Successful treatment of Notoedres cati-infested kitten using selamectin spot-on: A case report

Abstract

Feline scabies or Notoedric mange is a rare, highly contagious and pruritic skin disease of cats and kittens caused by Notoedres cati (N. cati), with zoonotic significance requiring immediate medical attention. This paper describes the successful treatment of a kitten naturally infested with N. cati. A stray kitten approximately two (2) months of age was presented to the Medicine unit of Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, AAU, Khanapara with a history of inappetence, generalised skin lesions and intense pruritus. Clinical examination revealed the presences of scales, crusts, erythema, rashes and alopecia on the face, margins of both ears, limbs, and ventral abdomen with itching. All other clinical parameters were within the normal limits (pulse, respiration and heart rates) and normal rectal temperature (102.2°F). The body weight of the kitten was 200gms with emaciated condition. Examination of skin scraping revealed presences of ova and adult mites of Notoedres cati. The kitten was treated with a single application of Selamectin 6% (Selamec spot-on), once a week body wash with a shampoo containing benzyl peroxide 2.5%, twice daily oral supplement containing omega 6 and omega 3 for a month and twice daily topical application of ayurvedic boroplus ointment till the skin lesions resolved. Deworming after a week and clinical review every week following treatment was advised. Complete clinical recovery (disappearance of skin lesions and growth of new body coat) and negative skin scraping was achieved after 6 weeks of intensive treatment.