What are isoxodid mites in cats? - briefly
Isoxodid mites are tiny parasitic arachnids that infest feline skin, causing irritation, hair loss, and crusty lesions, especially around the ears and face. They spread through direct contact with infested animals or contaminated environments.
What are isoxodid mites in cats? - in detail
Isoxodid mites are a group of ectoparasitic arachnids that infest felines, primarily affecting the skin of the ear canal, face, and sometimes the limbs. The family Isoxodidae includes species such as Isoxodes cati and Isoxodes felinus, which are adapted to the warm, humid microenvironments found on domestic cats. Adult mites measure 0.2–0.4 mm, possess a flattened body, and embed their mouthparts into the epidermis to feed on tissue fluids.
The life cycle comprises egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph, and adult stages. Eggs are deposited on the host’s skin surface; hatching occurs within 3–5 days. Each subsequent stage lasts 4–7 days under optimal temperature (22–28 °C) and humidity (>70 %). The entire cycle can be completed in 2–3 weeks, allowing rapid population expansion if untreated.
Clinical manifestations include:
- Pruritus localized to the ears or face
- Reddened, inflamed skin with papules or crusts
- Otitis externa with serous or purulent discharge
- Secondary bacterial or fungal infection due to skin barrier disruption
Diagnosis relies on direct microscopic examination of skin scrapings or ear swabs. Samples are cleared with potassium hydroxide and examined at 400× magnification to identify characteristic dorsal shields and leg morphology. Dermoscopy may reveal moving mites in situ. Serological tests are unavailable; therefore, visual confirmation remains the definitive method.
Therapeutic protocols involve topical acaricides such as selamectin, moxidectin, or imidacloprid + moxidectin formulations, applied according to manufacturer dosage. Systemic treatments with ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) are effective but require caution in breeds predisposed to MDR1 gene mutations. Environmental control includes washing bedding at >60 °C, vacuuming carpets, and applying residual acaricide sprays to the household environment for 2–4 weeks.
Prevention strategies focus on regular ectoparasite checks during routine veterinary visits, especially in multi‑cat households or shelters where infestation risk is elevated. Maintaining low humidity in indoor spaces and limiting outdoor exposure during peak mite activity seasons (spring–early summer) reduce transmission likelihood.
Isoxodid mites are not known to transmit pathogens to humans; zoonotic risk is negligible. However, severe infestations can cause significant discomfort and secondary infections, warranting prompt veterinary intervention.