How to treat a disease caused by ticks in cats? - briefly
Remove attached ticks promptly, then administer a veterinarian‑prescribed antibiotic (commonly doxycycline) and supportive therapy such as fluid replacement and anti‑inflammatory medication. Follow up with a vet to confirm resolution and prevent reinfestation.
How to treat a disease caused by ticks in cats? - in detail
Tick-borne illnesses in felines present with fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, anemia, and sometimes neurological signs. The most common agents include Cytauxzoon felis, Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Babesia spp. Prompt identification of the vector and the pathogen determines the therapeutic approach.
Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination, followed by laboratory investigations. Blood smears reveal intra‑erythrocytic organisms or intracellular inclusions; PCR assays confirm species‑specific DNA; serology detects antibodies for chronic infections. Tick removal and species identification aid in assessing disease risk.
Treatment protocols combine supportive care with pathogen‑targeted drugs.
- Supportive measures: intravenous crystalloids to correct dehydration, blood transfusions for severe anemia, oxygen therapy for respiratory compromise.
- Antimicrobial therapy: doxycycline 5 mg/kg PO q12h for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma infections; imidocarb dipropionate 6 mg/kg IM, repeated after 14 days, for Babesia spp.; atovaquone 15 mg/kg PO q8h plus azithromycin 10 mg/kg PO q24h for Cytauxzoon infection.
- Adjunctive drugs: non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory agents for fever and pain, antipyretics as needed, and appetite stimulants for cats refusing food.
Monitoring includes daily CBC, renal and hepatic panels, and clinical reassessment of temperature, mucous membrane color, and neurologic status. Adjust drug dosages based on renal function and therapeutic response.
Prevention relies on consistent ectoparasite control. Spot‑on formulations containing fipronil, selamectin, or fluralaner, administered monthly, eliminate attached ticks. Collars impregnated with imidacloprid and flumethrin provide continuous protection for up to eight weeks. Oral isoxazoline products offer systemic tick kill within 24 hours. Regular grooming, environmental acaricide application, and prompt removal of any attached ticks further reduce infection risk.