Mange comes in all kinds of varieties, because there are all kinds of mange-causing mites. One type of mange, most commonly affecting cats is called trombiculosis. Yes, it’s a mouthful. Trombiculosis is a bit weird as mange goes. It’s not exactly mange, per se, but it has a lot of the symptoms that are similar to mange. Here’s the DL on trombiculosis.

What’s Behind Trombiculosis?
Like other forms of mange, trombiculosis is caused by mites. The mite, not surprisingly called trombiculi, looks more like a chigger than a mite, but is a whole lot smaller. Trombiculi like to hang out in warm soil, rotting leaves, and other dirty juicy places where there is a lot of decaying organic stuff. Trombiculi are most active and infestation-happy in the late summer and early fall.

What Does Trombiculosis Look Like?
The first sign of trombiculosis is red dots that break out on the skin. Shortly after infestation, your pet will experience intense itching. The mites can quickly spread over a larger area of the animal’s body as they are moved and scratched. The itch can be so intense that it produces intense scratching. The scratching can develop into painful sores.

Trombiculosis usually develops in cats, and more specifically in shorthair cats. Although trombiculi seem to head for felines, some dogs have been known to have trombiculosis as well.

How to Treat Trombiculosis?
Since trombiculosis is different from your average, run-of-the-mill mange, it is also treated differently. Trombiculosis should be handled by a veterinary doctor who can prescribe and administer a specialized spray application of fipronil or an ivermectin-based solution. Trombiculosis usually takes three months to completely heal.