Subcutaneous mites in cats, infection, diagnosis and treatment

Features of the subcutaneous mite

In cats, demodicosis is often diagnosed. The causative agent of this dermatological disease is the demodex subcutaneous mite. The insect belongs to the arthropod family; there are two types of parasites: gatoi and cati.

Mites reproduce in the glands that produce saliva, sweat and in the roots of hairs. The female lays oocytes, from which larvae appear after 4-6 days. In order to turn into adults capable of reproduction, they need from 7 to 10 days. Microorganisms form colonies, which can be identified by small bumps on the animal's skin. Large accumulations of mites lead to dysfunction of the skin and atrophy of the sebaceous glands.

Demodicosis can be localized or generalized. In the localized form, individual areas are affected: the neck and chin, eyes, ears. Generalized demodicosis spreads throughout the body. The risk group for this type of disease includes representatives of the Burmese and Siamese breeds.

Application of traditional methods

In addition to medicinal methods, there are also traditional methods of treating subcutaneous mites. But use them only after consulting a veterinarian.

1. Mix equal parts grease, unrefined olive oil and birch tar. Apply the ointment to the skin once a day until the cat recovers completely.
2. Pour boiling water over crushed birch leaves and leave for 20 minutes, then strain. Give the animal 1/4 teaspoon three times a day half an hour before meals.
3. Melt cosmetic soap in a water bath and pour in walnut oil. When the mass has cooled, add a little birch tar. Treat the affected areas with ointment once a day until symptoms disappear.

Photo gallery: folk remedies for subcutaneous mites in cats

Walnut oil

Birch tar

Olive oil

Solid oil

Causes of the disease

Subcutaneous mites can live in a cat’s body for many years. The natural defense system restrains its reproduction, the disease does not manifest itself in any way. The tick feeds on dead cells of the epithelial layer. When a cat’s body is weakened, immunity is reduced, microorganisms begin to multiply quickly, and demodicosis appears. The reasons for this phenomenon may be:

• chronic diseases;
• worms;
• non-compliance with care rules;
• poor quality nutrition that does not provide the supply of necessary minerals and vitamins;
• lack of preventive antiparasitic measures.

Stress can also weaken an animal’s natural defense system.

Abscesses

An abscess is a pus-filled, swollen spot on the skin that sometimes forms at the site of a cat bite or scratch. They are often red and painful, so your cat may shy away from your touch.

Cats with an abscess may appear more tired than usual and may not show much interest in eating. A warm compress may give them relief.

To treat an abscess, your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory medication for your cat. They may also trim the hair around the bump to keep the wound clean. If the abscess is deep, your cat may need surgery.

Methods of infection with subcutaneous mites

There are several ways of infection with an arthropod parasite:

• transmission of the parasite through direct contact with a carrier;
• indirect contact with the belongings of an infected individual, subcutaneous ticks can get onto a cat from the bedding of an animal that has these diseases, or from a hair brush. A person can carry these microorganisms on clothing if he has had contact with an infected animal.
• intrauterine infection.

Owners of several cats and breeders need to simultaneously treat all pets when the disease is detected.

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.

Pets at risk

No cat breed is immune from demodicosis. Infection with arthropod parasites is not dangerous for a healthy animal. Strong immunity will prevent it from reproducing. However, those at risk include:

• kittens separated from a cat early;
• pets after surgery;
• cats exhausted by prolonged starvation;
• animals with various diseases: rickets, toxoplasmosis, diabetes, leukemia, etc.

The development of the disease can be triggered by stress associated with a change of place of residence or constant visits to the pet groomer.

Tumors

Fatty tumors, called lipomas, can appear anywhere on a cat's body. They are not cancerous and do not need to be removed unless they interfere with your cat's ability to move around normally. They are more common in older or overweight cats.

To check for swelling, your veterinarian will take a sample with a needle. If it's just a fatty tumor, doctors may advise you to do nothing and watch the tumor. If the lump changes or becomes larger, your veterinarian may suggest surgery.

Mast cell tumors can also appear on a cat's skin, usually on the head or neck. They may be itchy or red. About 10% of these tumors are malignant.

