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Zoonotic Diseases

  • Cat scratch disease (CSD) is caused by the bacteria Bartonella that is transmitted by cat fleas and other biting insects. Cats act as reservoirs for the bacteria. Humans are exposed to the bacteria through flea feces that contaminate skin lesions or eyes. Signs include fever, lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes, and lesions on the eye and skin. The disease is usually self-limiting; however, some people will require antibiotics, especially if they are immunocompromised. Tests are available for diagnosis in humans as well as in cats. The most important ways you can prevent CSD include strict flea control, good hygiene, keeping your cat indoors, and keeping your cat's nails trimmed.

  • Chlamydial conjunctivitis in cats is highly contagious and can look similar to herpes conjunctivitis. Young cats and kittens are especially vulnerable to this infection, although chlamydia can be detected in cats of all ages. It is one of the most common causes of infectious conjunctivitis in cats. This handout describes the clinical signs and how this condition can be treated or prevented.

  • Coccidiosis is an intestinal tract infection caused by a single-celled organism (protozoa) called coccidia. Coccidia are microscopic parasites that live within the cells that line the intestine. The most common clinical sign of coccidiosis is diarrhea, but most cats have no clinical signs.

  • COVID-19 is a disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Current evidence suggests that person-to-person spread is the main source of infection. While there is evidence of transmission from humans to dogs and cats, it does not appear common. If you suspect that you are ill with COVID-19, you should take the same precautions with your pet as you would with people.

  • Cryptosporidiosis is a gastrointestinal infection in humans and animals caused by a microscopic, one-celled parasitic organism called Cryptosporidium. It can contaminate food, soil, or any other surface. Signs such as diarrhea and weight loss may only be seen in immunosuppressed patients, including puppies.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Diarrhea in Cats

  • Echinococcosis refers to being infected with a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus and is primarily a parasite of coyotes and foxes. Infected cats are usually asymptomatic, but in both cats and humans the parasite can cause large cysts to form within the lungs and liver. E.multilocularis is treated with praziquantel and in most cases the prognosis is good.

  • Echinococcosis refers to being infected with a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus and is primarily a parasite of coyotes and foxes. Infected dogs are usually asymptomatic, but in both dogs and humans the parasite can cause large cysts to form within the lungs and liver. E.multilocularis is treated with praziquantel and in most cases the prognosis is good.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Lyme Disease in Dogs

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Giardia in Cats