Cat Parasites

Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasma gondii Felids (wild and domestic) are definitive hosts

Coccidian parasite

3 infectious stages of T gondii:

1. Tachyzoites (rapidly multiplying form) 2. Bradyzoites (tissue cyst form) 3. Sporozoites (in oocysts)

1. Consumption of infectious oocysts in cat feces 2. Consumption of tissue cysts in infected meat 3. Transplacental transfer of tachyzoites from mother to fetus

 Depends on the # of tachyzoites released (tissue damage) ,ability of immune system to control tachyzoites and organs damaged Fever, diarrhea, cough, dyspnea, icterus, seizures, and death Abortion and stillbirth Multiple organ necrosis in fetus

Diagnosis
Biologic, serologic, or histologic methods CSF and aqueous humor for presence of tachyzoites or anti- T gondii antibodies Tachyzoites may be seen in tissue impression smears

Treatment
Sulfadiazine (15-25 mg/kg) and pyrimethamine (0.44 mg/kg)
Acute stage Active multiplication Ineffective against bradyzoite

Diaminodiphenylsulfone, atovaquone, and spiramycin Clindamycin is the treatment of choice for dogs (10-40 mg/kg) and cats (25-50 mg/kg) for 14-21 days

Hemobartonellosis
Hemobartonella felis RBC parasite

Immune system destroys RBCs Feline Infectious Anemia

Bite wounds, in-utero, milk, flea bites

 Loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, depression, and pale mouth and gums Weight loss, vomiting, dehydration, and difficulty in breathing Infection is life-long

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis
Examination of blood smear

Treatment
Tetracycline Prednisone Blood transfusion Oxygenation

DERMATOPHYTE INFECTION
RINGWORM Microsporum canis Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum persicolor = contact with infected wild rodents Direct contact or exposure to contaminated grooming tools, clippers or bedding

 Typical skin lesions are discrete, roughly circular, non-itchy, areas of hair loss
head ears extremities of the paws

Broken hairs near lesions Scaly and inflamed skin TREATMENT: Topical and oral antifungals

INTESTINAL PARASITES
Most common are roundworms and tapeworms. Protozoal intestinal parasites: Giardia commonly cause loose, gassy stool and abdominal cramping, especially in young kittens Coccidia are common in stressed kittens or those with improper diets Loose, tan stools

Ascarid egg

Whipworm egg

Hookworm egg

Tapeworm egg packet

CUTANEOUS PARASITES
EAR MITES: Otodectes cyanotis "coffee grounds" appearance to the dark material in the cat's ear canal area Itchiness, head shaking TICKS FLEAS SCABIES: Scabies mites and Demodex mites are very rare on cats CHEYLETIELLA small skin parasites that create flaky, dandruff-like scales and cause irritation