Toxoplasmosis in Cats: Diagnoses & Treatment

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease of cats. It is caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasmosis can affect animals as well as humans. The total life cycle of the parasite is completed in cats. Toxoplasmosis has acute as well as chronic forms. But the chronic has no clinical symptoms, whereas the acute form appears with symptoms. For more information related to toxoplasmosis in cats, keep reading here at PetVet.

Toxoplasmosis is one of the famous cat’s diseases. It not only causes disease in cats but also in humans. Especially the warm-blooded animals and humans. But among all warm-blooded, the primary living hosts are cats. The parasite travels from the feces into the environment. Raw meat is also a source of causing infection in humans. The parasite-causing disease usually completes its life cycle in cats. Toxoplasmosis can be acute as well as chronic.

Symptoms of toxoplasmosis in cats

The common symptoms of toxoplasmosis are as follows fever, depression, loss of weight, dyspnea, gait problems, diarrhea, muscular weakness, vomiting, corneal inflammation, tonsillitis, retinal inflammation, tremors, uveitis, etc

The symptoms of toxoplasmosis are more severe when the cat is in the womb. These cats die before birth or before weaning. But if the kittens survive, they usually undergo complications such as fever, difficulty breathing, appetite loss, etc.

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Diagnosis

For diagnosis, the complete history of cat health is essential. A history of the onset and symptoms is required. Evaluating the veterinarian’s physical examination will give a complete insight into the disease. Different laboratory tests are required to diagnose cat toxoplasmosis, including CBC, urinalysis, and biochemistry profile. Cats with toxoplasmosis usually show a decrease in white blood cells, neutrophils, and lymphocyte count.

The biochemistry profile tells about the abnormal increase in liver enzymes such as ALT and AST. In addition, albumin levels decreased in a few cases. Increased protein levels and jaundice also indicate toxoplasmosis in cats. The infected cat sheds parasite eggs in their feces.

Treatment of toxoplasmosis in cats

The medicine of choice for toxoplasmosis in cats is clindamycin. It is sometimes used with corticosteroids when there is inflammation of the eyes and CNS. The treatment starts after the complete diagnosis. Treatments last as long as the signs disappear. The treatment usually continues for several days. In acute conditions, high IgM antibody.

Cats suffer from viral diseases such as Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis affects cat health badly. This viral disease in cats can be treatable.

Prognosis 

The prognosis relies on the part affected due to the disease. In some cases, cats respond slowly to the environment due to having a central nervous system or eye problems. The prognosis is usually poor, affected mainly by liver or lung disease.

Prevention

Reduction of exposure to infected oocysts and shedding of these oocysts in the environment. The best diet for cats will be cooed food.