Feline chlamydia is a highly contagious bacterial disease that mainly affects the eyes and upper respiratory tract, although responsible bacteria can also be housed in the genitals of cats.Pathology is most common in young stray cats or those living in groups, however, it can affect cats of all ages, whether mixed or defined breed.
If you have just adopted a beautiful kitten, it is very important that you look for your trusted veterinarian to check your health and rule out possible diseases that please your well-being, in this article by The Animal Expert you will be able to know the main ways of contagion, the causes and symptoms of feline chlamydiosis.
- Feline chlamydia is caused by a type of gram-negative bacteria called Chlamydophila felis.
- Currently.
- It is estimated that around 30% of feline conjunctivitis diagnoses are related to chlamydia.
- In addition.
- It has been recognized that the bacterium Chlamydophila felis generally acts in association with calicivirus and feline rhinotracheitis.
Chlamydophila bacteria may remain inactive in the environment, but they need a host to reproduce.This is why they enter the feline organism, where they find a high availability of food and a safe environment.When they enter the cat’s body, their incubation period is 3 to 10 days.
On the other hand, the form of contagion is caused by direct contact with the nasal and eye secretions of infected cats, so cats living in groups are especially vulnerable to this pathology.
Chlamydia was previously known as “feline pneumonia”, but the nomenclature was not very precise, as these bacteria barely reach the lungs, usually concentrating in the eyes and upper respiratory tract, causing constant conjunctivitis and possible rhinitis .
Chlamydia cannot be transmitted to humans by infected cats, however, transmission is very easy in cats, so we insist on caution and go to the vet at the first symptom, especially if we have just rescued a stray cat, our cat has run away or come into contact with sick cats.
The first visible sign of feline chlamydia is a common aqueous discharge that may appear in one or both eyes.In general, the eyeball of affected cats has excessive moisture, causing it to water constantly.In many cases, redness and swelling of the third eyelid is also observed.
If the disease is not treated quickly, the watery discharge becomes increasingly viscous and purulent (typical green color of pus). At this point, the cat is more vulnerable to ulcer formation around the eyes and on the corneas, in addition to connective edema. Fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss are also common.
In more advanced cases, the respiratory system may be compromised.The affected feline may have nasal discharge and constant sneezing, which are usually caused by a rhinitis condition.However, infection rarely affects the lungs and lung damage is very rare due to chlamism.
When you see one of the above symptoms in your cat, it is essential to quickly go to the veterinarian to tell you how to treat feline chlamydia, in the clinic the professional will perform the necessary clinical and complementary tests to analyze the health of your pet and recognize possible pathologies.If the diagnosis of feline chlamydia is confirmed, treatment will depend on the health status and the evolution of the pathology in each feline.
Antibiotics are generally critical to contain reproduction and fight Chlamydophila felis bacteria.They may be prescribed orally (medication), intravenously or in the form of solutions (eye drops).Remember that antibiotics should always be prescribed by a healthcare professional.Self-medication is very dangerous and increases the resistance of bacteria, making it difficult to treat Clamydophila felis.
Even while taking antibiotics, affected cats may have a sticky or dark secretion for days or even weeks.Therefore, it will be important to clean your kitten’s eyes and nose daily until the secretion has completely disappeared.The veterinarian may indicate specific wipes or simply a clean gauze slightly moistened with salt or warm water.
During treatment, it is essential that the affected cat is separated from other cats to avoid new infections, it will also be necessary to strengthen the hygiene of the house and disinfect the environment and the objects used by the cats. Keep in mind that bacteria may remain.accessories, toys, sandpit, scrapers, etc. Beware of traditional cleaning products, as chemicals, in their formula, can poison cats and irritate their mucous membranes.Ideally, opt for “pet friendly” antibacterial disinfectants, i.e. specially designed for pet homes.
The best way to prevent feline chlamydia is to provide you with adequate preventive medicine, a positive environment and the care you need to help your four-legged partner strengthen your immune system and maintain good health, this is essential for regular visits to the veterinarian every 6 months, to respect the schedule of vaccinations and periodic dewormings , to ensure a balanced diet and keep it physically and mentally stimulated throughout your life, do not hesitate to quickly turn to the professional of your trust to identify any changes in appearance or behavior.
On the other hand, spaying can be recommended to prevent cats from leaking during the heat period. Be aware that chlamydia, like many other infectious diseases, is easily spread through sex or street fighting.
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis, we suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any condition or discomfort.
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