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Mange in Cats

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Treatment

 

In approximately 90 percent of the cases, demodectic mange in cats is likely to resolve itself spontaneously. For severe generalized cases, long-term medication may be necessary for controlling the condition. Lime-sulfur dips to the affected areas may help relieve symptoms. In either case, the general health status of your cat should be evaluated.

 

Living and Management

 

Follow-up care should include additional skin scrapings, and microscopic examinations of hairs. The latter process is known as a trichogram, a diagnostic tool which uses hairs that have been plucked for examination so that appropriate treatment can be prescribed. With chronic long-term cases of demodectic mange in cats, regular medication may be necessary.

 

Prevention

 

General good health may help prevent some cases. Keeping your cat clean, without drying the skin, and in optimal health, will help to keep the Demodex mite population in balance. It is also advised that cats with generalized chronic mange not be bred, as the condition may be genetically based in some breeds and may be passed to offspring.

 

 

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