Toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma infection
Overview:
The parasitic coccidial organism Toxoplasma gondii that is found in contaminated water, soil, and other substances, causes toxoplasmosis, which most often affects unborn kittens and cats with compromised immune systems. Although it is uncommon for infection to lead to serious clinical disease, toxoplasmosis can result in damage to the eye. In addition, it can cause gastrointestinal, respiratory, and neurological disorders that may be fatal.
Tapeworms
Overview:
An intestinal parasite frequently found in felines, tapeworms infect a cat when it ingests a host such as a rodent, a rabbit, or an adult flea harboring infective tapeworm larvae. There are two common types of tapeworms in the United States: Taenia, which comes from rodents or rabbits, and Dipylidium, which is transmitted by fleas. Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaformis are the tapeworms found most commonly in cats.
Spaying, neutering, fixing
Overview:
Any female cat that is not being used for breeding purposes should be spayed. This procedure prevents unwanted litters and deters certain possible medical problems. Typically, cats are spayed at the age of approximately six months, but the procedure can be performed earlier or later. Older cats undergoing this and other surgeries usually require more extensive preoperative testing to assess the risk of anesthesia. Breeding cats should be spayed after retirement.
Roundworm infection
Overview:
The intestinal parasite that affects cats most often, feline roundworms are an especially common problem among kittens and outdoor cats that hunt. There are two species of the roundworm, or ascarid, which infect cats: Toxocara cati and Toxocara leonina. These worms can be passed on to kittens in the milk they nurse from their infected mother; cats also may get them by eating small animals that harbor the parasite. In addition, a cat may become infected by licking its paw after walking on soil contaminated with infective roundworm eggs.
Feline pancreatitis
Overview:
Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is difficult to diagnose. This is because cats with pancreatitis show signs that are not specific. Since there are no non-invasive tests that can confirm the presence of pancreatitis, the diagnosis is often tentative at best. The most common symptoms reported with pancreatitis are lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Screening blood tests may be normal, but will more often show non-specific changes including elevated white blood cell count, mild anemia, elevated kidney and liver values, abnormal glucose concentrations, and abnormal electrolyte concentrations. The serum concentrations of amylase and lipase, the most commonly measured pancreatic enzymes, are not reliable in the diagnosis of pancreatitis in cats. X-ray and ultrasound findings also are not specific. However, these studies may be helpful in raising the suspicion for a diagnosis of pancreatitis. They may also help eliminate other potential causes for similar symptoms in affected cats. Biopsy of the pancreas is required for a definitive diagnosis. However, because the risks associated with biopsy often outweigh the benefits, it is seldom performed.