insect activity.

It has insecticidal, ovocidal, larvocidal action and interrupts the development cycle of insects, selamectin has a sharp decrease in the number of fleas in animal congestion areas already a month after the first application.

Otonazol

Otonazole is used for skin diseases in dogs and cats, otitis externa, dermatitis, pyodermatitis, seborrhea, eczema, ringworm, abscesses. Designed for outdoor use. Starting the treatment of skin diseases, on the affected area of ​​\uXNUMXb\uXNUMXbthe skin, hair is cut around it, the toilet of the wound is carried out, then otonazole is applied dropwise to the entire cleaned surface.

Apply twice a day daily. As soon as the clinical signs of the disease have disappeared, treatment is continued for several more days. Otonazol has no side effects and does not cause complications in animals.

Mycodemocide

Treatment and prevention of sarcoptoidosis, demodicosis and dermatophytosis in dogs and cats. The composition of Mycodemocide includes up to 95% sea buckthorn oil, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

In the skin, trophism and regeneration of the affected epithelium improves, itching is stopped, skin and hair are restored, and the general condition of the animal organism improves.

Treatment of otitis media with Mycodemocide liquefies earwax and pathological exudate, effectively cleanses the external auditory canal and destroys pathogens: mites, fungi, microbes.

Otibiovin

Treatment of acute bacterial and yeast infections of the ear (otitis externa), superficial dermatitis, eczema of the ears and ear canal in dogs and cats. The drug is instilled into the ear, at the beginning of the course 3-4 times a day, and after 3 days 2-3 times a day 4-5 drops.

Before using the drug, it is recommended to clean the ear canal from scabs and crusts. After instillation, massage the circumference of the ear for better penetration of the drug into the tissues. The course of treatment is 5-7 days, no more than 12 days.

Decta

Decta is used for dogs and cats with otodectosis, sarcoptic mange and notoedrosis, including those complicated by bacterial microflora. In case of notoedrosis of cats and sarcoptic mange of dogs, the drug is applied in a thin layer to lesions previously cleaned of superficial scabs and crusts using a cotton-gauze swab at the rate of 0,2-0,3 ml per 1 kg of animal weight.

At the same time, it is slightly rubbed from the periphery to the center with the capture of healthy borderline skin up to 1 cm. The treatment is carried out 2-3 times with an interval of 5-7 days until the clinical recovery of the animal, which is confirmed by two negative results.

Ivermek

Ivermek belongs to the macrocyclic lactone class of antiparasitic drugs. Ivermectin, which is part of the drug, has a pronounced antiparasitic effect on the larval and mature phases of the development of nematodes of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs and eyes, larvae of subcutaneous, nasopharyngeal, gastric gadflies, lice, bloodsuckers and sarcoptoid mites.

Treatment with folk remedies

It is acceptable to treat subcutaneous ticks in cats with folk remedies only if the veterinarian has not found contraindications. When the animal has a complicated form, then you should not waste time on treatment at home. Natural preparations are much weaker than pharmacy ones, so 2-3 times more procedures will be needed:

  1. Every day, bathe the cat in a medicated shampoo, and after bathing, wipe the affected skin with a decoction of sage and chamomile. Add a large spoonful of each of the herbs to 500 ml of boiling water and boil for 10 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature. Before each procedure, the broth should be slightly warmed up.
  2. Bathe the animal with tar soap. After the procedure, wipe the affected area with calendula infusion.
  3. Treat every two days the places of fallen wool with kerosene. After the procedure, do not bathe the animal for 2 days.

During treatment, disinfect the place where the cat sleeps and all pet care items. Medicine for external use should be at room temperature.

Prevention of subcutaneous mites in cats

To avoid infection with a subcutaneous tick, you need to follow the rules that will help protect the health of your pet:

  • food rich in minerals and vitamins;
  • do not interact with contagious and homeless animals;
  • periodically use antiparasitic drops or sprays;
  • support the animal's immune system.

The disease is easier to prevent than to cure. Be attentive to pets, and they will thank you with incorruptible devotion and affection.

Subcutaneous Mite in Cats // Network of Bio-Vet Veterinary Clinics.

The danger of demodicosis for people

This type of parasitic organisms is not transmitted to humans. But when examining a sick animal, it is still recommended to work with gloves. The disease is contagious to all mammals, but humans cannot be infected from a cat with a subcutaneous tick.

When a tick enters the epidermis of a pet owner, it dies.

There are cases when demodicosis can be transmitted to a person from a sick animal and a person becomes infected with this parasitic disease.

In inflammatory processes in the body and in chronic diseases, the subcutaneous tick can also be dangerous to humans.

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