How does a scabies mite manifest in a cat? - briefly
Infested cats exhibit severe pruritus, localized hair loss, and crusted skin lesions, most commonly on the ears, elbows, and abdomen. Affected areas appear reddened, scaly, and may develop thin, silvery scales.
How does a scabies mite manifest in a cat? - in detail
Sarcoptic mange in felines results from infestation by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. After a brief incubation period of 2–4 weeks, the animal develops intense pruritus that intensifies at night. Scratching leads to self‑trauma and secondary bacterial infection.
Typical skin changes include:
- Small, gray‑white papules and vesicles, especially on the ears, face, and neck.
- Crusted, hyperkeratotic plaques on the elbows, carpal joints, and ventral abdomen.
- Alopecia that appears patchy at first, later becoming confluent where lesions are chronic.
- Reddened, inflamed areas with serous or sero‑purulent exudate when secondary infection occurs.
The distribution pattern is usually symmetrical, affecting the head, forelimbs, and ventral surfaces. The tail base and perianal region may also be involved, but the dorsal midline is less commonly affected. The mite burrows into the stratum corneum, producing a characteristic “tunnel” that can be visualized on skin scrapings under a microscope.
Diagnostic confirmation relies on:
- Deep skin scrapings taken from active lesions, examined at 100× magnification.
- Identification of adult mites, eggs, or fecal pellets (scybala).
- If scrapings are negative, a repeat sample after 48 hours increases detection probability.
Treatment protocols consist of systemic acaricides such as selamectin, ivermectin, or moxidectin, administered according to veterinary guidelines. Topical therapies (e.g., lime sulfur dips) may be adjunctive. Environmental decontamination—washing bedding at ≥ 60 °C, vacuuming carpets, and treating co‑habiting animals—prevents reinfestation.
Prognosis is favorable when therapy begins promptly; unresolved cases may progress to extensive hyperkeratosis and chronic dermatitis, emphasizing the need for early recognition and intervention.