Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Cats
The symptoms of Lyme disease in cats are often not as obvious as those in dogs. Cats suffering from the disease may exhibit fever, lameness, loss of appetite, and fatigue. They may also show signs of the nervous system and heart problems. However, some cats do not show any symptoms at all.
Why do cats not get Lyme disease?
Cats are very careful about grooming themselves, so they will remove ticks that they find while grooming themselves. Even so, cats can be exposed to ticks and potentially contract Lyme disease. Although they may test positive for the disease, that doesn’t mean they are suffering from the illness. It is unknown if cats naturally develop the disease or if it is acquired from other pets. Veterinary doctors typically diagnose Lyme disease by evaluating the cat’s symptoms and history, as well as determining whether or not the cat is suffering from another disease.
While it’s unlikely that your cat will suffer from Lyme disease, it’s important to monitor it to be safe. Cats are susceptible to infection by the same bacteria that causes human Lyme disease, but the symptoms don’t show up until a few weeks after exposure. Cats also don’t get sick as often as dogs. Although it’s not common, it’s still a serious problem. If your cat has been exposed to tick-borne bacteria, check for antibodies to the bacteria.
Is Lyme disease fatal in cats?
If you’re wondering if Lyme disease is fatal for cats, rest assured it’s highly unlikely. As of 2018, no cases of Lyme disease in cats have been reported outside of a laboratory setting. Nevertheless, you should still protect your cat from ticks. It’s essential to keep your cat indoors and away from any bushes, shrubs, and other areas of the yard that other pets frequent.
The first step in treating a cat for Lyme disease is to give it antibiotics. This type of medicine will help your cat recover faster. In many cases, your cat will recover within three or four days. However, if the disease is severe, it may require longer-term hospitalization.
What if my cat has Bartonella?
Bartonella is a gram-negative bacterium that can cause a variety of symptoms in cats. Treatment for the infection usually consists of antibiotics. It can be difficult to get rid of the infection once it has taken hold. However, there are ways to avoid a return of the infection. One of the most important is to keep your cat indoors. This will prevent your cat from coming into contact with fleas and ticks and will prevent the infection from returning.
Bartonella is most common in fall and winter in the United States. Cats get infected with the bacteria through flea bites or contact with infected blood. Indoor cats are also susceptible to infection if they have been outside for a while. However, most cats carry the bacteria without any symptoms. It is important to check your cat for fleas and watch for any red marks or irritations.
What happens if Bartonella goes untreated?
If your cat is infected with Bartonella, it is important to get the infection treated as soon as possible. Cats can contract the disease from fleas, which carry Bartonella spp. Fortunately, the infection can be prevented. However, if it’s left untreated, your cat could develop feline leukemia.
The infection is characterized by fever and relapsing bacteremia. In cats younger than two years, the disease can progress to chronic bacteremia. Symptoms of persistent bacteremia are associated with frequent genetic rearrangements and changes in the outer membrane proteins of the infected cells. The bacteria are believed to be resistant to antimicrobial agents because of their location within erythrocytes and vascular endothelial cells. However, untreated Bartonella infections are often fatal.
It is important to get your cat tested for Bartonella infection because it can be difficult to diagnose in cats without a blood sample. A diagnosis is usually made after excluding other possible diagnoses and assessing the response to antibiotic therapy. Testing for Bartonella is not necessary for healthy cats and humans; it is only useful in immunocompromised households.
