Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Best systemic treatments for otodectic mange in cats
By Burnouf, Thibault & Guaguère, Eric·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2025·Dermatology Referral Service, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The most effective systemic treatment in cats with otodectic mange: A critically appraised topic.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A young cat, around 4 months old, was diagnosed with otodectic mange, a common skin condition caused by ear mites that can lead to ear infections. The veterinarian treated the cat with isoxazolines, a type of medication effective against these parasites, which resulted in a complete recovery and improvement in symptoms. The treatment had minimal side effects, which resolved on their own. This case highlights the effectiveness of isoxazolines in treating otodectic mange in young cats.
People also search for: cat ear mites treatment · young cat with itchy ears · isoxazolines for cat mange · feline otitis externa remedies
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Otodectic mange is one of the most common ectoparasitic diseases in cats and the most common cause of feline otitis externa. It is particularly prevalent in young cats between 3 and 6 mo of age and is a veterinary concern, especially in catteries, due to its highly contagious nature. Although there is a risk of overdiagnosis if based solely on cerumen, it is not difficult to identifyif there is a clinical suspicion in a young cat. Considering the variety of available acaricidal molecules, as well as the need to use the most effective treatment, the present article reviews evidence comparing various types of systemic treatment for otodectic mange in cats. RESULTS: Isoxazolines (sarolaner, fluralaner, or esafoxolaner) or similar molecules such as tigolaner (a bispyrazole) and macrocyclic lactones (selamectin, eprinomectin, or moxidectin) can lead to parasitological cure and improvement of clinical signs associated with otodectic mange in cats, with rare, mainly cutaneous side effects with mild, autoresolving lesions. CONCLUSION: Similarities in the clinical and parasitological efficacy of these substances highlight the need for comparative studies that could allow identification of the most efficacious product.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40510273/