Occurrence and Clinical Management of Sarcoptes scabiei Infestation in Domestic Cats in Hyderabad, India

Abstract

Background: Sarcoptic mange is rarely reported in domestic cats, and hospital-based descriptions of naturally occurring infestation remain limited. Aim: To record the occurrence of Sarcoptes scabiei infestation in domestic cats presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex (VCC), Hyderabad, and to describe its clinical features, parasitological diagnosis and response to treatment. Study Design: Hospital-based clinical study. Place and Duration of Study: Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, P.V. Narsimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University, Hyderabad, India, from January to August 2026. Methodology: All cats presented during the study period were screened for skin disease. Cats with lesions suggestive of mange were examined in detail, and deep skin scrapings from active lesions were cleared in 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and examined microscopically. Confirmed cases were treated with a selamectin spot-on preparation (6 mg/kg) on days 0 and 30 along with an antihistamine, topical lime sulphur and nutritional support. They were then followed up for clinical recovery. Results: Of the 1,002 cats screened, 36 (3.59%) had lesions compatible with sarcoptic mange, and 14 (1.40%) were confirmed by skin scraping. Cats below one year of age formed the largest group of confirmed cases, followed by those aged 1–3 years, 3–6 years and over six years. Domestic Short Hair cats predominated over Persian and other breeds. Males slightly outnumbered females. Every affected cat was intensely pruritic. Bilateral pinnal crusting, alopecia and erythema were the next most frequent findings, followed by facial lesions, excoriation, scaling, hyperkeratosis, papules and skin fissures. All treated cats made a full clinical recovery with hair regrowth, and none relapsed during follow-up. Conclusion: Sarcoptic mange is uncommon in cats but should be kept in mind whenever a cat presents with severe itching, crusted ear margins, alopecia and erythema. Deep skin scraping is an inexpensive and reliable method of confirming the diagnosis. Selamectin spot-on treatment administered twice at a 30-day interval, together with supportive care, was associated with clinical recovery in the treated cats.