Feline mange is one of the most recognizable disorders to affect your cat, as it is often characterized by loss of hair, patches of crusty skin and the infected feline's constant need to scratch at itself. If diagnosed quickly and properly, mange can also be easily treated.
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Facts
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There are several types of feline mange that are each caused by a different type of mite. Mites are microscopic creatures related to the spider that burrow under the skin of the cat and cause irritation.
Signs
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One of the first signs of mange is itching of the skin, which the cat will scratch at constantly. This is followed by reddened areas that eventually become crusty looking and will be visible as the fur begins to falls out.
Types
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Notoedric mange is caused by Notoedres mites and can be cured with topical treatments. Sarcoptic mange is the most often diagnosed form of mange found in cats and is caused by the Sarcoptes scabei mite. It too is easily treatable. The rarest form of mange found in cats is Demodectic, which usually accompanies an underlying disease.
Topical Treatments
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Most mange is treated by bathing the cat weekly in lime sulfur dip such as LymDip. Revolution, the flea control medication, can also be used to treat Sarcoptic mange. Insecticide ointments are used in the case of Demodectic mange and must be applied several times a day. Shampooing with benzoyl peroxide shampoo helps to clear up skin infections as well.
Antibiotic Treatments
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Antibiotics such as Ivermectin can be used in conjunction with topical treatments. They may be prescribed to clear up any secondary infections caused by the mange, while cortisone injections may be recommended to stop the itchiness of the cat's skin.
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