How should sarcoptic mite in a cat be treated? - briefly
Effective therapy combines a topical acaricide (e.g., selamectin or moxidectin) with a systemic agent such as ivermectin, administered according to veterinary dosing guidelines. Environmental decontamination and prophylactic treatment of contacts are essential to prevent reinfestation.
How should sarcoptic mite in a cat be treated? - in detail
Sarcoptic mange in felines requires a multi‑step protocol to eliminate the mite, relieve pruritus, and prevent reinfestation.
Initial assessment should confirm diagnosis through skin scrapings examined microscopically; a positive finding of Sarcoptes scabiei confirms the need for therapy.
Systemic acaricides constitute the cornerstone of treatment. Oral ivermectin, administered at 0.2 mg/kg once daily for three consecutive days, is effective against all life stages of the parasite. In cases where ivermectin is contraindicated, milbemycin oxime, given at 0.5 mg/kg weekly for four weeks, provides an alternative.
Topical therapy complements systemic medication. A single application of selamectin (6 mg/kg) to the dorsal neck area, repeated after one month, reduces environmental contamination. Lime sulfur dips (1 % solution) applied for 10 minutes, twice weekly for three weeks, offer an additional barrier against residual mites.
Adjunctive measures address secondary bacterial infection and inflammation. Broad‑spectrum antibiotics such as amoxicillin‑clavulanate, 20 mg/kg twice daily for 7–10 days, treat opportunistic pathogens. Short courses of corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone 0.5 mg/kg once daily for 5 days) alleviate severe itching, but should be tapered to avoid immunosuppression.
Environmental control is essential. All bedding, toys, and grooming tools must be washed at ≥ 60 °C or sealed in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuuming of carpets and upholstery removes detached mites; discarded vacuum bags should be sealed and disposed of.
Follow‑up examinations at two‑week intervals verify clinical resolution and negative skin scrapings. Persistent lesions after the initial regimen warrant repeat systemic dosing or a switch to alternative acaricides such as doramectin (0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously, weekly for three weeks).
Owner education emphasizes strict hygiene, avoidance of re‑exposure, and prompt veterinary consultation if pruritus recurs.
«Effective eradication of sarcoptic infestation relies on coordinated systemic, topical, and environmental interventions.»