Ascariasis is a very contagious parasitic disease that can affect cats, dogs and also people. It is very dangerous, since it can cause the death of the furry if it is not treated in time.
Therefore, it is very important to know what are the symptoms and treatment of ascariasis in cats, since this way we will know what to do so that he recovers as soon as possible.
What is?
Ascariasis is a disease caused by two parasites: toxocara and toxoascaris leonina, which once inside the animal's body go to the small intestine. But how do they get there? Well, the way in which they are usually spread is through the ingestion of infected fecal matter, either by mistake or inadvertently (that is, getting their feet dirty when stepping on it), or through mothers to children (through the placenta or breast milk).
As soon as the parasites enter, they are released from the envelope that protects them and travel to the liver through the bloodstream, then they pass to the lungs, trachea, esophagus, stomach and finally settle in the intestine, where they will become adult worms.
What are the symptoms?
The most frequent symptoms are cough and the DiarrheaBut they also have abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, problems growing well, and loss of weight and appetite. Also, in some cases the situation can be made worse by respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
In the event that they show any of these symptoms, you have to take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Which is the treatment? And prevention?
The treatment will consist of give antiparasitic medications that eliminate ascariasis. This can also be prevented: giving them oral antiparasitics once a month.
As we have seen, it is a very serious disease, but one that can be well prevented.
hello, good night. I tell her that I have a kitten that has fleas, but the little girl does not allow herself to be bathed, or to give her anti-parasite medications; what I've been doing lately is brushing her (finally she lets it down), in order to get her used to seeing the brush, and then spray it with the anti-parasite in order to help her, it gives me a lot of pain to see her scratching. Another little thing, my little girl got the rotator bone in her left leg, the product of a visit to the veterinarian who opened it like a fan and from that moment the kitten began with her ailment, but there she is walking with tongoneo. What can you recommend me? Grateful for your time. Goodnight
Hi Irma.
I am not a veterinarian. I recommend consulting one to help your kitten.
I hope it gets better.
A greeting.