What illnesses can a cat develop after a tick bite? - briefly
Tick bites can transmit bacterial, viral, and protozoal agents to felines; common conditions include feline Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, cytauxzoonosis, and, less frequently, tick‑borne encephalitis.
What illnesses can a cat develop after a tick bite? - in detail
Cats that have been fed upon by ticks may contract a range of vector‑borne diseases. The most frequently reported conditions include:
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Anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum) – acute fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and transient thrombocytopenia. Diagnosis relies on PCR or serology; doxycycline for 2–4 weeks is the treatment of choice.
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Ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis, E. chaffeensis) – signs such as fever, weight loss, anemia, and splenomegaly. Confirmation through PCR or immunofluorescent antibody testing; doxycycline administered for 3–4 weeks resolves most infections.
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Babesiosis (Babesia felis, B. microti) – hemolytic anemia, icterus, hemoglobinuria, and severe lethargy. Blood smear examination reveals intra‑erythrocytic parasites; atovaquone‑azithromycin or imidocarb dipropionate are employed.
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Cytauxzoonosis (Cytauxzoon felis) – rapid onset of fever, depression, dyspnea, and multi‑organ failure. Microscopic detection of schizonts in macrophages and PCR confirm infection. Immediate therapy with a combination of azithromycin and atovaquone improves survival; supportive care is critical.
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Rickettsial diseases (Rickettsia rickettsii, R. conorii) – fever, cutaneous eruptions, ocular lesions, and vasculitis. Serology and PCR guide diagnosis; doxycycline for 10–14 days is standard.
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Tularemia (Francisella tularensis) – fever, lymphadenopathy, ulcerated skin lesions, and respiratory signs if inhaled. Culture or PCR identifies the agent; streptomycin or gentamicin therapy is required.
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Tick‑borne encephalitis virus – rare in felines, may present with neurologic deficits, ataxia, and seizures. Diagnosis via serology or PCR; supportive care is the primary approach.
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Tick paralysis – neurotoxic protein secreted by certain tick species causes progressive weakness, ataxia, and potentially respiratory failure. Removal of the attached tick within minutes typically reverses symptoms; monitoring for residual paresis is advised.
Secondary bacterial infections can develop at the bite site, leading to cellulitis, abscess formation, or septicemia. These complications are diagnosed by culture and treated with appropriate antimicrobials based on sensitivity testing.
Prompt veterinary evaluation after a tick bite is essential. Laboratory work‑up should include complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and targeted molecular or serologic assays. Early antimicrobial intervention, combined with supportive measures such as fluid therapy, blood transfusions, and analgesia, significantly improves outcomes across the spectrum of tick‑associated diseases.