What illnesses can cats develop after a tick bite? - briefly
Cats may contract diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis after a tick attachment; some ticks also transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and rickettsial infections. Prompt veterinary assessment and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent severe complications.
What illnesses can cats develop after a tick bite? - in detail
Ticks can transmit a range of pathogens to felines, each producing characteristic clinical patterns. The most common agents and their effects are outlined below.
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum – causes fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and occasional joint swelling. Laboratory findings often reveal neutropenia and mild anemia. Diagnosis relies on PCR or serology; doxycycline therapy for 2–4 weeks is effective.
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Ehrlichia spp. – leads to intermittent fever, pale mucous membranes, weight loss, and splenomegaly. Blood smears may show morulae within neutrophils; confirmation through PCR or immunofluorescence assay. Doxycycline for 4 weeks resolves most infections.
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Babesia felis – intracellular protozoan producing hemolytic anemia, icterus, and hemoglobinuria. Rapid diagnosis via blood smear or PCR. Treatment combines azithromycin with atovaquone; supportive care includes fluid therapy and blood transfusions when needed.
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Cytauxzoon felis – highly lethal; signs include high fever, severe anemia, jaundice, and neurologic disturbances. Detection through PCR or identification of piroplasms in blood smears. Imidocarb and atovaquone‑azithromycin combination offers the best chance of survival, though mortality remains high.
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Rickettsia spp. (including Rocky Mountain spotted fever) – presents with fever, crusted skin lesions, and vasculitis. Diagnosis via serology or PCR; doxycycline for 7–14 days is standard.
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Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) – rare in cats, may cause polyarthritis, renal involvement, and lameness. Serology confirms exposure; doxycycline is the treatment of choice.
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Francisella tularensis (tularemia) – produces sudden fever, ulcerated skin lesions, and lymphadenopathy. PCR or culture confirms infection; streptomycin or gentamicin therapy is required.
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Tick paralysis toxin – neurotoxic protein causing progressive weakness, ataxia, and potential respiratory failure. Symptoms resolve rapidly after removal of the tick; supportive care may be necessary while the toxin clears.
Secondary complications can arise from the bite site itself, including localized cellulitis and allergic dermatitis. These conditions respond to topical antiseptics, systemic antibiotics, or antihistamines as appropriate.
Prompt identification of the responsible agent, based on clinical signs and laboratory testing, enables targeted antimicrobial or antiparasitic therapy and improves prognosis. Regular tick prevention remains the most effective strategy to avoid these infections.