Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by protozoa in the Toxoplasma gondii group, which can have many developmental forms and unfortunately, after ingestion, they begin to wander through the body, attacking muscles, internal organs, and also the nervous system. There is much talk about how the disease is dangerous for humans, especially pregnant women. Cats are blamed for the spread of toxoplasmosis, although they are not the only ones that can become infected, as it also affects other mammals; however, only cats can transmit it.
Toxoplasmosis – Know the Symptoms
Toxoplasmosis in cats causes symptoms that every caregiver should notice immediately. In adult animals, the most common symptoms are diarrhea and loss of appetite. If your pet was previously a solid glutton and now refuses to eat while wanting to drink a lot, it means that something is not right. Symptoms such as lethargy may also appear, and in many cases, fever occurs, and after a few days, there is difficulty breathing and severe abdominal pain in the pancreas and liver area. It is important to remember that adult animals with strong bodies and immunity may experience this disease more mildly, but for their own health, it is worth subjecting the animal to proper treatment. This disease is particularly dangerous for senior cats and kittens. Sometimes kittens become infected in the womb by their mother, resulting in being born very weak. Untreated toxoplasmosis can lead to the death of the animal. Older animals or those with weak immunity may have a chronic form of this disease. Therefore, if you notice that your cat starts behaving differently, feels weak, has no appetite, and additionally has diarrhea, do not wait and take it to the veterinarian. The disease can be diagnosed by taking a stool sample or doing a blood test. The latter method is more effective and provides certainty because protozoa do not necessarily have to be present in the stool since oocysts are only excreted for a short time. There is also a method for detecting antibodies.
Treatment is Important
Toxoplasmosis is treatable. Of course, treatment may take several weeks and absolutely must not be interrupted. It is important to know that treatment involves pharmacotherapy. The cat can be given pills twice a day in food, but every cat caregiver knows that if a cat is determined not to do something, it won’t. Therefore, if your pet, despite your best efforts, does not take the medication, you have no choice but to visit the vet daily, where it will receive injections. Additionally, the cat will simultaneously receive medication to prevent it from suffering from abdominal pain, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Probiotics or synbiotics are usually used here, as well as infusions that support appetite.