Coccidiosis in Cats

Coccidiosis in cats

Coccidiosis at a glance

About: Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease affecting the intestinal tract of cats caused by the protozoa coccidia.

Symptoms:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Dehydration
  • Abdominal pain
  • Uveitis

Treatment: Sulfadimethoxine or Trimethoprim-sulfa to inhibit coccidial reproduction as well as supportive care which can include fluids to treat dehydration and nutritional support.

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Walking Dandruff (Cheyletiellosis) in Cats

Walking dandruff in cats

What is cheyletiellosis?

Also known as walking dandruff, cheyletiellosis is a highly contagious skin disease caused by the Cheyletiellosis mite. Cats are most commonly infected with Cheyletiella blakei. Infection occurs more often in young cats, although cats of any age can become infected.

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Internal Parasites in Cats

Internal parasites in cats

About Parasites are organisms that live off another organism. Cats are at risk of infection from several internal parasites, which can compete with the cat for food or cause tissue and organ damage. Worms are the most common parasites to affect cats; other internal parasites include flukes and protozoa. Roundworm Roundworms are the most common … Read more

Heartworm Disease in Cats

Heartworm disease

At a glance

  • About: Dirofilaria immitis is a parasitic worm that lives in the pulmonary arteries, lungs and heart of affected cats.
  • Transmission: Infection occurs via the mosquito who passes on the microfilaria (baby heartworms) when they feed on the cat.
  • Symptoms: Include difficulty breathing, coughing, gagging, exercise intolerance, loss of appetite and weight loss.
  • Treatment: There is no safe treatment to kill heartworms in cats. Most veterinarians monitor your cat closely and offer supportive care. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the worms.

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Ear Mites in Cats

Ear mites in cats

What are ear mites?

Ear mites are a common spider-like mite that lives in the ears of animals. Although the name would suggest otherwise, ear mites can live on any part of the body although they generally live in the ear canal of cats. They are the most common cause of otitis externa (inflammation of the outer ear canal) in cats.

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How To Remove Fleas From Kittens [Veterinarian Advice]

Removing fleas from young kittens

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sam Kovac BVSc (Merit) and Dr. Paula Simons DVM

Fleas are a common external parasite that feeds on the blood of their host. Their flattened body, a hard exoskeleton, and backward-facing hairs allow the flea to burrow through the fur to the skin where they feed on the host’s blood using specialized mouthparts. Young kittens are at risk because of their small size and blood volume, which puts them at risk of anemia (low red blood cell count). Most flea products are toxic to very young kittens and cannot be used until 6-8 weeks.

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