Cytauxzoonosis in Cats

Cytauxzoonosis in cats is a big problems for those of us in Missouri.  ALL outdoor cats (yes, even those that go out on the deck for a few minutes) are exposed to the ticks that carry the parasite.  It is very hard to successfully treat and we have had several cats this year die from the disease.  Protect your cats with a good flea/tick preventive and best of all, keep your cats indoors!

Dr Hackworth


Parasitic Infection of the Blood Vessels in Cats | petMD

Parasitic Infection of the Blood Vessels in Cats

Cytauxzoonosis in Cats

Cytauxzoonosis is a parasitic infection of the blood vessels of the cat's lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, and brain. The protozoan parasite Cytauxzoon felis can also infect bone marrow and the developmental stages of red blood cells, thereby causing anemia. An uncommon disease, cytauxzoonosis typically affects feral and domestic cats in the south-central and southeastern United States.

Symptoms and Types

Symptoms associated with cytauxzoonosis are usually severe, including:

• High fever
• Dehydration
• Pale gums
• Depression
• Loss of appetite (anorexia)
• Yellowish skin (jaundice)
• Enlarged abdomen due to splenomegaly and hepatomegaly

Causes

The parasite is transmitted from the bite of an infected ixodid tick, which are known to roam in areas shared by reservoir hosts like the bobcat and Florida panther.

Diagnosis

You will need to give a thorough history of your cat’s health to your veterinarian, including the onset and nature of the symptoms. He or she will then perform a complete physical examination as well as a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and electrolyte panel.

The bloodwork will typically reflect changes due to severe anemia caused by a combination of red cell membrane destruction (hemolysis) and hemorrhaging. In addition, the blood smear may reveal the erythrocytic form of the parasite, which is one to two micrometres in diameter, inside the red blood cells.

Splenic and bone marrow aspirate, meanwhile, are best used to identify to demonstrate the extraerythrocytic form of the parasite.

Treatment

Cats with cytauxzoonosis should be immediately hospitalized and given supportive therapy, which often includes blood transfusions.

Living and Management

Unfortunately, most infected cats die within two weeks after showing initial signs of the illness. Moreover, cytauxzoonosis is not contagious to humans, but can be transmitted to other cats by blood or tissue inoculation.

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