Content
- feline ehrlichiosis
- How is feline ehrlichiosis transmitted?
- What are the symptoms of tick disease in cats?
- Diagnosis of tick disease in cats
- Feline ehrlichiosis treatment
- How to prevent tick disease in cats
Cats, like dogs, can be bitten by ticks and become infected with one of the many diseases these parasites carry. One of these diseases is feline ehrlichiosis, also known as tick disease in cats.
Although tick disease is rare in cats, there are several cases reported by veterinarians in Brazil. For this reason, it is important that you know and be aware of the possible symptoms of this disease, so that you can quickly act if you suspect that it is happening to your feline.
In this PeritoAnimal article we will explain everything you need to know about tick disease in cats, keep reading!
feline ehrlichiosis
THE Erlichia kennels it is widely studied in dogs. Canine ehrlichiosis is endemic in many areas of Brazil. On the other hand, feline ehrlichiosis is still poorly studied and there are not many data. What is certain is that there are more and more case reports and cat owners should be aware.
Feline ehrlichiosis is caused by intracellular organisms known as Rickettsia. The most common agents in feline ehrlichiosis are: Ehrichia risticii and Ehrichia kennels.
In addition to the disease being bad for your kitten, it is important to remember that ehrlichiosis is a zoonosis, that is, it can be transmitted to humans. Domestic cats, like dogs, can be reservoirs of Erlichia sp and eventually transmit it to humans through a vector, such as a tick or other arthropod, which, when biting the infected animal and later the human being, transmits the microorganism.
How is feline ehrlichiosis transmitted?
Some authors suggest that the transmission is made by ticks, as with the puppy. The tick, when biting the cat, transmits the Ehrlichia sp., a hemoparasite, that is, a blood parasite. However, a study carried out with cats carrying this hemoparasite only detected possible exposure to ticks in 30% of cases, suggesting that there may be an unknown vector that is responsible for the transmission of this disease to cats[1]. Some experts believe that transmission can also be done through the rodent ingestion that cats hunt.
What are the symptoms of tick disease in cats?
The signs are usually nonspecific, that is, they are similar to those of several diseases and therefore not very conclusive. You tick disease symptoms in cats most common are:
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fever
- pale mucous
- vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
Diagnosis of tick disease in cats
The veterinarian when suspected of tick disease in cats, performs some laboratory tests. At most common laboratory abnormalities of feline ehrlichiosis are:
- Non-regenerative anemia
- Leukopenia or leukocytosis
- Neutrophilia
- Lymphocytosis
- monocytosis
- Thrombocytopenia
- Hyperglobulinemia
To have a definitive diagnosis, the veterinarian usually uses a test called blood smear, which basically allows you to observe the microorganism in the blood with a microscope. This proof is not always conclusive and therefore the veterinarian may also need the PCR test.
Also, don't be surprised if your veterinarian performs other tests such as the X-ray, which allows you to see if there are other organs affected.
Feline ehrlichiosis treatment
The treatment of feline ehrlichiosis depends on each case and symptomatology. Generally, the veterinarian uses tetracycline antibiotics. The duration of treatment is also variable, with an average of 10 to 21 days.
In more serious cases, it may be necessary hospitalize the cat and undergo supportive therapy. In addition, in cases of cats with severe anemia, a blood transfusion may be necessary.
If the problem is detected early and treatment started immediately, the prognosis is positive. On the other hand, cats with compromised immune systems have a worse prognosis. The important thing is that you follow the treatment and indications of the professional who is following the case to the letter.
How to prevent tick disease in cats
Although it is less common for cats to be infected with tick-borne diseases or other arthropods, it can happen! Therefore, it is essential that you keep the deworming plan always updated by your veterinarian and observe your feline's skin daily. Read our full article on the diseases ticks can transmit.
If you detect any unusual symptoms or behavioral changes in your cat, immediately consult your trusted veterinarian. No one knows your feline better than you and if your intuition says something isn't right, don't hesitate. The sooner a problem is diagnosed, the better the prognosis!
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Tick Disease in Cats (Feline Ehrlichiosis) - Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment!, we recommend that you enter our section on Parasitic Diseases.