Diagnostic and therapeutic management of Notoedres cati infestation in felines: A case study

Introduction

Notoedres cati is an extremely contagious mite responsible for causing Notoedric mange, a severe and itchy skin disorder in cats. This parasite mainly affects both domestic and wild felines but can occasionally transmit to other mammals, including humans (Griffin et al. 1993) [2] . The mites invade the outer layers of the skin, producing intense irritation, redness, crusting, and gradual loss of hair, particularly around the head, ears, and neck regions. If the disease is not treated promptly, it may extend to other parts of the body and lead to complications such as bacterial infections and poor body condition. Notoedric mange has significant clinical and welfare importance because of its rapid spread in cat populations and its zoonotic potential. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are essential to prevent severe dermatological damage and to control outbreaks in both household and shelter environments.

Materials and Methods

The present study was conducted in group of 6 cats having age group 6 months to 2 years showing clinical signs such as erythema (66.6%), itching (100), hair loss (83.3%), and crust formation (100%), particularly on the ears, face, and neck (Fig. 1). On clinical examination temperature, respiratory rate, pulse rate, heart rate were within the normal range. Hematobiochemical changes were noticed in the Eosinophils and Neutrophils. 1. Sample collection: Deep and superficial skin scrapings and tape impression smear were taken from the edges of active lesions using a sterile scalpel blade dipped in liquid paraffin. The collected material was transferred onto clean glass slides and covered with coverslips. 2. Microscopic examination: Samples were examined under a low-power microscope to identify the presence of mites. Identification was based on characteristic morphological features such as the round body, short legs, 'thumb print'-like dorsal striations and dorsal anus position (Fig. 2). The mites were identified as per the reports of Walker (1994) [6] .

Treatment:

The affected cats were treated with injection ivermectin@ 0.2 mg/kg s/c showing high efficacy reported by Senthil Kumar et al. (2008) [3] weekly once, four doses, multivitamin and multimineral syrup.

The cat owners who had close contact with affected cats which is positive for the Notoedres cati also showing intense pruritus, erythmatic crusted papules on fingers, hands.

Results and Discussion

The present study shows that Notoedres cati causes a common and serious skin disease in cats known as notoedric mange. The parasite is highly contagious and spreads easily among cats through close contact. The main areas affected are the head, ears, neck, and front legs, where the skin becomes thick, dry, scaly, and covered with crusts. The itching is very severe because the mites burrow into the skin, and this leads to scratching, wounds, and hair loss. The biochemical analysis and complete blood picture is within in the normal range but changes were seen eosinophil% (4.43± 0.54) and neutrophil (92.30 ± 0.72). Diagnosis is mainly based on finding the mites in deep skin scrapings under a microscope. The mites have a round body and short legs, which make them easy to identify. Treatment with acaricidal medicines like ivermectin with parentral showing high efficacy reported by Senthil Kumar et al. (2008) [3] . on along with supplementation of multivitamin and multimineral syrup is usually very effective. The owner was advised to thoroughly disinfect all inanimate objects, including bedding and feeding utensils, using suitable antiseptic solutions as part of proper management practices to prevent the spread and recurrence of the disease. Throughout the treatment period, no side effects or relapses were observed. The kitten showed noticeable improvement after the second dose of ivermectin, with complete recovery achieved by the fourth treatment. No adverse clinical signs were observed during the treatment period. Although Notoedres cati can occasionally affect humans who handle infected cats, the infestation in people is short-lived and mild (Chakrabarti, 1986) [1] . Still, using gloves and maintaining hygiene while handling infected cats is important.

Conclusion

Notoedres cati infestation is an important parasitic skin disease of cats characterized by intense itching, crusting, and hair loss, particularly around the head and ears. Prompt diagnosis and effective treatment are essential to prevent severe skin damage and spread to other animals. Because the mite is zoonotic, humans in close contact with affected cats may develop transient, itchy skin lesions. Therefore, maintaining good hygiene, regular veterinary care, and early treatment of infested animals are crucial to protect both feline and human health.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementsThe authors are obliging the Associate Dean, Veterinary Clinical Complex, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad for providing the necessary research facilities and support and carry out investigations for this study.

References

1. Chakrabarti A. Human notoedric scabies from contact with cats infested with Notoedres cati. Int J Dermatol. 1986;25(10):646-648.
2. Griffin CE, Kwochka KW, MacDonald JM. Current veterinary dermatology. St Louis: Mosby; 1993.
3. Kumar KS, Selvaraj P, Vairamuthu S, Srinivasan SR, Kathiresan D. Ivermectin therapy in the management of notoedric mange in cats. Indian Vet J. 2008;85:11561158.
4. Sivajothi S, Sudhakara Reddy B, Rayulu VC, Sreedevi C. Notoedres cati in cats and its management. J Parasit Dis. 2015;39(2):303-305.
5. Muller GH, Kirk RW, Scott DW. Small animal dermatology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1983. p. 1-889.
6. Walker A. The arthropods of human and domestic animals. London: Chapman and Hall; 1994. p. 7-8.