TREATMENT OF PARASITE INFECTION IN DOMESTIC CAT

Abstract

Scabies is a disease caused by mites of the family Sarcoptidae including the genera Sarcoptes and Notoedres. In addition, many endoparasitic infections in cats have been reported, one of which is Toxocariasis caused by Toxocara sp worms, also known as gilig worms. The purpose of writing this article is to provide information on methods of diagnosis, treatment, and therapeutic evaluation of scabies accompanied by Toxocara sp endoparasitic infection. A local cat named Bolang aged 2 years with a body weight of 2.6 kg was examined with complaints of itching and diarrhoea. Alopecia, crusts, hyperkeratosis, erythema and scale were observed on the ears, nape, legs and face with a pruritus level of 7/10. Skin scrapings were performed and microscopically identified as Sarcoptes scabiei and Notoedres cati. The cat had diarrhoea and was microscopically found to have Toxocara cati infection. Based on the history, clinical signs and supporting examination, the case animal was diagnosed with scabies accompanied by toxocariasis with a prognosis of fausta. Causative therapy for scabies cases was given ivermectin injection 0.2 mg/kg BW. Causative therapy for toxocariasis cases was given pyrantel pamoate 5 mg/kg BW orally. As symptomatic therapy, Bolang cats with pruritus 7/10 were given diphenhydramine HCl at a dose of 1 mg/kg BW intramuscularly, followed by oral administration of diphenhydramine HCl at a dose of 4 mg/kg BW three times a day, for 5 days. Supportive therapy was given Mei Fah Tunghai fish oil and bathed using sulfur soap. On day 14 the case cat showed very good changes, namely no itching, crusts had disappeared and hair had grown on the head, ears and upper neck area and normal cat feces consistency. It is recommended that the owner cage and pay attention to the cat's condition to prevent re-infection.