Toxoplasmosis in cats

Nature of the disease

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. The pathogen is characterized by high prevalence, resistance to external environmental factors (retains viability for up to 1.5 years or more) and a complex development cycle. It can be detected on any object or surface, as well as in the aquatic environment. Toxoplasma lives in the body of ⅓ the population of the planet and more than ½ of mammalian animals.

In the process of its development, the simplest goes through several stages, and for this it needs to change owners. In the external environment, the parasite is contained in the form of a cyst. Penetrating into the body of an intermediate host – animal, bird, human, the protozoan begins to multiply intensively by simply dividing in two and spreading through the tissues with the subsequent formation of cysts. When eating an infected rodent or bird, the cat becomes the final host, in which the toxoplasm multiplies already sexually.

Reproduction of the protozoan causes numerous violations of the activity of all organ systems of the carrier, destruction of cells, severe intoxication. Cysts formed in the cat's body are released into the external environment, where they wait for the next intermediate host.

How a cat can get infected with toxoplasmosis

How does a cat get infected with toxoplasmosis? There are many ways that lead to the disease:

• eating raw meat products;
• while catching mice, birds;
• eating grass infected with protozoan cysts;
• drinking water containing a parasite;
• through scratches or wounds, for example, during a fight with another cat;
• direct contact with a carrier animal;
• through a human infection (with shoes).

Very often newborn kittens become infected during intrauterine development or during lactation. As a rule, most of the babies die. If someone manages to survive, then his existence is accompanied by severe lesions of the respiratory system, liver, central nervous system.

Symptoms of toxoplasmosis in cats

For the first time after the penetration of toxoplasma into the cat's body, there are no symptoms. After a few days, the disease begins to manifest itself in a mild form. You can suspect toxoplasmosis in a cat by the following signs:

• there is no interest in the environment;
• appetite disappears;
• the animal becomes sluggish, breathing heavily;
• vomiting and intestinal upset;
• the eyes look inflamed, there may be yellowing of the mucous membrane (due to liver malfunction);
• twitching of the tips of the ears;
• feverish state.

As the disease develops, the symptoms become more pronounced – the pathology passes into the acute stage. The characteristic features are:

• fever, fever;
• purulent discharge from the eyes and nostrils;
• muscle cramps;
• apathy, lethargy, indifference;
• shortness of breath.

In the acute period of the disease, the cat is a source of infection for the surrounding animals and humans. Of great importance during this period is the timely thorough processing of the tray, cat care. If the animal is an adult and has a strong immune system, then it can recover soon. Otherwise, the pet either dies, or the pathology acquires a chronic course, which manifests itself in a lack of appetite, a decrease in body weight and frequent muscle cramps.

Methods for detecting toxoplasmosis

Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in cats is carried out using laboratory tests and analyses. To do this, blood is taken from the pet for serological examination, feces for the detection of cysts, smears from the nasal mucosa and oral cavity. A positive result is a signal for the immediate appointment of therapy.

How to treat toxoplasmosis

Not only does toxoplasmosis develop against the background of already weakened immunity, it is the cause of the development of numerous diseases of the digestive tract, nervous system, lungs in cats. If toxoplasma is detected, the doctor will prescribe antimicrobial, antibacterial and other medications.

The dosage of each drug is calculated based on the body weight of the animal, taking into account its condition and the severity of symptoms. Additionally, it is recommended to drip sedatives, glucose (intravenously), anti-inflammatory and diuretic drugs to the pet.

With timely and proper treatment, the cat becomes noticeably better already on the third day. However, the course of therapy must be completed completely. After its completion, you should again take tests for the presence of toxoplasma.

Treatment with folk remedies

The use of traditional medicine for the treatment of toxoplasmosis in cats is a controversial issue regarding health safety. There are a number of methods that are suitable for people, but whether it is possible to give such drugs to animals is unknown, since most of the medicinal components contain toxic substances.

For the treatment of toxoplasmosis, hoof, buckthorn, kupena and some other plants are used. The raw materials must be poured with boiling water in the proportion: one cup of boiling water is taken for one teaspoon of dry grass (or fruit, root). The mixture is put on a "bath", kept for a quarter of an hour, after cooling it is passed through a sieve. The cat is given a teaspoon of the solution twice a day.

Before using such remedies, it is necessary to consult a doctor. In addition, in order not to harm, it is necessary to take into account not only the symptoms, but also the age and condition of the animal.

Can a cat get sick with toxoplasmosis again

After the disease, cats develop immunity to toxoplasma for a certain time, so re-infection is not possible immediately (provided complete cure). The disease can be hidden, and the pet's condition will be unchanged. However, with the slightest weakening of the protective forces (for example, worm infestations, stress), toxoplasmosis will make itself felt by the corresponding clinical picture.

With repeated infection of a cat with toxoplasma, the protozoan is no longer released as cysts into the external environment, but forms them in the internal organs of the animal, mainly in the hematopoietic (spleen, liver) and brain tissues. It is possible to completely get rid of the parasite only through prolonged and persistent therapy under the constant control of antibodies.

Is the disease transmitted to humans and animals

Despite the fact that a person or animal, such as a dog, is an intermediate host for toxoplasma, when infected, he may have the same symptoms of the disease as a cat. Moreover, the simplest poses the same threat to humans. With the excellent work of the immune system, the parasite can live in the human body for many years without arousing suspicion. If the protective forces leave much to be desired, toxoplasma can lead to serious health problems, up to a fatal outcome.

Toxoplasmosis is very dangerous during the gestation period. The expectant mother can get infected from a domestic cat and not even suspect about it. The weakening of immunity as a result of hormonal restructuring leads to the fact that the simplest easily overcomes the placenta and affects the organs of the fetus, causing anomalies. In this regard, the diagnosis of toxoplasma at the stage of pregnancy planning is of great importance.

Is there a toxoplasmosis vaccination

Vaccination against toxoplasmosis does not exist. This applies to both cats and humans, and is due to the peculiarity of toxoplasma. The essence of the vaccine is the introduction of an inactive agent into the body in order to produce antibodies. And toxoplasma, unlike viruses and other infections, is populated in the cells of organs, so it will not work with it in the same way.

Nevertheless, this does not mean that the risk of developing the disease should be left to chance. Vaccination aimed at increasing and strengthening the cat's immune system will help prevent toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasma is found in the body of an animal (and a human) and under normal conditions, but in very low concentrations, so it does not manifest itself as an exacerbation. As soon as the immunity drops, the number of protozoa increases dramatically – the animal becomes ill and becomes a source of infection for others.

An example of such a vaccine is Multifel, which is put once a year, starting from the age of six months of the pet.

Prevention of toxoplasmosis

To prevent toxoplasmosis in cats, it is necessary to adhere to the following recommendations:

• maintain the pet's immunity by vaccination;
• protect from contact with stray and unfamiliar animals;
• timely treatment of helminths and fleas;
• provide a full-fledged diet, with sufficient vitamins;
• prevent the catching of rodents, birds;
• keep the tray clean;
• do not give raw meat products to food (allowed after prolonged deep freezing);
• eliminate stress;
• undergo preventive diagnostics.

The owner should also take care that the cat does not sniff street shoes. It is also not recommended to pet animals on the street, and then your pet. And although such measures cannot give a 100% guarantee, the probability of infection with toxoplasma will decrease to a minimum for both the cat and the owner.