Notoedres cati: Mange mite

General Description: Notoedres is a minute mite

Life Cycle: Female adult mites burrow tunnels in skin and lay eggs, beginning a cycle of incomplete metamorphosis. Larvae hatch out in 3 to 5 days and burrow side tunnels or travel to the skin surface and make new tunnels or simple pockets in outer layers of skin. Nymphs molt twice, and adult mites are produced about 17 days after eggs are laid. Mating may then occur, and egg laying commences 4 to 5 days later. All stages of notoedric mites are very susceptible to drying and can only survive for a few days off cats.

Location: Notoedres usually burrows in the skin of the ears, and back of the neck, but may extend to the face and feet. In heavy infestations, the skin damage may spread all over the body.

Significance: This mite is relatively uncommon but can cause great irritation in cats.

Effect on Host: The feeding and burrowing of Notoedric mites cause great irritation and itching and produce lesions with exudates that dry to crust. Continued skin inflammation is accompanied by proliferation of subcutaneous connective tissue. The tender, thickened skin may crack, leaving deep wounds which are susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. Infested cats are restless and continually scratch and lick. Their skin may become thickened, wrinkle, hairless and crusty.

Diagnostic Information: Mites are identified in skin scrapings.

Control: Infested cats are dipped or sprayed with miticides. Compounds like organophosphates with systemic action are most effective but toxicity of these compounds is high in cats.

FRONTLINE® has been found effective in mite infestations in dogs and may also be suitable for the treatment of Notoedric mange in cats.

Otodectes

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