What is the subcutaneous mite called in cats? - briefly
The mite responsible for subcutaneous infestations in cats is Notoedres cati, the agent of feline scabies. It burrows within the epidermis, producing intense pruritus and crusted lesions.
What is the subcutaneous mite called in cats? - in detail
The mite responsible for sub‑cutaneous infestation in felines is the sarcoptic mange mite, scientifically Sarcoptes scabiei var. cati. It is an obligate ectoparasite that penetrates the epidermis and creates tunnels beneath the superficial skin layers, producing intense pruritus and inflammatory lesions.
Morphology
- Oval body, 0.3–0.5 mm long, covered by a hard exoskeleton.
- Four pairs of legs in the adult stage; larvae possess three pairs.
Life cycle
- Female burrows into the stratum corneum, deposits 2–5 eggs per day.
- Eggs hatch in 3–4 days into larvae.
- Larvae develop into nymphs within 3–4 days, then mature into adults after an additional 3–4 days.
- Entire cycle completes in 10–14 days, allowing rapid population expansion on an individual host.
Clinical presentation
- Intense scratching, especially around the face, ears, and forelimbs.
- Crusty, erythematous lesions with visible burrows.
- Secondary bacterial infection may develop, leading to alopecia and ulceration.
Diagnosis
- Direct skin scrapings examined under a microscope reveal characteristic mites or ova.
- Dermatoscopy can identify burrow openings.
- Histopathology confirms epidermal tunnel formation and mite presence.
Treatment
- Systemic acaricides such as ivermectin (0.2–0.4 mg/kg orally once daily for 5–7 days) or selamectin (topical, 6 mg/kg weekly).
- Adjunctive antibiotics for bacterial complications.
- Anti‑inflammatory drugs to reduce pruritus and inflammation.
Prevention
- Routine ectoparasite control programs incorporating monthly topical or oral acaricides.
- Isolation of affected animals until treatment completion and negative scrapings are confirmed.
Prognosis is excellent when therapy is initiated promptly; untreated infestations can lead to severe dermatitis, secondary infections, and systemic illness.