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The Fatal
Tick-Transmitted Disease Continues to Spread |
Cytauxzoonosis is
caused by the protozoan parasite Cytauxzoon felis, a single-celled
organism that is transmitted to domestic cats through the bite of an
infected tick. Ticks feed on infected bobcats, the natural hosts of
this parasite, and ingest the organisms which multiply within the
tick. The organism is then spread to domestic cats when they are
bitten by an infected tick. Once inside the domestic cat, cytauxzoon
organisms multiply in the tissues. These infected cells occlude
vessels of the liver, spleen, lungs, and lymph nodes. Eventually these
infected cells rupture and release the organisms into the blood stream,
where they infect the red blood cells.
The clinical course of the disease is rapid with most cats showing
symptoms within five to seven days of infection. Typical clinical
manifestations include signs of depression, lethargy, anorexia, fever
of 104˚F-106˚F, jaundice, and anemia. About 24 hours prior to death,
the cat’s temperature will begin to decline to subnormal levels. Most
cats rapidly succumb to the disease, often dying within one week of
the initial onset of clinical signs.
Unfortunately, the initial clinical signs are nonspecific and can
resemble many other common feline afflictions. Diagnostic testing is
directed both toward confirming the infection and ruling out other
diseases. A presumptive diagnosis of cytauxzoonosis is made based on
clinical signs, risk factors, and laboratory test results. Definitive
diagnosis is made by finding a form of the organism (piroplasms) in
the blood or tissues of the patient.
Outdoor cats are most likely to
acquire this disease, and cats most at risk are those with access to
wooded areas, which provide appropriate habitat for both bobcats and
ticks. The greatest seasonal risk of infection is spring and early
summer when the tick vectors are most active.
Effective medical therapy remains elusive and although a few cats have
survived, the vast majority of patients succumb to this disease.
Following a confirmed diagnosis of Cytauxzoonosis, those owners who desire
treatment for their cats are referred to Oklahoma State University’s
Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. At OSU, experimental protocols
have been developed with the hope of finding a treatment that will be
successful.
Due to the high mortality rate of this disease, prevention is
essential to the health of your cat. Following the steps outlined
below can reduce the risk of your cat contracting this disease. |
- The first
line of defense is to keep your cat indoors
- Check all
cats (even indoor pets) daily for ticks
- Promptly
remove any ticks found
- Treatment
with insecticides that kill ticks is essential. Fipronil
(Frontline®) is a safe and effective product for killing ticks on
cats. Unfortunately, it may take up to 48 hours for fipronil to kill
a tick, and cytauxzoon can be transmitted to your cat during that
period
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Cytauxzoonosis is a
dreadful disease, but by understanding the condition and taking the
appropriate measures to prevent infection, you can keep your cat from
becoming its next victim.
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