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Blood Parasites ?? Questions HELP Please?
Well today I stopped by and saw Shirley Fonda (Foundas Foundlings) a non-profit organization who rescues cats and I've helped her out over the past year or so.
Well anyway, there was this little black kitty named Blackie (I've attached a picture of her) who is over 6 1/2 months old and fixed, shots, combo tested etc.
Anyway, I was talking to Shirley about her today because I noticed that she was wobbling and what not. Shirley said she had a blood parasite that lowered her red blood count which caused her to lose some oxygen which resulted in her having some nerve damage. I told her about some of the kitty's I know some of you guys have that have CH and I told her it sounded like that but I'm not sure. I guess I'm not sure how the CH kitties get CH or if it's the same thing that Blackie could have.
I asked Shirley if she was over the blood parasite and she said she hoped so.
I'm supposed to go over to Shirley's to get more pictures of the cats to update them on her petfinder website and I didn't think to ask her while I was at Petco visiting her if I came over can I get this blood parasite on me and give it to my guys?
I'm pretty worried about this and she had this happen last year because one cat she took in had this parasite and then it transfered onto another cat and killed it and then she had to do a flea bomb to get rid of them and things settled down but I just don't want to carry anything to my house. I know she would understand and she does keep her house as clean as she possibly can now with 60 cats, she was down past 60 but with kitten season she took in more cats and well it's getting harder and harder to find homes for the older cats.
Anyway, any advice would be great and I'll be sure to ask Shirley as well before I go over.
Thanks,
Melissa
Here is some information I found on the web about a blood parasite, I'm just not sure if this is the right thing or not.
Haemobartonella Felis is a parasite which is transmitted to kitties mainly by ticks but may also be transmitted by fleas. It may also be transmitted by a blood transfusion from an infected cat. Haemobartonella Felis targets the red blood cells which are responsible for carrying oxygen. The disease caused is sometimes called Feline Infectious Anemia. This tiny parasite infects the red blood cells and causes them to become fragile and to break apart inside the body. These tiny parasites are closely related to Rickettsia.
The usual signs of Haemobartonella Felis are related to anemia, which is a shortage of red blood cells. Some cats may be infected without signs of the disease. Those infected with Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) or Feline Immunodefiency Virus (FIV) are more likely to have severe disease. Cats infected with Haemobartonella Felis may become depressed, weak, and have pale pink or white gums and tongue. They may well refuse to eat, may lose weight, and their skin and gums may become yellow. Without therapy, one third of cats with Haemobartonella Felis die from severe anemia.
Some cats recover from the disease but become carriers of the organism. This means the cats look healthy but still have small numbers of Haemobartonella Felis in their bodies. If these cats become stressed, it sometimes causes the Haemobartonella Felis to multiply and produce disease.
In order to diagnose Haemobartonella Felis a complete blood count must be taken. This will show a decrease in red blood cells. When a sample of the blood is strained and examined under the microscope, the parasite itself may be seen on the cells. The number of organisms in the bloodstream can fluctuate dramatically. There can be many observed in one sample, and a sample taken two hours later may reveal none. Cats should be tested for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) since many cats can be infected with both Haemobartonella Felis and FeLV at the same time. The presence of FeLV virus and its effect on the immune system can complicate treatment.
To treat Haemobartonella Felis, antibiotics such as tetracycline, oxytetracycline, or doxycycline are given for three weeks. Although it may seem contradictory, in cats with a rapid course of disease, large doses of prednisolone (a steroid) may sometimes be given to suppress the destruction of the red blood cells by the body. In some animals, it is necessary to give one or multiple transfusions. A glucose rich intravenous fluid may be life saving in very weak and debilitated pets. Some cats cannot tolerate tetracycline and will develop fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. If this occurs, the veterinarian may lower the dosage or choose another antibiotic. Only the veterinarian should make changes in treatment.
When pets are treated promptly, the prognosis is good for recovery. Without treatment approximately 30% of the cats will die. Cats may remain carriers of the organism for long periods, but they usually do not become sick again once they have recovered.
As with other diseases transmitted by fleas or ticks, flea control and tick control are the foundations of prevention. Products which repel and kill ticks and fleas such as Flea Halt Wipes for Cats are excellent choices. Frontline kills ticks, but does not repel them.
There have been no reported cases of Haemobartonella Felis in people.
