Image: BMC Veterinary Research
Babesiosis is a blood-borne parasite that is transmitted through tick bites. Our district is endemic to tick bite fever of cats which makes this a very relevant disease amongst our cat population. All cats are at risk as the disease is transmitted by ticks and fleas. The disease is often deadly if not spotted early.
The parasite enters the bloodstream and replicates to the point that most of the red blood cells are infected after an infected tick takes a blood meal from your cat. This causes anaemia or blood loss. Cats are presented to the vet with signs of lethargy and anorexia. Some owners will notice that the cats are pale or icteric (jaundice). There is no breed or gender predisposition, and all cats are at risk, even 100% indoor cats.
Tick and flea prevention is important all year as there is no vaccination against it and cats do not develop immunity against the disease.
It is very important to notice the signs of a sick cat early. Treatment is a lengthy process and the medication we use to treat the infection should be given at certain intervals to kill the parasites and reduce the chance of chronic infections.
A drug named Primaquin is used to reduce parasitemia, clinical cure, and resolution of anemia. This is used for over 4 weeks. Other concurrent diseases should be ruled out and treated at the same time. We can diagnose it quite easily by making a blood smear.
Prevention is better than cure. Monthly tick and flea treatment are extremely important. Please contact us for more information.
Image: Researchgate
