Toxoplasmosis in cats

Among many diseases that affect both pets and their hosts, toxoplasmosis should be singled out separately. It is very common, and is dangerous for humans. We will try to light this topic a little. After all, the lack of information in many causes a real phobia and fear of domestic animals.

How is toxoplasmosis transmitted from cats?

This disease is caused by Toxoplasma gondii parasites, which live in a cellular form. In their development there are two phases - asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction. The first they pass in the body of their intermediate host (wild or domestic animals, people). The second is already in the intestines of the main host. They are just mainly domestic cats or their wild cousins. How do cats become infected with toxoplasmosis? They can get infected by eating an ordinary mouse, where the infection lives in the cells of their tissues. In the small intestine of our pets, sexual reproduction of the causative agent of this infection occurs. Outside they fall with their faeces and contaminate the soil or food, where for about 17 months they retain their ability to infect. They can be accidentally swallowed by agricultural animals or rodents (mice, rats). During the acute form of the disease, the cat can be infectious to the host, because toxoplasm are in their secretions.

Signs of toxoplasmosis in cats

In healthy cats, it is very difficult to identify infection. How does toxoplasmosis occur in cats? There are three stages of the course of the disease, characterized by slightly different symptoms:

1. The hidden form . Perhaps a slight increase in lymph nodes during the reproduction of parasites. In the future, everything can take place in a latent form. During this period, discharge from the nose, diarrhea, redness of the eyes, loss of appetite are possible. Later, when the disease turns into a chronic form, all the symptoms of the lesion disappear.
2. In a subacute period, the body temperature rises, sneezing and coughing can begin, breathing becomes more frequent, purulent discharge will go from the eyes.
3. Acute current . The same symptoms become pronounced. The animal begins to lose weight, it is possible to refuse eating, salivation, trembling in the muscles. If the liver is affected greatly, then jaundice begins, accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. In the most severe case, the nervous system is affected, which leads to paralysis, seizures and loss of coordination.

Toxoplasmosis in cats - symptoms and treatment

It is treated extremely difficult. Symptoms can disappear, and toxoplasmosis can go to the chronic stage. The most important thing is to put the right diagnosis on time, because many of the signs are similar to leptospirosis. The analysis for toxoplasmosis in cats is carried out by examining serum with special antigens. It is also possible to detect oocysts in faeces of an animal. Various drugs are used for treatment: chymocicide (24 mg per kg of animal weight for a week), sulfadimidine (100 mg / kg orally, dividing the daily dose by four times). Still further recommend to use pyrimethamine for 2-4 weeks (1 mg / kg). If the disease has become acute, then sulfadimethoxin is prescribed (20-30 mg / kg on the first day of treatment and further for 2 to 4 weeks at 10-15 mg / kg), sulfonamide (50% 55 mg / kg up to 2 weeks). In addition, the use of cardiac drugs and sedatives is possible. The course of treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian, and after the end of taking medication it is necessary to repeatedly take tests in the laboratory.

Prophylaxis of toxoplasmosis in cats

The main sources of infection are, first of all, contaminated land on the street, dust, raw meat, which has not passed due heat treatment. Wear gloves while you work in the garden and wash your hands.

It is necessary to struggle with rodents, to exclude contact of your favorites with stray animals. Do not let them into the rooms where food is prepared and stored. It is not recommended to feed the cat raw meat and by-products, as well as not having passed a good heat treatment. Cysts become infectious after the ripening period, and constantly removing fresh feces, washing away their traces, cleaning up the cat's toilet in time, you protect yourself from a possible infection. Carry out a merciless fight against cockroaches , ticks. The best prevention of toxoplasmosis in cats has always been simple compliance with sanitary regulations.