Kittycat Magazine Issue 1 January/February 2014 | Page 29

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