Toxoplasmosis in Cats
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasites associated with most warm blooded animals. Toxoplasma Gondi is a single-cell parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis in cats, not often does it cause significant clinical diseases in them. Cats are the main mammals harboring this toxoplasma Gondi and are the only mammals in which this parasite passes through. This parasite passes through the cats feces.
The reproductive form of this parasite lives in the cats’ intestines, while the infective oocysts live the body through feces. Oocysts survive in the environment for several years resisting most disinfectant and they become infective in 1-5 days of excretion. Once the cat consumes an infected prey, the parasite is released again in the cats’ intestines and the life cycle is repeated.
The main source for cats to contact these parasites is from infected preys or from uncooked meat. The kittens are very easily harmed by this infection and they show more severe symptoms when infected. Domesticated pets are very unlikely to contact this infection, as compared to the wildlife cats that depend solely on hunts for food; pets mostly consume hygienic and cooked foods.
Causes and Symptoms
The oocysts are present in the tissues of long lasting infected prey, like rodent and birds and cats becomes infected when they feeds on this infected preys and undercooked meat. Cats do not show any physical signs of infection, except for like lethargy and loss of appetite. The kitten and young cats are usually those who show symptoms of infections. The symptoms in human are diarrhea, hepatitis, pneumonia and may suffer depression, partial or complete blindness, jaundice and muscle pain.
This disease is usually diagnosed on the basis of medical history, signs of illness and lab results. Usually, routine blood tests are done to diagnose test like complete blood counts (CBC), fecal examination, ocular examination, IgG and IgM antibody tests; cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF Analysis) etc. in some cases, the oocysts can be found in feces.
Treatment
The treatment for toxoplasmosis usually involves an antibiotic called the clindamycin. Other drugs like sulfonamides combined with pyrimethamine, also trimethoprim-sulfonamide. These drugs kill the production of the parasite and it necessary to start the treatment as soon as it is diagnosed. The medication should be strictly followed as instructed by the vet.
To help prevent this disease, cats should only eat cooked meat, dry or canned foods. The cat should avoid uncooked meat, entrails or bone because these tissues contain toxoplasma cysts. Finally, trash containers, garbage and garbage can should be kept away from cats to prevent garbage scavenging.