Cat Mange Treatment with Sulfur-Lime Dips

Cat mange occurs in cats of all age groups. Mange is caused by either burrowing or non-burrowing mites. Burrowing mites penetrate into the cat's skin and cause inflammation, redness and scales. Non-burrowing mites are commonly seen around the cat's ears. They survive on ear tissues, wax and cause itching and infection.

Sarcoptic Mange

Sarcoptic mange is a contagious skin disease caused by mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. It's important to start mange treatment early to prevent skin lesions, sore inflamed skin and secondary bacterial infections. If the mange is left untreated it leads to the thickening of skin and ulcers.

Cat Mange Treatment

The treatment of mange involves adequate medication and proper home care to reduce discomfort and prevent re-infection. Cats that are suffering from certain types of mange are administered ivermectin. It's an anti-parasite medication that effectively cures external and internal parasite infections. Ivermectin is commercially available as Heartgard, used to treat heartworm infections in pets. Several pet owners have also used ivermectin to treat mange symptoms. However cats are very sensitive to several medicines and the dosage should be adequately monitored to prevent ivermectin overdose.

Sulfur-Lime Dips

A safer option for pets is to use a sulfur lime dip that should be applied to affected areas after bathing the cat with a gentle cleansing shampoo. Although the dip is safe for use, pet owners should use gloves while applying the medication on their pets. Lime dips require a prescription and the most commonly used dip is known as Lymdyp concentrate. Lymdyp contains the active ingredients calcium polysulfide and lime sulfur solution.

Usage of Sulfur-Lime Dips

Pet owners should read and follow package instructions before application of the dip. It's preferable to treat pets in open or ventilated areas to prevent strong fumes emanating from the solution. Lime sulfur dips like Lymdyp have to be diluted in water and applied to the infected areas at least once a week for a period specified by the vet. It's also necessary to prevent pets from licking the coat until dry, to avoid ingestion of the dip.

Pet Safety

Although Lymdyp is safe for use on cats, care takers should exert caution during application to prevent contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose and genitalia. Cats in general don't experience any adverse side effects from life sulfur dips. However pets should be washed thoroughly if they experience an allergic reaction to the ingredients.

Other Cat Mange Treatments

  • Milbemycin
  • Amitraz
  • Selamectin
  • Antibiotics
  • Cortisone-drugs

Prevention of Cat Mange

Since cat mange infections cause pain, discomfort and skin damage, pet owners may take certain precautions to prevent re-infection and illness. Cat bedding should be washed thoroughly in warm water and carpets should be vacuumed and steam cleaned routinely. If there are other pets living in the same household as the infected cat, it's best to treat all pets for mange infections. Since mites don't survive in the environment for extended periods of time, cats can be completely cured of mange with proper medication.

Before administration of medication the vet will conduct several diagnostic tests such as skin scrapings or skin biopsy to rule out underlying disease or infection. Prompt medical attention is necessary as early treatment prevents generalized disease progression and secondary infection.

 

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