Cat DiseaseNamed Cytauxzoonosis Spreading Among Feline Population
In the United States, a potentially deadly infectious disease known as Bobcat fever, or cytauxzoonosis, poses a threat to both domestic and feral cats. This disease is caused by the microscopic blood parasite C. felis and is primarily transmitted by the bite of infected ticks, such as the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis).
Effective prevention of Bobcat fever primarily involves regular use of veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventatives and keeping cats indoors, especially in regions where the disease is common.
Key prevention methods include:
- Administering monthly flea and tick medication approved by veterinarians to protect cats from ticks.
- Limiting a cat’s outdoor exposure by keeping them indoors, reducing their chance of encountering infected ticks.
- Regularly checking outdoor cats for ticks and promptly removing any found.
Environmental management measures to reduce tick exposure near homes may also help indirectly, such as keeping lawns well-maintained, trimming shrubs, and using natural tick-repellent plants like lavender or rosemary around the property. However, these are more general tick prevention strategies mostly documented for human and outdoor animal protection.
Because Bobcat fever progresses rapidly and is often fatal without treatment, early identification of symptoms and prompt veterinary care are critical if tick exposure occurs despite precautions. Symptoms of Bobcat fever are severe and include fever, pale or white gums, difficulty breathing, jaundice, low energy, poor appetite, dehydration, enlarged spleen and/or liver, and rapid progression to hypothermia, collapse, coma, and death.
In the event that your cat acquires a tick and then becomes sick afterward, it is crucial to take them to the veterinarian immediately. Bobcat fever is definitively diagnosed by seeing the blood parasite under the microscope on a fresh blood smear, PCR blood test, or possibly through bone or splenic aspirates. A veterinarian diagnoses Bobcat fever through a combination of oral history, physical examination, laboratory testing, and potential testing for other infectious diseases.
Treatment for Bobcat fever requires several days of hospitalization and aggressive supportive care, including fluid therapy, blood transfusions, chest tubes, feeding tubes, and various medications such as antibiotics (atovaquone, azithromycin, enrofloxacin), imidocarb dipropionate, atropine, and heparin. However, even with aggressive supportive care and hospitalization, most cats with severe symptoms die from Bobcat fever. The cost to treat Bobcat fever is high, usually costing several thousand dollars.
The disease is most commonly reported in the United States between March and September in southeastern and south-central states, mid-Atlantic states, upper midwest states, and the West Coast. It is important to note that Bobcat fever does not pose an infectious risk to humans or dogs.
In conclusion, by following these prevention measures, cat owners can significantly reduce the risk of their pets contracting Bobcat fever. Regular use of veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventatives, keeping cats indoors, and vigilant tick checks are key in protecting your feline friends from this potentially fatal disease. If your cat ever acquires a tick and then becomes sick afterward, prompt veterinary care is essential for the best possible outcome.
Science has shown that for prevention of Bobcat fever, regular use of veterinarian-approved flea and tick medications is crucial. Mental health and wellness for cat owners can be improved by understanding the importance of this prevention, as it reduces the risk of their pets contracting a potentially fatal disease.
