Your cat's he alth should be a crucial issue for you, so you should be informed about the possible diseases that can affect it. Leptospirosis is one of them, and a late diagnosis can be fatal for the feline.
This disease rarely affects cats, but the danger lies in the high rate of contagion, which is why Animal Expert presents you with this article on leptospirosis in cats, its symptoms and treatment.
What is leptospirosis?
This is a contagious, zoonotic disease (it can be transmitted to humans), transmitted by a group of bacteria of the Leptospira typeThis bacterium is widespread throughout the world, infecting cats, dogs, farm animals, and most domestic animals.
When not found in a host, the bacterium survives in soil and water, where it can remain for long weeks until contracted by an animal. Although it is present throughout the world, it is much more frequent in those areas with high temperatures but frequent rains; both wet and dry weather favor it.
The disease is rare in cats, who usually suffer from it in a moderate way, but its incidence has not yet been studied enough, so it is difficult to talk about specific treatments or signs for it.
How does spreads the disease?
Your cat can contract the disease by having direct contact with another animal or a surface where the bacteria is nesting. In this sense, it is possible that you get leptospirosis if:
- You have access to standing water.
- You are in contact with stray pets.
- Relates to farm animals.
- You are in contact with rodents or wild birds.
- Drink water from natural sources such as rivers or lakes.
- You are near urine from an infected animal.
- Has access to food or water containers where another infected animal has fed.
- Eat meat from a sick animal.
- He is bitten by an infected animal.
- The mother passes it on to her pups
If in any of these sources of contagion the bacterium that transmits the pathology is found, when it comes into contact with the cat's mucous membranes these bacteria migrate to your body, where the infection process begins.
Symptoms of leptospirosis in cats
Feline leptospirosis can be confused with other diseases due to its symptoms, therefore laboratory tests are needed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Tremors
- High fever
- Body Numbness
- Jaundice
- Excessive thirst
- Abundant urine
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Trouble breathing
- Accumulation of fluid in respiratory organs
Being a disease that has been little studied in cats, it is still difficult to know what stages it develops. However, it is known that some felines experience it mildly and recover quickly, while for others it is lethal, because in its evolution it brings intestinal and kidney problems.
How is the diagnosis made?
Only a veterinarian is able to determine exactly whether it is leptospirosis or some other disease. This will require not only a complete physical exam, but also blood tests and, depending on the feline's condition, X-rays and cultures of the bacteria that have infected the organism.
Treatment of leptospirosis in cats
The main thing is to keep the feline stable and prevent it from decompensating or worsening the disease. Antibiotics, in addition to Fluid therapy, are usually prescribed either at home or at the veterinary clinic.
If the disease is widespread, hospitalization may be required to treat damage to various vital organs, such as the lungs, kidneys, and liver.
