lously combing them out with a flea
comb. Fleas are also suspected to be
involved in the transmission of Mycoplasma haemofelis (formerly known
as Hemobartonella), a parasite that
can infect red blood cells and cause
anemia. Cats less than 3 years of
age are at higher risk.
Despite the name, ringworm is not
a worm. It is a fungus that has an
affinity for the haircoat of cats, especially kittens. Symptoms include
small patches of hair loss, scaling,
redness, and crusting anywhere on
the body, although there is an affinity for the head, especially the hair
around the eyes, ears, nose, and lips.
Ringworm can be spread to other
cats, as well as to people. Treatment
usually involves a combination of
oral antifungal medication as well as
some form of topical therapy, such as
a shampoo and/or ointment. Thankfully, Dandelion had no evidence of
ringworm infection.
Intestinal parasites have been a concern for veterinarians and pet owners
for decades. Many kittens are infected with roundworms through nursing. Most infections produce mild
clinical symptoms, although heavily
parasitized pets may become quite
ill. The classic symptoms include an
unthrifty, “potbellied” appearance
and diarrhea.
Occasionally, the kitten will vomit up
a roundworm, allowing for a rather
graphic diagnosis. Hookworms are
common intestinal parasites of puppies; kittens are rarely affected.
Hookworms are blood-sucking parasites and can cause serious anemia
if not treated promptly. Coccidia are
protozoan parasites that are rarely
found in adult cats, but are relatively
common in kittens, especially those
obtained from unsanitary, multi-cat
environments, i.e. poorly run shelters, catteries, and pet-stores.
Diarrhea, flecked with bright red
blood, in association with straining
and increased frequency of defecation are classic symptoms of coccidiosis. Giardia is a protozoan parasite
that occasionally affects kittens,
causing soft, light-colored, greasy
stools. Severe infections can cause
growth retardation as a result of
malabsorption of nutrients. Most intestinal parasites are relatively easily
diagnosed, and there are many effective treatments for each of them. A
stool sample obtained the same day
Dandelion was admitted to our hospital was positive for roundworms, and
he was dewormed soon afterward.
Of the many viral diseases of cats,
feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is
perhaps the mo