Notoedric mange in the bobcat, Felis rufus, from south Texas

A fatal case of notoedric mange is described in an adult male bobcat, Felis rufus, from south Texas. This cat was extremely weak and emaciated. Skin lesions consisted of greatly thickened, gray encrustations and alopecia of the muzzle, eyes, crown, ears and parietal scalp extending down the neck to the midscapular region of the shoulders. Histologically, there was partial to complete excoriation of the stratum corneum with erosions into the stratum germinativum to the level of the dermis in some areas. Numerous specimens of Notoedres cati (Hering, 1838) were noted, usually in the stratum corneum, sometimes burrowing into the stratum germinativum. A mild dermal inflammatory response consisting principally of neutrophils and round cells was observed. Confirmed notoedric mange with clinical signs similar to the above was also observed by a local veterinarian in three bobcat kittens from the same area. These were treated with a sulfurated lime shampoo followed by VIP dip. Subsequently, they recovered without consequence. These cases emphasize the possibility of notoedric mange as a potential epizootic disease in wild felid populations.