Fibrosarcomas are aggressive cancers that can appear anywhere in the body. In rare cases, they occur as a side effect of any injection given.

If your cat develops a lump at the site of a recent vaccination, notify your veterinarian. They will want to examine your cat right away. These tumors usually appear long after vaccination.

One of the most common types of cancer in cats is mammary cancer, or mammary tumors. They appear on the cat's underside near the nipples and often go unnoticed until they become large.

Initially, these tumors may feel like IV granules. About 85% of these tumors are cancerous, so don't delay taking your cat to the vet if you notice anything unusual.

If you spay your cat before her first heat, you will reduce the risk of breast cancer by about 90%.

If your cat has any type of cancer, she will likely need surgery to remove the tumor and the tissue around it. Your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary oncologist who treats animals with cancer.

For breast cancer, the best treatment may be to remove the entire breast. In some cases, your doctor may recommend radiation therapy or chemotherapy after surgery.

Symptoms of the disease

The rapid growth of subcutaneous mite colonies causes itching in the animal. Active hair loss is observed, and bald patches with an oval outline are formed. In these areas, the skin becomes reddish and ulcers appear. Infectious abnormalities appear as secondary signs. In most cases, subcutaneous mites are localized on the front legs, near the eyes, on the neck, and chin.

The main signs of demodicosis are:

• hair loss;
• swelling, redness of the skin;
• ulcers and pustules;
• decreased appetite;
• weight loss;
• severe itching;
• unpleasant odor;
• unkempt look.

The generalized form, developing, can lead to blood poisoning.

Dust mite allergy

26.05.2021

allergies are caused by proteins found in the feces of the microscopic arachnids. This causes breathing problems and skin changes.

Ticks are arachnids whose size does not exceed half a millimeter. Their natural habitat is dust, in which they feed on human epidermis. This makes them feel great in bedding, rugs, curtains and upholstery.

The best temperature for their existence is about 23 degrees Celsius with air humidity at 70-80%. Temperatures below 17 degrees Celsius and low humidity significantly reduce their numbers.

Causes of dust mite allergies

The cause of allergy to mites is an abnormal reaction of the immune system , which is very sensitive to them. The immune system recognizes ticks as a threat to the body and begins to fight them. This is associated with the occurrence of skin and respiratory symptoms.

The main allergen is a protein found in mite feces. It is he who irritates the immune system .

Symptoms of dust mite allergy

A tick allergy However, it should be noted that symptoms most often occur in the morning, immediately after waking up. This is due to the fact that mites live in the bed due to a large amount of food - dead skin.

Symptoms of a dust mite allergy include:

• frequent sneezing;
• runny nose;
• cough;
• shortness of breath and difficulty breathing;
• lacrimation and redness;
• sore throat ;
• skin changes - urticaria , symptoms similar to psoriatic lesions, redness of the skin.

Unfortunately, the above symptoms occur all year round, and in autumn and winter they only intensify. It is important to seek treatment, as ignoring allergies can lead to the development of asthma or atopic dermatitis .

Treatment for dust mite allergies

Treatment of allergies is based on taking antihistamines and glucocorticosteroids.

The former suppress the secretion of histamine, responsible for the formation of an allergic reaction , which significantly alleviates the symptoms.

The second type of drugs are steroids, administered by inhalation. Their task is to suppress the inflammatory response in the airways. They weaken the reaction to allergens and make breathing easier by improving lung .

Antihistamines are available without a prescription, but it is best to consult your doctor to choose the appropriate therapy . Glucocorticosteroids are prescribed by a specialist. They should be used strictly as indicated, as incorrect dosage has serious health consequences.

Desensitization

Due to the prevalence of mites, the only effective treatment is desensitization. It consists of gradually introducing higher and higher doses of the allergen under strict medical supervision until the body is immunized.

The course of treatment lasts 3-5 years. During this time, the patient receives 1-2 doses per week in the initial stages, and then maintenance injections.

The best thing about desensitization is that it addresses the cause of the allergy , not just the symptoms.

