Cytauxzoon felis,
a one-celled
parasite spread
by ticks, causes
the disease
Cytauxzoonosis
in cats. Relatively
new to the
veterinary world,
C. felis was first
recognized as a
pathogen in 1976.
Since then, it has been
reported throughout
the Southeast and
into the Midwest
United States.
Cytauxzoonosis
cannot be cured and is often fatal. Therefore, tick prevention
is extremely important (and, thankfully, extremely easy). First,
keep your cat indoors whenever possible, especially during
tick season. Secondly, use a cat-specific monthly tick (and
flea) preventive. On-the-skin topicals such as and Bio Spot® SPOT ON® for Cats, offer
powerful, easy-to-apply protection against dangerous pests.
Cytauxzoonosis is spread in the wild by bobcats, the natural host
of C. felis. Domestic cats are thought to be accidental hosts.
Cats bitten by a C. felis-infected tick become extremely
ill within 1-3 weeks. Because C. felis affects many organ
systems - blood, the liver, lungs, the spleen, and lymph
nodes - symptoms of Cytauxzoonosis include sudden
listlessness, loss of appetite, anemia, difficulty breathing, high
fever, and jaundice. Even with proper veterinary diagnosis
and treatment, recovery from Cytauxzoonosis is rare.
Until recently, no treatment for Cytauxzoonosis has proven
consistently effective. Certain antibiotics and anti-protozoal
drugs continue to show promise. Intravenous fluids and
other supportive care are also necessary. Because cats
who recover from Cytauxzoonosis may still carry the
parasite and suffer recurrence, prevention is essential.
By regularly applying a monthly flea and tick preventive and
remaining vigilant about indoor confinement, you'll virtually
eliminate your cat's risk of contracting Cytauxzoonosis.
