Selamectin for Mange in Cats

Mange is a condition caused by mites. Although cats may be infested with different types of mites, they are not the preferred host for most kinds. If a cat is not the preferred host, the mites do not survive. Common mange mites that prefer cats and need treatment to kill them include Notoedres cati, Demodex cati, Demodex gatoi, Cheyletiellosis (walking dandruff) and Otodectes cynotis. Selamectin is not effective for treating Demodex mites.

  1. Feline Mites

    • According to Marvistavet, the Notoedres mite is similar to the canine sarcoptic mange mite. Notoedric mange, feline scabies, begins with scratching, hair loss, scabs and crusty areas on the ears, particularly on the outer edges. As the mites reproduce and spread, the infestation spreads to the head and neck. If not treated, the infestation can further spread to the entire body. The mites resemble tiny spiders. Notoedric mange is common only in some areas of the United States, such as Southern California, according to Marvistavet. Cheyletiellosis causes itching and appears like tiny moving dots. Otodectes cynotis (ear mites) live in the ear canal and cause intense itching, head shaking and discharge.

    Diagnosis

    • Scrapings under a microscope may reveal mites.

      The diagnosis of mange requires the veterinarian to scrape the skin and examine the sample under a microscope. If symptoms indicate infestation, your veterinarian may perform other tests or recommend treatment as a precaution even without seeing mites in the scraping.

    Contagious

    • Mites can live briefly on bedding.

      Notoedres, Cheyletiellosis and Otodectes mites spread through contact and can infect other cats. Although they cannot live long on hosts aside from cats and will die on their own, they are able to infect other animal species and people, causing rashes and itching. To prevent further infestation, you should treat the mites on your cat, clean all bedding and surfaces, and practice good hygiene.

    Selamectin

    • Selamectin is not available in the United States in generic form and is a prescription drug. The only drug containing this medication, as of March 2010, is in the product Revolution, manufactured by Pfizer. Applied to the skin, it enters the bloodstream and then goes to the skin and other tissue. The drug works by attacking the parasites' nervous system and killing them. It is available in various-size tubes and dosages. The Food and Drug Administration has approved selamectin on cats for fleas, heartworm, Otodectes cynotis, roundworms and hookworms. In addition, selamectin is used off-label (not FDA-approved) for the treatment of Notoedres mites and Cheyletiellosis. Your veterinarian will determine dosage depending on the type of mange, severity, and your cat's health and weight.

    Precautions

    • Selamectin may cause hair loss at the site of application. Less common side effects include diarrhea, drooling, loss of appetite, muscle tremors, vomiting and lethargy, according to PetPlace. It is possible for your cat to be allergic to the product. Do not use on kittens younger than 8 weeks of age, or on sick or underweight cats.