Clinicoparasitological diagnosis and selamectin-based therapeutic management of notoedric mange in domestic cats with zoonotic manifestations

Introduction

Notoedric mange, commonly known as feline scabies, is a highly contagious parasitic skin disease of cats caused by the burrowing mite Notoedres cati. The disease is characterized by intense pruritus, alopecia, crust formation, scaling, lichenification and progressive thickening of the skin. Young cats, stray cats, debilitated animals and cats kept in close-contact environments are more commonly affected. The disease usually starts around the ears, face and neck and may later spread to other body regions. Affected cats show persistent scratching, restlessness, poor hair coat, reduced appetite and loss of body condition. If not treated in time, the condition may become severe and may predispose the animal to secondary bacterial infection. Notoedric mange also has zoonotic importance. Humans in close contact with affected cats may develop transient pruritic papules, erythematous lesions and irritation. Therefore, feline notoedric mange should be considered not only an animal health problem but also a public health concern. Several acaricidal drugs have been used for the treatment of feline mange. Selamectin is a topical macrocyclic lactone used in cats for ectoparasitic and endoparasitic control. Its spot-on application makes treatment convenient, especially in young cats where repeated injections may be stressful. The present report documents the diagnosis and selamectin-based therapeutic management of notoedric mange in two domestic cats with suspected zoonotic involvement in the owner.

Materials and Methods

Case presentation

Two female domestic cats, approximately four months old, were presented to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, DSVCKV, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh, with dermatological complaints.

History

The cats had a history of persistent itching, progressive hair loss, rough hair coat, scabby lesions and reduced appetite. The owner also reported severe itching for approximately one week.

Small erythematous crusted papules and hyperpigmented lesions were observed on the owner's skin, suggesting possible zoonotic transmission from the affected cats.

Clinical examination

A detailed dermatological examination was carried out. Lesion type, severity and distribution were recorded. Both cats showed emaciation, rough hair coat, alopecia, thick crusting, scaling and lichenification. Lesions were mainly distributed over the face, ear margins, nose, neck and forelimbs.

Sample collection and parasitological examination

Skin scrapings were collected from multiple active lesion sites. Tape impression smears were also prepared from affected regions. The collected material was processed with 10% potassium hydroxide to clear keratinous debris and examined microscopically under low power. Adult mites morphologically consistent with Notoedres cati were detected, confirming the diagnosis of notoedric mange.

Therapeutic Management

The affected cats were treated with selamectin spot-on at 6 mg/kg body weight, applied topically over the skin at the base of the neck after parting the hair coat. The treatment was repeated after two weeks. Supportive management included cleaning of crusted lesions, improvement of nutrition, prevention of excessive scratching and maintenance of hygiene. The owner was advised to avoid close handling of affected cats during the active stage of infestation, wash hands after contact, clean bedding and resting areas, and consult a physician if skin lesions persisted.

No injectable ivermectin was used in this revised therapeutic protocol.

Results

Both cats showed typical clinical signs of notoedric mange, including severe pruritus, alopecia, crusting, scaling, rough hair coat and lichenification. The lesions were more prominent around the face, ear margins, nose, neck and forelimbs.

Microscopic examination of skin scrapings revealed adult mites consistent with Notoedres cati. Based on clinical signs and parasitological findings, the condition was confirmed as notoedric mange.

The owner showed pruritic skin lesions in the form of erythematous crusted papules and hyperpigmented areas, indicating suspected zoonotic involvement.(fig 3). After treatment with selamectin, pruritus reduced within seven days. By the second week, both cats showed visible improvement in appetite, activity and skin condition. Crusting and scaling reduced gradually, and the hair coat started improving(fig 4). No adverse effects were observed during the treatment period. Follow-up skin scrapings after completion of therapy were negative for Notoedres cati.

Conclusion

The present report confirms that notoedric mange should be suspected in young cats showing severe pruritus, alopecia, crusting, scaling and lichenification, particularly around the face, ears, nose, neck and forelimbs. Microscopic examination of skin scrapings is an effective diagnostic tool for confirmation. Selamectin spot-on at 6 mg/kg body weight, repeated after two weeks, along with supportive care and hygiene measures, resulted in successful clinical and parasitological recovery. The suspected zoonotic involvement in the owner highlights the need for early diagnosis, prompt treatment and proper owner counselling.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementThe authors are thankful to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, DSVCKV, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India, for providing the necessary clinical facilities.

References

1. Chakrabarti A. Human notoedric scabies from contact with cats infected with Notoedres cati. International Journal of Dermatology. 1986;25:646-648.
2. Galdhar CN, Galdhar RV, Gaikwad KV, Garud, Vaidya S, Rana P. Feline scabies and its zoonotic occurrence: a case report. Indian Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 2020;40(1):56-57.
3. Griffin C, Kwochka K, Macdonald J. Current Veterinary Dermatology. St. Louis (MO): Mosby Publications; 1993.
4. Mullen G, Durden L. Medical and Veterinary Entomology. San Diego (CA): Academic Press, Elsevier; 2002.
5. Scott DW, Miller WH, Griffin CE. Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology. 6th ed. Philadelphia (PA): W.B. Saunders Co.; 2001. p. 653-667.
6. Senthil Kumar K, Selvaraj P, Vairamuthu S, Srinivasan SR, Kathiresan D. Ivermectin therapy in the management of notoedric mange in cats. Tamil Nadu Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. 2008;4:240-241.
7. Sinha S, Maiti SK, Ratre HK, Raj L, Bante N. Notoedric mange in cats: its treatment and zoonotic importance. The Pharma Innovation Journal. 2023;12(7):2061-2062.
8. Sivajothi S, Sudhakara Reddy B, Rayulu VC, Sreedevi C. Notoedres cati in cats and its management. Journal of Parasitic Diseases. 2015;39(2):303-305.
9. Soulsby EJL. Helminths, Arthropods and Protozoa of Domesticated Animals. London: Baillière, Tindall and Cassell; 1968. p. 743.
10. Xavier M, Janus A, Deepa PM, Bipin KC. Effect of selamectin in feline sarcoptic mange of Wayanad district, Kerala. The Pharma Innovation Journal. 2020;9(7):87-89.