Subcutaneous tick in cats: home treatment and prevention

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Pets often suffer from diseases caused by various parasites. The most common is the subcutaneous mite in cats. The official name is demodicosis. Cats of any age, all breeds are susceptible to infection. It is important that for a person the disease does not pose a danger, but for a four-legged pet it brings considerable discomfort. Significantly undermine the he alth of the animal, the eggs of ticks, which the females lay in the hair follicles. It is useful for all breeders and lovers of fluffy tailed pets to know the symptoms of the disease, as well as preventive measures and methods of treatment.

Subspecies of parasites

The subcutaneous tick in cats is incredibly small in size. It cannot be seen with the naked eye. The veterinarian makes an examination with a microscope and this is the only way to examine the microorganisms that cause demodicosis. Experts distinguish two subspecies of the disease - generalized and localized. ATIn the first case, the disease is much more difficult, because the parasites attack large areas of the body. In the second case, the problem is less dangerous, since only a separate part of the body is affected, but such a situation with a pet requires attention.

The generalized form of the disease is also dangerous because, after a complete cure, the subcutaneous tick in cats is transmitted to future offspring. Therefore, it is recommended to sterilize the animal after treatment in order to prevent the appearance of sick kittens.

Symptoms of the disease

It is important for all four-legged lovers to know what a subcutaneous tick is in cats, the symptoms and treatment needed in this case. The disease is dangerous because it is difficult to notice it immediately. By the time visible symptoms appear, the parasites have already attacked most of the body. Therefore, with any suspicion of demodicosis, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian. The longer the tick parasitizes on the skin of an animal, the more it affects the decrease in immunity. This leads to the fact that cats begin to get sick often. The first symptoms that should alert the owner are the following:

1. Wool has lost its former shine and silkiness.
2. The skin around the eyes turned red and began to peel off. Dandruff may occur.
3. Persistent itching forces the pet to tear out patches of fur and itch with claws and teeth.
4. Wool may fall out in bunches on its own.
5. Small growths can be found on the skin, slightly protruding above the surface.
6. Abscesses appear on bald areas. Gradually, the ichor begins to ooze.

Diagnosis

Demodicosis is not detected during a routine examination. The doctor can only make a guess and prescribe a few samples. To do this, you need to take a scraping in a suspicious place and carefully examine it under a microscope. Only after the final diagnosis is made, the specialist will prescribe the appropriate treatment, which will depend on the form of demodicosis.

Localized form

The big problem is the subcutaneous tick in cats. Treatment is meant to be complex and begins with therapeutic baths. The veterinarian usually recommends specialized products that are designed to cleanse the skin and coat of the animal - "Elite" or "Doctor". After bathing, all crusts must be well cleaned and disinfected with Chlorhexidine. It is allowed to replace the product with hydrogen peroxide. After processing, it is necessary to allow the crusts to dry well.

This treatment will clear the skin of scabs. The veterinarian then examines the cat again and prescribes one of the following medications:

• "Perol".
• "Tzipam".
• "Unstopped".
• "Ectodes".
• "Mycodemocide".
• "Amid".

It is possible that the specialist will also recommend the use of sulfuric ointment. In addition to drugs that have a local effect, you will need drugs to increase immunity. It can be -"Immunol" or "Maxidin". If a subcutaneous mite is detected in cats in time, the treatment has a favorable outcome.

Generalized form

If the disease has already spread to large areas of the skin, then the treatment will be much more difficult. It does not always lead to a positive result. All veterinarians agree that the animal must first be trimmed. This is done in order to accurately determine the location of skin lesions by parasites and to facilitate the procedure for processing ointments.

The generalized subcutaneous tick in cats is rather long and difficult to destroy. Symptoms and treatment in this case do not change dramatically, but require the use of additional drugs. To begin with, a schema is assigned, as with a localized form. After that, the cat will need injections from the subcutaneous tick, because this form often causes complications. For injections, the Cydectin solution is used.

For effective treatment, antibiotic therapy is mandatory. Veterinarians may prescribe one of the following medications:

• "Amoxicillin".
• "Betamox".
• "Kamacidin".
• "Baytril".

It is important after the course to maintain the he alth of the cat and restore its immune forces. the Ligfol tool is well suited for this. The vitamin-mineral complex is also a mandatory item in the treatment of the generalized form of the subcutaneous tick.