Home Remedies

Treating a house dust mite allergy

Home remedies for dust allergies:

• daily cleaning of the apartment;
• daily ventilation of premises;
• regular, frequent change of linen;
• refusal of carpets, curtains;
• removal of plush toys;
• washing bed linen at high temperatures;
• use of anti-tick medications;
• use of a moisture absorber;
• drying clothes outside living areas.

In addition to the above methods, anti-allergy sheets and bedding can be used. An effective method is also to install a special anti-allergen filter for a vacuum cleaner.

Allergy to dust mites in children

Children's allergies to mites can develop at any age. The symptoms are often mistaken for a cold, especially when they get worse in the fall and winter.

Monitor your child closely to see when symptoms are most common. You should also consult your doctor allergy tests .

If necessary, treatment through desensitization is possible, but the mainstay of therapy is the use of home remedies. Thanks to them, symptoms are less bothersome.

Published in Allergology Premium Clinic

Treatment of demodicosis

The cat can recover on its own, without therapeutic treatment. But this is only possible with a localized form of the disease, if the pet’s body is strong and has a strong defense system. In any case, if signs of illness are detected, it is necessary to contact a veterinary hospital.

When treating demodicosis in an uncomplicated form, local therapy is used. Can be used:

• Shampoos containing antiseptic components to remove dead epithelial cells and waste products of microorganisms.
• Mitaban solution for treating affected areas. For the treatment of localized demodicosis, a composition with a concentration of 0.25% is used. For a generalized disease without complications, a solution containing 0.5% of the active component is used. If staphylocosis or pyodemocosis has developed against the background of demodicosis, you need a product with a concentration of 1%.
• Advocate drops are used in treatment and prevention. The product is applied with a pipette to places inaccessible to the cat.
• Preparations containing amitraz, pyrethrin for treating affected areas.
• Demodex gel, Saphroderm and sulfuric ointments to eliminate foci of inflammation.

Only a veterinarian should select products, dosages, and regimens of use. Exceeding concentrations can cause harm to the cat’s body.

Features of caring for a sick animal

Care consists of timely response and treatment of the disease. The affected areas should be regularly lubricated with the medicine and the formation of new lesions should be prevented. In order for the cat’s immune system to cope with the disease faster, the pet must be provided with adequate nutrition. During this period, the animal’s body needs proteins. If you feed your cat natural food, introduce more meat, fish and dairy products into the diet.

When using special mixtures, choose premium formulations. These foods are made from natural ingredients and will provide your cat with the necessary nutrients. These include brands such as Eukanuba, Hills, Purina, Lams, Pro Plan, Royal Canin, Acana. When feeding naturally, give your cat general strengthening vitamin complexes: Exel BREWERS YEAST, VITA-BON cat, Nutri-Vet.

Important! At the first signs of demodicosis, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Complex treatment of complex forms

If generalized demodicosis or a localized form with complications is diagnosed, then complex therapy is required, including:

• applying Amitraz oil solution;
• oral administration of Doramectin;
• distribution of Ivermec spray on the affected areas;
• parenteral administration of antiparasitic drugs;
• use of antibacterial agents.

At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the cat’s immunity, for which the biogenic preparations Baksin and Gamavit are used.

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 3390 veterinary clinics in Moscow for you on our website tick removal analysis for piroplasmosis treatment of rodents animal vaccinations

Treatment with folk remedies

In addition to medications prescribed by a doctor, you can use folk remedies to increase the effectiveness of treatment. Treatment of affected areas and wounds can be carried out:

• Ready-made tincture of calendula flowers, purchased at a pharmacy.
• A tincture prepared from the dry herb of tanning mackerel. A spoon of the product is filled with 500 ml of boiling water. After cooling, strain, dilute with 500 ml of cat bathing water.
• Concentrated decoction of chamomile.

Kerosene cannot be used for processing. It causes severe intoxication.

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.

Preventive measures

The main prevention of this disease is to maintain a strong immune system in a cat with a complete, balanced diet and proper care. It is also necessary:

• treat the tray, bedding, and bowls with disinfectants every week;
• regularly use sprays and tablets with antiparasitic properties;
• Put your pet on a collar treated with anti-parasite agents.

If a cat has suffered from generalized demodicosis, it must be sterilized.

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

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.