Mycoplasmosis in cats: symptoms and treatment

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Mycoplasmosis is a serious infectious disease. Even in the case when the owner is sure of the diagnosis, the pet must be shown to the veterinarian. Only a specialist can prescribe treatment taking into account all the individual characteristics of the animal: breed, age, weight, he alth status. This is especially important, because there are two causative agents of the disease: Mycoplasma Gatae and Mycoplasma Felis.

What is mycoplasmosis in cats?

The causative agents of the disease are called mycoplasmas. These are unicellular microorganisms. Once in the body, they attach to cells and parasitize them. The danger is represented by the waste products of mycoplasmas. Cats are most threatened by Mycoplasma Gatae and Mycoplasma Felis, but there are others in nature.

Mycoplasmas differ from each other in their effect on the body. Mycoplasma Gatae causes polyarthritis. Mycoplasma Felis affects not only the joints, but also the liver and reproductive system. Infection often manifests itself in the form of rhinitis, and in advanced cases, pneumonia and pulmonary edema occur.

Bearerpathogens can be any cat. However, only under unfavorable conditions does mycoplasma have a chance to reproduce. Decreased immunity, hypothermia, prolonged starvation, concomitant infections lead to infection with mycoplasmosis. There are several transmission mechanisms: airborne, sexual, and also from mother to kittens. The disease responds well to treatment.

Symptoms of mycoplasmosis infection in cats

The fact that the cat is unwell, his owner will know immediately. At the initial stage, the symptoms of mycoplasmosis in cats are as follows:

• Sneezing (rhinitis).
• Teary, reddened and swollen eyes.
• Cough.
• Wheezing and wheezing.

If the animal's immunity is strong, then even if untreated, the symptoms may disappear for a while. This does not mean that the cat was cured by itself. It's just that the disease has become chronic. The danger of mycoplasmosis in cats is the destructive effect on the lungs. Against the background of bronchitis, pneumonia develops, and then the animal dies.

Penetrating into the urinary system, mycoplasmas provoke cystitis, vaginitis and endometritis. Males suffer greatly from prostatitis and urethritis. In the area of the joints, erosive damage appears, leading to the development of arthritis. Digestion is disturbed. Diarrhea alternates with constipation. Discharge from the eyes, nose, urethra becomes purulent. The skin may change color, and hair falls out around the resulting sores.

Kittens and young are most easily infectedindividuals up to 2 years of age. A pregnant female transmits the infection to her offspring. The danger of untimely treatment is that when pathogens are eliminated, acquired complications can remain for life. For example, impaired vision, impaired sense of smell, dysfunction of internal organs.

And if there are no symptoms?

Obvious symptoms of infection are not always observed. It happens that there are almost no external signs, and the disease progresses. In this case, the observation of the owner is important. A change in the cat's behavior, its reactions that are different from the usual ones, should alert the owner. Usually the infected animal becomes lethargic, drowsy, weakened. All this is due to a decrease in the body's defenses. The cause may be another disease. It is best to immediately visit the veterinarian and get tested.

How can I help?

The first thing to do is visit a veterinary clinic. Diagnosis of mycoplasmosis in cats is quite difficult, as dangerous microorganisms can merge with he althy cells. However, it is very important to accurately determine the cause of the disease. Only in this case, the doctor will prescribe drugs that will help, not harm.

In modern veterinary practice, the following types of tests are used to identify the causative agent of mycoplasmosis:

1. Smear from the conjunctiva.
2. PCR analysis of upper respiratory tract swabs.
3. ELISA blood test to identify the virus.

When the results are ready, the doctor will be able to offer the optimal treatment regimen. The detection of mycoplasmosis in cats (symptoms) and treatment based on the diagnosis will give the greater effect, the sooner the owner turns to the veterinary clinic. It is likely that tests will show the presence of concomitant infections. This happens often enough. Then it will be necessary to carry out therapy taking into account an objective picture of the animal's he alth.

Treatment of mycoplasmosis in cats

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against this disease. Therapy in any case will be long in time. Since mycoplasmas affect all internal organs, treatment should be comprehensive. The recovery period is no less important.

Prescribing medications may include:

1. Tetracycline antibiotics.
2. Immune drugs containing azithromycin, enrofloxacin, ofloxacin.
3. Treatment of the mucous membranes of the eyes with drops: ribotan, roncoleukin, cycloferon, immunofan.
4. Carsil is prescribed to maintain liver function.
5. Probiotics to restore digestion.
6. Painkillers, antiemetics, antidiarrheal drugs are prescribed when symptoms are present.
7. Interferon is selected individually.
8. To increase the resistance of cells to mycoplasmas, feliferon is prescribed.

What about the man?

This is the most common question pet owners ask veterinarians when they have sick pets. Indeed, how dangerous is mycoplasmosis in cats for other animals, birds, humans? There is no consensus on this, butgeneral recommendations made.

It is believed that for each species of living beings there are 1-2 dangerous varieties of mycoplasmas. A sick cat does not pose a direct threat to the owner. However, pregnancy, weakening of the immune system against the background of any disease, a state of stress can lead to the fact that a person also falls ill.

The first thing the owner of a sick animal needs to take care of is to ensure a strict hygiene regime. Trays, beds, pet feeders should be regularly thoroughly disinfected. It is better to limit the communication of a cat with children. Be sure to wash your hands after each contact. For a speedy recovery, it is very important for the animal to provide peace and comfort.

The only available method of protecting a cat involves an annual routine examination by a veterinarian. The specialist will offer a vaccine against viral diseases. The second component of success is a properly selected diet rich in vitamins and proteins.