A micoplasmose felina, também designada por anemia infeciosa felina ou doença da pulga do gato, é uma doença causada pela bactéria parasitária Mycoplasma haemofelis que pode, muitas vezes, passar despercebida ou, em casos graves, manifestar-se através de uma anemia grave que, se não detetada a tempo pode levar à morte do animal.
In this Animal Expert article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about feline mycoplasmosis: causes, symptoms, and treatment.
- Feline mycoplasma.
- Also known as flea disease in cats.
- Can be transmitted by the bite of infected ectoparasites (parasites found in your pet’s fur and skin).
- Such as fleas and ticks.
- For this reason.
- It is essential to perform regular flea and tick control to protect your cat.
However, transmission can also occur iatrogenic (after a medical procedure) through the transfusion of contaminated blood.
If your cat has fleas, if itches a lot, is standing or doesn’t want to eat, ask your veterinarian which product is best for your cat and try this parasite.
Once inserted into the bloodstream by infected fleas and ticks, Mycoplasma haemofelis invades and partially attaches to the surface of red blood cells (erythrocytes), causing hemolysis (destruction) and anemia.
Studies claim that two subspecies other than Haemobartonella felis have been identified: a large, relatively pathogenic and more dangerous form, which causes severe anemia, and a smaller, less virulent form.
It should be noted that although they have been in contact with the bacteria, there are animals that do not develop the disease and do not have any symptoms. In this case, they are only carriers, do not manifest the disease, but they can transmit it.
This disease may also be dormant and occur when the animal is weaker, stressed or immunosuppressed (in diseases such as FELV or PIF) because this bacteria exploits the animal’s weakness to reproduce.
Transmission by contact or saliva is unlikely, but interactions involving aggression, such as fights, bites or scratches, can result in transmission, as in these cases, animals may be exposed to the blood of another contaminated animal. Any kitten can be affected, regardless of age, race and gender.
Studies suggest that males appear to be more predisposed than females by street fights and it is necessary to be very careful in spring and summer, as it increases the number of fleas and ticks during these seasons, as well as the risk of infesting their pet.
While some cats may show obvious clinical signs, others may not show signs (asymptomatic). This depends on the pathogenicity of the agent, i.e. the ability of the invasive agent to cause disease, the current fragility and the state of health of the animal and the amount of agent inoculated during combat or flea bite.
Therefore, the infection may be asymptomatic with mild anemia or more common clinical signs that include:
To identify and visualize the parasite, the veterinarian usually use
Because this PCR technique is not fully accessible to everyone and blood smearing is insensitive, cases of mycoplasma in cats can be easily overlooked.
It should be noted that animals positive to the PCR technique may not have the active disease and therefore there is no need for treatment.
The veterinarian will also ask you to perform blood tests (blood form), as this test provides a summary of the overall condition of the animal and may also assist in the definitive diagnosis.
Diagnosis of this disease is very difficult, so it is important to emphasize that it must be done taking into account all aspects of the animal’s history, clinical signs, analyses and subsequent scans performed.
Not only anemic cats should be considered suspect, but all those with a history of flea infestation.
Proper therapy and supportive care are essential to ensure the successful treatment and quality of life of felines.
Recommended therapy usually includes antibiotics, corticosteroids, liquid therapy (serum) and, in some cases, transfusion.
Yes, there is a cure. The animal is cured and no longer has symptoms of the disease. However, when animals are treated for infection, they become asymptomatic carriers for an indefinite period, which can last from a few months to the entire life of the animal. In other words, although symptoms and disease progression are curable, the animal may carry mycoplasma for life. Early diagnosis is essential for successful treatment.
The main protective measure is to control ectoparasites with periodic deworming. If spring and summer are the most risky seasons, today, with climate change, care must be enhanced in all seasons of the year.
It is also usually recommended to follow your feline’s vaccination plan to prevent certain immunomediated diseases from triggering mycoplasmosis.
Sterilization is also recommended because it is these animals that go or escape the most and are more likely to catch fleas and engage in horrible fights.
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.
If you would like to read articles similar to Feline Mycoplasmosis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, we recommend that you visit our Parasitic Diseases section.