Feline mycoplasmosis or feline infectious anemia is a disease caused by the parasitic bacterium Mycoplasma haemofelis that usually goes unnoticed in individuals who suffer from it, however, in the most severe cases it manifests as severe anemia in cats, which can even cause the death of the individual.
In this article on our site we will explain everything you need to know about mycoplasmosis in cats, symptoms and treatment of the disease. However, if you suspect that your cat suffers from feline infectious anemia, it will be essential to visit your veterinarian to be able to make a differential diagnosis.
Mycolpasmosis in cats
Feline mycoplasmosis (Mycoplasma felis), also known as feline infectious anemia, is a disease that can be transmitted through the bite of infected ectoparasites, that is, parasites found on the skin of animals. The most common vectors are fleas and ticks, which is why prevention through regular feline deworming is so important.
However, it can also appear caused by iatrogenic transmission, as a result of a medical act, through transfusion of contaminated blood.
Discover here the best products for deworming cats.
Causes of mycoplasmosis in cats
Once it enters the bloodstream through the bite of infected fleas and ticks, Mycoplasma haemofelis partially adheres to the surface of the red blood cells causing their hemolysis, that is, destroying them, and thus causing the appearance of anemia in the cat.
Studies claim that two distinct subspecies of Haemobartonella felis have been identified: a large, relatively pathogenic and more dangerous form, which causes severe anemia, and a smaller, less virulent one.
It is important to point out that, even having been in contact with the bacteria, there are animals that do not develop the disease and that are also asymptomatic: show no symptoms of disease. In this case we are talking about carrier animals that do not show the disease but can transmit it
This pathology can also remain latent and manifest itself when the cat is weak, stressed or immunosuppressed, for example in animals suffering from the feline immunodeficiency virus or feline infectious peritonitis, since this bacterium takes advantage of the weakness of the animal to reproduce.
Don't hesitate to consult more information about Anemia in cats: symptoms and treatment and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): its symptoms and treatment in these other two articles on our site.
Transmission of feline mycoplasmosis
Transmission of mycoplasmosis in cats occurs through contact or through saliva However, interactions involving aggression, such as fighting, biting or scratching can ultimately cause transmission, as in these cases animals may be exposed to the blood of an infected animal. Any feline can suffer from this pathology, regardless of age, race or sex.
According to various studies, males seem to be more predisposed to suffering from it than females, mainly due to street fights, especially during times of spring and summer,when the number of fleas and ticks skyrockets, thus increasing the risk of infestation.
There are questions about whether mycoplasma in cats is contagious to humans. The answer is that it is a disease that is transmitted between animals, so humans can be affected by it due to our close relationship with them.
How to eliminate fleas in cats? Find out the answer in this other post.
Symptoms of mycoplasma in cats
Although mycoplasma in cats can present obvious clinical signs, there are other cases in which no clinical signs are shown, since it depends on the pathogenicity of the agent, its ability to cause the disease, the state of he alth of the animal and the amount of agent inoculated during fights or vector bites.
Thus, the infection may be asymptomatic, such as mild anemia, or very obvious clinical signs may appear. Here are the most obvious symptoms of mycoplasmosis in cats:
- Anemia.
- Depression: we suggest this post to find out if My cat is depressed: causes, symptoms and treatment.
- Weakness.
- Enlarged spleen.
- Anorexia: see more information about Anorexia in cats: causes, symptoms and treatment in this other article on our site.
- Weightloss.
- Dehydration: if you want to discover how to know if a cat is dehydrated, read this post that we suggest.
- White mucous membranes.
- Yellow mucous membranes.
- Fever: find out more about Fever in cats: causes, symptoms and how to lower it.
Diagnosis of mycoplasmosis in cats
To identify and visualize the parasite, the veterinarian usually performs the following diagnostic tests:
- Blood smears
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
However, it may happen that the molecular PCR technique is not available in our country or clinic and that the blood smear is a little sensitive, causing the presence of Mycoplasma haemofelis in the cat to behard to recognize Likewise, patients who give positive results in PCR may be carriers of the disease but not actively manifest it, in which case it will not be necessary to treat it.
The vet may also suggest a complete blood count or hemogram(CBC) to visualize in detail the general condition of the animal and thus help to offer a definitive diagnosis.
The differential diagnosis of this pathology is usually very complicated, so all possible aspects of the animal must be considered, including the medical history, clinical symptoms, various analyzes and complete examinations. In addition, they should not be considered only in cats that are anemic, but in all those that have a recurrent history of parasitic infestation.
Treatment for mycoplasma haemofelis
In general, the indicated treatment for feline mycoplasmosis consists of administering antibiotics to the cat, corticosteroids, fluid therapy and, in some cases, a transfusion. Do not forget that the treatment must always be prescribed by a veterinarian, who will adjust the doses according to the weight, the needs of the individual, the clinical history of the patient and the results Of the tests.
Adequate and personalized treatment, as well as supportive care, are essential to ensure the success of the treatment and the quality of life of our feline. Likewise, early diagnosis is essential for successful treatment.
Can I give my cat antibiotics? Find out the answer in this article on our site that we suggest.
Is mycoplasma haemofelis infection curable?
Feline infectious anemia yes there is a cure, in addition, a recovered animal will no longer present any symptoms of disease. However, cats that have overcome this pathology become asymptomatic carriers indefinitely, either for a few months or until the death of the animal.
Prevention of feline mycoplasmosis
The main protection measure against mycoplasmosis is to avoid the presence of ectoparasites by deworming the cat. Although spring and summer are the times of greatest risk, due to climate change this routine must be present during all year round In addition, we must comply with the calendar cat vaccination to prevent certain immune-mediated diseases from triggering mycoplasma haemofelis infection.
Cat castration, a surgical procedure in which the sexual organs are removed, is also advised. This favors the reduction of behaviors related to aggressiveness, escapism and marking, behaviors that cause a predisposition to suffer a parasitic infestation and participation in fights.
We leave you these articles on the Advantages of neutering a cat and Deworming in cats so you can get more information on the subject.
