Cats, such as dogs, can be bitten by ticks and infected with one of the many diseases that these parasites transmit. One of these diseases is feline ehrlichiosis, also known as tick disease in cats.
Although tick disease is rare in cats, Brazilian veterinarians have reported several cases. Therefore, it is important that you know and be aware of the possible symptoms of this disease, so that you can act quickly if you suspect that this is happening to your feline.
In this Animal Expert article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about tick disease in cats, read on!
Erlichia canis is widely studied in dogs. Canine ehrlichiosis is endemic in many parts of Brazil. On the other hand, feline ehrlichiosis is still under-studied and there is not much data. The truth is that there are more and more case reports and that cat caregivers should be aware of it.
Feline ehrlichiosis is caused by intracellular organisms known as Rickettsia. The most common agents in feline ehrlichiosis are: Ehrichia risticii and Ehrichia canis.
In addition to the fact that the disease is bad for your kitten, it is important to remember that ehrlichiosis is a zoonotic disease, that is, it can be transmitted to humans. Domestic cats, such as dogs, can be reservoirs of Erlichia sp and eventually transmit to humans through a vector, such as a tick or other arthropod, which by biting the infected animal and then to humans, transmits the microorganism. .
Some authors suggest that transmission is through ticks, just like in dogs. The tick, when itches the cat, transmits Ehrlichia sp., A hemoparasite, that is, a blood parasite. However, a study of cats with this hemopar as a defect detected possible exposure to ticks in only 30% of cases, suggesting that there may be an unknown vector responsible for the transmission of this disease to cats [1]. Some experts believe that transmission can also be done by eating cat-hunted rodents.
The signs are generally nonspecific, i.e. they are similar to those of various diseases and are therefore inconclusive. The most common symptoms of tick disease in cats are:
The veterinarian, on suspicion of tick disease in cats, performs laboratory tests. The most common laboratory changes in feline ehrlichiosis are:
For a definitive diagnosis, the veterinarian usually uses a test called blood smears, which essentially allows you to observe the microorganism in your blood under a microscope. This test is not always conclusive and therefore the veterinarian may also need pcR testing.
Also, don’t be surprised if your veterinarian performs other tests such as x-rays, which allow you to see if other organs are affected.
Treatment of feline erlkylosis depends on each case and symptom. The veterinarian usually uses antibiotics from the tetracycline group. The duration of treatment is also variable, with an average of 10 to 21 days.
In the most severe cases, it may be necessary to hospitalize the cat and undergo supportive treatment. In addition, in cats with severe anemia, a blood transfusion may be necessary.
If the problem is detected early and treatment starts immediately, the prognosis is positive. On the other hand, cats with weakened immune systems have a worse prognosis. The important thing is that you follow the treatment and instructions of the professional who follows the case to the letter.
Although it is less common for cats to become infected with tick-borne diseases or other arthropods, this can happen! For this reason, it is essential that you keep up with your veterinarian’s deworming plan and look at your feline’s skin daily. Read our full article on the diseases that ticks can transmit.
If you notice strange symptoms or changes in your cat’s behavior, consult your trusted veterinarian immediately. No one knows your cat better than you, and if your intuition says something’s wrong, don’t hesitate. The sooner a problem is diagnosed, the better the prognosis.
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 similar articles on tick disease in cats (ehrlichiosis feline): symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, we recommend that you visit our Parasitic Diseases section.