You might have heard before that if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you should re-home your cat because of a disease called toxoplasmosis. This is a legitimate concern for pregnant people and their babies, but there’s no reason to re-home your cat because of the condition. Show Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoal parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is a relatively common disease that is found worldwide in animals, birds, and even humans. Fortunately for our feline friends, the disease is generally mild, but given its zoonotic potential (meaning it can be transmitted to people), it is important to recognize its health implications. Causes of Toxoplasmosis in CatsIn order to better know how to diagnose, treat, and prevent toxoplasmosis, it’s helpful to understand the organism’s complicated lifecycle and how it infects hosts. In general, the parasite affects two different kinds of hosts:
Cats can become infected by all three T. gondii life stages (oocysts, tachyzoites, and bradyzoites) by:
Once in the feline intestines, T. gondii can either produce oocysts, which are then passed in the stool, or can replicate to become tachyzoites, which migrate throughout the body, affecting multiple organs. Symptoms are variable depending on which organs become affected. The oocysts that are passed in the feces are not infectious at first, but they become infectious after a period ranging from 1 to 5 days, when they undergo a process called sporulation. These oocysts can remain in the environment for many months. This remarkable ability to survive in the environment is partly to blame for their success. Researchers estimate that about a third of the human population is infected with T. gondii, and the organism has been shown to infect animals like sea otters miles away from the site of the original cat defecation after rains washed the infected feces into the watershed. While concerning, do not fret too much, there are certain precautions you can take to minimize your risk as noted below. Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis in CatsSymptoms are often mild and can go unnoticed in otherwise healthy cats. Symptoms are related to the organ(s) affected by the tachyzoite, which may include:
The prognosis depends on the severity of the diagnosis and is typically worse when the lungs or liver are involved. It’s important to note that cats who are showing symptoms are unlikely to be shedding the infectious oocysts. How Veterinarians Diagnose Toxoplasmosis in CatsDiagnosing toxoplasmosis can also be challenging as oocysts are rarely identified in routine stool exams, and the identification of oocysts does not mean the cat needs to be treated. Antibody titer testing (a test to determine infections) can be performed to help exclude the disease altogether if negative, or aids in the likelihood of finding infection, if positive. A Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test (used to examine at fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) and tissue samples (biopsies) can be analyzed for the presence of tachyzoites. Treatment of Toxoplasmosis in CatsTreatment in cats usually consists of a 2-4 week course of the antibiotic clindamycin and may be combined with other therapies including supportive care. It has been reported that cats shed oocysts only once in their lifetime since they develop immunity after the initial infection. Antibody testing can help confirm if your cat has been previously exposed. Preventing Human Exposure to ToxoplasmosisBelow are a few helpful tips on ways you can take precautions to minimize your exposure:
Pregnant women should be more vigilant as it is known that T. gondii can cross the placenta and babies exposed can have significant birth defects. Recovery and Management of Toxoplasmosis in CatsMost infected cats do not actually suffer from the disease itself, but essentially act as carriers for the disease to be promulgated so it would be rare for them to be shedding oocysts and be suffering acutely from the disease itself. However, if the cat does acquire the infection and tachyzoites start migrating throughout the body, it is at this point that the animal’s immune system kicks in and mounts a resistance. If it’s effective, the tachyzoites will be forced back into the bradyzoite stage and lie dormant in the unaffected organ(s). They may remain dormant for many years and are unlikely to cause future problems. Unfortunately, young and immunocompromised (FeLV or FIV+) cats are less likely to survive as they are less able to build a sufficient immune response and defense. Toxoplasmosis in Cats FAQsIs toxoplasmosis in cats fatal? Toxoplasmosis is rarely fatal in cats unless they are either very young or immunocompromised, such as cats that are FIV or FeLV positive. Fortunately, once exposed and recovered, cats generally develop immunity. Can humans contract toxoplasmosis from cats? Other animals, including people, become infected by T. gondii in much the same way as cats (contact with feces or uncooked meat). You cannot become infected through interacting with and petting cats. What are the neurological symptoms of toxoplasmosis in cats? Neurological symptoms in cats because of toxoplasmosis can vary, but most often the cat would exhibit behavioral changes, blindness, weakness and/or lack of coordination, neck pain, circling, head pressing, and seizures. Is toxoplasmosis found in cat litter? Toxoplasmosis can be found in cat feces, so any material a cat uses as a bathroom—such as litter, dirt, sand, or carpet—can contain the organism. References
Featured Image: iStock.com/cunfek
Everything you need to know about toxoplasmosis  Have you been wanting to get out of changing your cat’s litter tray? If you are pregnant, you have a legitimate reason to pass this chore on to your partner. Cat faeces can carry a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, an infection that poses a danger to your developing baby. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma Gondii that can affect the unborn child if a pregnant woman becomes infected. The parasite can also be found in undercooked meat, unpasteurised milk and garden soil. “In pregnant women the parasite can cross the placenta and negatively affect the foetus, resulting in an increased risk of birth defects,” says Red Nose Chief Midwife Jane Wiggill. “It can also cause skin rashes, nervous system damage, brain damage, liver damage, eye problems, and even miscarriage.” But, explains Jane, there are small changes pregnant women can make to minimise their risk. “Pregnant women are advised to avoid contact with cats, especially the litter tray,” Jane says. “Ensure your partner takes over all handling and cleaning of your cat’s litter tray as soon as you decide to try for a baby, and make sure litter trays are cleaned daily.” Jane also advises taking precautions when preparing, handling or eating meat. “The parasite can be found in muscle tissue of undercooked lamb, pork or kangaroo, so it’s important to wash your hands after handling raw meat, and make sure meat is cooked thoroughly. “Avoid eating rare or medium-rare meat dishes, and also thoroughly wash chopping boards, knives and kitchen utensils that have come into contact with raw meat,” Jane advises. Toxoplasmosis can also be found in soil. “Make sure you wear gloves while gardening, and wash vegetables to remove any traces of soil,” Jane says. And what should you do if you think you have come into contact with the parasite? In most cases, Jane explains, toxoplasmosis has no symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur they can include swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches and pains, headache, and fever. “If you are generally feeling unwell and are pregnant, please see your GP as evidence of infection can be found through a blood test,” Jane explains. Check out other articles to to help you on your pregnancy journey. |
Why can t pregnant women change cat litter
zusammenhängende Posts
Urheberrechte © © 2024 frojeostern Inc.
