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Tritrichomonas Foetus in Cats |
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Recently, a new cause of diarrhea has been discovered in cats. It is a one-celled organism known as . It is the same protozoan parasite that causes bovine trichomoniasis, a reproductive disorder in cattle. In cats it causes a severe diarrhea that can take months to go away on its own if it is left untreated. Although the diarrhea can even contain blood, the affected cats usually eat well.
Diagnosis is quite easy. A fecal sample is submitted to a lab and thru DNA technology and a process known as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) a quick and accurate diagnosis can be made. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment commences for 2 weeks with an oral treatment that is an anitprotozoal agent known as ronidazole. This medication is quite effective but difficult to obtain in Canada. In some cases, I have obtained it through formulating veterinary pharmacies in the United States. Because it is a formulated product, this is a perfectly legal practice according to the Bureau of Veterinary Drugs.
Once the patient has undergone treatment for 2 weeks, another fecal test can be done to ensure that the parasite has been eradicated. Prevention is common sense. Keep the litter box clean and disinfected. The parasite is relatively weak in the environment and easily killed.
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