Notoedric mange: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:32, 15 February 2025

A parasitic skin disease in cats

Notoedric mange is a highly contagious skin disease caused by the mite Notoedres cati. It primarily affects cats, but can also infest other animals and occasionally humans. This condition is characterized by intense itching, inflammation, and crusting of the skin.

Etiology[edit]

Notoedric mange is caused by the parasitic mite Notoedres cati. These mites are microscopic and burrow into the skin of the host, causing irritation and inflammation. The life cycle of the mite includes egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages, all of which occur on the host.

Transmission[edit]

The disease is highly contagious and is transmitted through direct contact with an infested animal. It can also spread via contaminated bedding or grooming tools. Although rare, humans can become temporary hosts, experiencing mild itching and rash.

Clinical Signs[edit]

The primary clinical sign of notoedric mange is intense pruritus (itching). Affected cats often have thickened, crusty skin, particularly around the ears, face, and neck. As the disease progresses, the lesions can spread to other parts of the body. Secondary bacterial infections are common due to scratching and skin damage.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis is typically made through skin scrapings examined under a microscope to identify the presence of Notoedres cati mites. Clinical signs and history of exposure to other infested animals can also aid in diagnosis.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment involves the use of acaricides to kill the mites. Topical treatments, such as lime sulfur dips or selamectin, are commonly used. In severe cases, systemic treatments like ivermectin may be prescribed. It is also important to treat all animals in the household and thoroughly clean the environment to prevent reinfestation.

Prevention[edit]

Preventing notoedric mange involves regular veterinary check-ups and maintaining good hygiene practices. Avoiding contact with infested animals and keeping living areas clean can help reduce the risk of transmission.

Prognosis[edit]

With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for cats with notoedric mange is generally good. Most cats recover fully, although severe cases may require prolonged treatment.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Notoedric Mange''' is a highly contagious skin disease caused by the mite ''[[Notoedres cati]]''. Primarily affecting [[cats]], particularly feral and stray populations, it can also occasionally infect other animals, including dogs and rabbits, and in rare instances, humans. The disease is characterized by severe itching, hair loss, and the formation of scabs and crusts on the skin. It is similar to [[sarcoptic mange]], caused by the ''[[Sarcoptes scabiei]]'' mite, but is specific to ''Notoedres cati''.
+{{Short description|A parasitic skin disease in cats}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Notoedric mange
+| image = Notoedres-cati-mite.JPG
+| image_caption = ''Notoedres cati'' mite
+}}
-==Symptoms and Diagnosis==
+'''Notoedric mange''' is a highly contagious skin disease caused by the [[mite]] ''Notoedres cati''. It primarily affects [[cats]], but can also infest other animals and occasionally humans. This condition is characterized by intense itching, inflammation, and crusting of the skin.
-The primary symptom of notoedric mange is intense [[itching]] (pruritus), leading to excessive scratching and grooming by the affected animal. This results in hair loss, particularly around the ears, head, neck, and eventually, the entire body if left untreated. The skin may also display scabs, crusts, and signs of secondary [[infection]] due to the constant scratching.
-Diagnosis is typically made by a [[veterinarian]] through skin scrapings, where the presence of ''Notoedres cati'' mites or their eggs confirms the disease. Differential diagnosis should exclude other causes of dermatitis, such as allergies, [[fungal infections]], or other types of mange.
+==Etiology==
+Notoedric mange is caused by the [[parasitic]] mite ''Notoedres cati''. These mites are microscopic and burrow into the skin of the host, causing irritation and inflammation. The life cycle of the mite includes egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages, all of which occur on the host.
 ==Transmission==
-Notoedric mange is highly contagious and is transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal. The mites can also survive for a short period in the environment, making indirect transmission possible through contaminated bedding, grooming tools, or other objects.
+The disease is highly contagious and is transmitted through direct contact with an infested animal. It can also spread via contaminated bedding or grooming tools. Although rare, humans can become temporary hosts, experiencing mild itching and rash.
+==Clinical Signs==
+The primary clinical sign of notoedric mange is intense [[pruritus]] (itching). Affected cats often have thickened, crusty skin, particularly around the ears, face, and neck. As the disease progresses, the lesions can spread to other parts of the body. Secondary [[bacterial infection]]s are common due to scratching and skin damage.
+==Diagnosis==
+Diagnosis is typically made through [[skin scraping]]s examined under a microscope to identify the presence of ''Notoedres cati'' mites. Clinical signs and history of exposure to other infested animals can also aid in diagnosis.
 ==Treatment==
-Treatment involves the administration of acaricides, medications that kill mites, either topically or systemically. [[Ivermectin]], [[selamectin]], and [[lime sulfur dips]] are commonly used treatments. All animals in contact with the infected individual should be treated simultaneously to prevent re-infestation. Environmental decontamination is also recommended.
+Treatment involves the use of [[acaricide]]s to kill the mites. Topical treatments, such as lime sulfur dips or selamectin, are commonly used. In severe cases, systemic treatments like ivermectin may be prescribed. It is also important to treat all animals in the household and thoroughly clean the environment to prevent reinfestation.
 ==Prevention==
-Preventive measures include minimizing contact with infected animals and maintaining a clean environment. Regular veterinary check-ups and prompt treatment of any signs of skin disease can help prevent the spread of notoedric mange.
+Preventing notoedric mange involves regular veterinary check-ups and maintaining good hygiene practices. Avoiding contact with infested animals and keeping living areas clean can help reduce the risk of transmission.
-==Public Health Concerns==
+==Prognosis==
-While notoedric mange is primarily a disease of animals, it can occasionally infect humans, causing temporary skin irritation and rash. Human cases are self-limiting, as the mite cannot complete its life cycle on humans.
+With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for cats with notoedric mange is generally good. Most cats recover fully, although severe cases may require prolonged treatment.
-==See Also==
+==Related pages==
-* [[Mange]]
 * [[Sarcoptic mange]]
 * [[Demodectic mange]]
-* [[Skin diseases of cats]]
+* [[Parasitic skin diseases in animals]]
-==References==
-<references/>
-[[Category:Animal diseases]]
+[[Category:Parasitic diseases]]
 [[Category:Cat diseases]]
-[[Category:Parasitic infestations, stings, and bites of the skin]]
+[[Category:Veterinary parasitology]]
-{{Veterinary-med-stub}}