Importantunderstand that if the disease has spread to many parts of the body, then the treatment should be prescribed by a veterinarian. At home, you can carry out all the procedures, but the specialist must control the process. To say how to treat a subcutaneous tick in cats, as well as to choose the right drugs, can only be prescribed by a doctor. Often, drugs that are suitable for one cat may not be suitable for another pet at all.

Folk treatments

It must be clearly understood that the subcutaneous tick in cats is a rather dangerous disease. Therefore, self-medication without the consent of the veterinarian is prohibited. Such actions can lead to irreversible consequences. The skin of cats is very thin and sensitive to all kinds of homemade medicines. It is possible to use folk remedies for demodicosis if the veterinarian approves them and does not find contraindications.

The most common methods to use at home are:

1. Bathing every three days with a specialized shampoo. After the procedure, the wounds are treated with sage tinctures. You can use chamomile.
2. If there is no special shampoo, you can use tar soap. Bathing should also be done once every three days. After that, the affected areas are treated with tincture of calendula.
3. If conditions do not allow using other methods, it is possible to treat pustules with kerosene. It is necessary to wait until the wounds are completely dry, and then bathe the animal.

Only the attending physician will tell you how to cure a subcutaneous tick in a cat. As an addition to the prescribed treatment, you can use folk remedies. However, in this case, control over the condition of the cat should be constant.

Prevention measures

It is important to understand what a subcutaneous tick looks like in cats. This is necessary in order to timely seek help and appropriate treatment. In order not to fight the disease, it is easier to prevent it. The main means of prevention is the treatment of the pet with antiparasitic drugs that get rid of ticks and fleas. It is also necessary to give medicines for worms and make sure that the pet's diet is complete and balanced.

It is better to limit contact with animals whose he alth is of concern. The safety net is much easier than the subsequent treatment of demodicosis. It is also important to maintain the immune strength of the pet if he is often sick. A veterinarian can advise the necessary drugs.

A rather unpleasant and difficult to treat disease is the subcutaneous mite in cats. It is important to notice the symptoms as soon as possible because the prognosis depends greatly on the form of the disease.

The problem of demodicosis is not only in the complexity of the diagnosis and the forthcoming treatment. The disease brings the animal discomfort and many unpleasant minutes. The skin is constantly itchy, the cat tears it with its claws and introduces a secondary infection into the wounds. Pustules appear, undermined immunity does not allow you to successfully fight the disease,therefore, side diseases can join.

How infection occurs

The subcutaneous tick in cats is successfully cured if you receive comprehensive specialist help in a timely manner. It is important to understand that any animal is at risk, because infection occurs not only from a sick pet, but also through land or water. Parasites successfully live in the soil, water bodies and on the body of other animals.

A cat cannot be considered completely safe from infection, even if it never leaves the house and does not come into contact with other animals. After all, microorganisms that parasitize on the skin successfully enter the room along with the owner's street shoes. Also, the parasite can be on a person’s clothing if he has been in contact with a sick cat. In this way, a pet can become infected.

Ticks are so small that the human eye cannot detect them. The problem manifests itself only when the animal begins to itch, it develops bald patches and small bumps on the skin are felt. Do not rely on washing things. Parasites survive in extreme conditions, and only open fire can destroy them.

Potential danger

Many mistakenly believe that the tick does not harm the cat, except for constant itching. But this position is not correct. Parasites may well be carriers of many dangerous diseases. Ticks can not only get under the skin, causing severe discomfort, but also in the ears, which leads to hearing problems.

Danger forhuman

It is worth taking extra care when treating a sick pet, because there is a risk of inflammation if the owner of the animal has wounds or abrasions on the skin. Many are interested in whether the subcutaneous tick in cats is transmitted to humans or not.

This creature only parasitizes cats. People sometimes suffer from a similar form of demodicosis, but it is caused by a completely different mite that constantly lives in the sebaceous ducts of a person. It activates its activity with a decrease in immunity in its owner. This disease has no connection with animals. However, there is a risk that the cat mite will cause an allergic reaction in humans.

Conclusion

A cat infected with a subcutaneous tick can behave quite aggressively. Therefore, special care should be taken during processing. Always protect your hands and avoid being scratched.

In addition to treating the pet directly, all things belonging to him are subject to disinfection. This applies to beds, bowls, favorite toys. It is necessary to treat carpets and textiles in the house with special preparations.

It is worth noting that the main success in treatment depends on timely treatment

to the veterinary clinic. Sometimes it is required to treat a pet in a hospital, and only with a local form, treatment at home is possible. The entire process can take up to one year.