IVERMECTIN THERAPY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF NOTOEDRIC MANGE IN CATS

Abstract

Notoedric mange (Feline Scabies) is rare, highly contagious disease of cats and kittens caused by Notoedres cati, which can opportunistically infest other animals, including humans (Griffin et al., 1993). It is clinically characterized by cutaneous lesions on the ears, face or neck and extreme pruritus (Kwochka, 1987 and Griffin et al., 1993). Ivermectin, an endoecticide has a wide range of safety, low dosage requirement and persistent action, especially in mange infestations. The present report describes a series of cases of Notoedric mange in cats and their successful management with Ivermectin therapy. Five domestic cats (3 female and 2 male) in the age group of six months to one year were presented to the Dermatology Unit of Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital with the history of intense pruritus and scabby lesions all over the body. All were indoor cats and reared in cages. One cat was emaciated and others were fair in their body condition. The clinical signs noticed included severe intense pruritus and hair loss. A thick / crusty scabby appearance of the skin, especially along the tip of the ears, face and neck was noticed. Scratching of the affected areas caused the skin to become raw, red and inflamed. Itoh et al., (2004) observed similar lesions in cats affected with Notoedric mange. Notoedres mites are closely related to Sarcoptic mites of dogs and thus the two infestations have some similarity. Both the conditions typically begin with itchy crusts and scales on the ear margins. The Notoedric mange progresses to involve the face and ultimately covers the entire body, if the skin disease was ignored. (Scott et al.,2001). Three cats in the present study had mange lesions covering the entire body.