Mycoplasma is a bacterium that causes an infectious disease in cats, dogs, other animals, and even insects, plants, and people. Mycoplasma infection can affect cats in many different ways, causing quite serious and painful symptoms. How does mycoplasmosis in cats begin? What are its symptoms and can it be cured?
Mycoplasmosis in cats: what is it?
Mycoplasma is a bacteria that can cause infection in cats of any age, breed or gender. Mycoplasma can infect almost any organ in the body. Often the symptoms of mycoplasma infection are similar to those of other infectious bacterial and viral diseases in cats. Cats that are highly stressed, sick, with a weakly functioning immune system may be at higher risk of contracting mycoplasma. There are a large number of subtypes of mycoplasma. In many cases, it is difficult to determine which organism is the main cause of the disease.
Mycoplasma infection in the respiratory tract weakens the cat, increasing susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections. Most studies show that mycoplasmas live in the upper airways of healthy animals, but when they descend into the lower airways, they cause infection and, in severe cases, pneumonia.
Mycoplasmas are also found in the genitourinary system - species that affect this area are divided into separate ureaplasmas. As in the respiratory system, ureaplasmas are part of the normal bacterial flora, but under conditions of stress or immune failure they multiply and cause lesions, leading to infertility.
· In addition, some types of mycoplasma can attack red blood cells and cause anemia. They are transmitted through ticks and parasites, or from cat to cat through blood transfusion or open wounds.
Mycoplasmosis in cats: signs of the disease
If your cat becomes infected with mycoplasma bacteria, it may show some or all of the following symptoms:
Coughing and sneezing are symptoms resembling a common upper and lower respiratory tract infection.
· Spontaneous miscarriage and infertility.
Frequent urination and problems with the bladder.
· Blood in the urine.
· Genital infections.
Colitis, which causes mucous or bloody diarrhea.
· Weakness, depression and fatigue.
· Loss of appetite and weight loss.
Conjunctivitis - prolapse of the third century, purulent discharge, redness, lacrimation.
Various lesions or abscesses on the skin.
Neurological symptoms.
Mycoplasmosis in cats: how a pet can get infected
Mycoplasmosis is a disease that depends on the general health of your pet, as well as on its interaction with the environment:
· Contact with sick cats.
· Stay in a nursery or in a shelter (especially long-term).
· Mating with infected cats.
· Blood transfusion.
· Blood exchange during fights (scratches, wounds).
Concomitant diseases caused by other bacteria or the virus.
· Infection with several types of mycoplasma at the same time.
· The immune system is suppressed from another treatment (chemotherapy or treatment of an autoimmune disease).
· Any prolonged illness.
Mycoplasmosis in cats: diagnosis of the disease
Because symptoms can be caused by a wide range of other bacterial, viral, or fungal diseases, the veterinarian will need to perform several tests to confirm the presence of mycoplasma bacteria in the cat's body. A full physical examination may be required, including blood, stool and urine tests, as well as x-rays. Any other factors, such as other diseases, medications that suppress the immune system, or a recent stay in the nursery, may make a difference. It is not very easy to test different types of mycoplasmas due to their small size, as well as difficulties with the conservation and cultivation of bacteria. The veterinarian will also test the pet for another bacterial and viral infection, as they are usually accompanied by mycoplasmosis.
Mycoplasmosis in cats: treatment of the disease
· Most mycoplasma infections in cats can be treated with antibiotics. Mycoplasma does not respond to traditional antibiotics (penicillin), because these drugs work by destroying the cell wall. However, many antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline work well. The antibiotic must be taken for at least two weeks with an upper respiratory tract infection and longer if the cat has lower respiratory symptoms or pneumonia. The veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate dosage of the antibiotic based on the symptoms and diagnosis. It is important to continue treatment even after the symptoms have stopped, to ensure that all bacteria are killed.
In severe cases, hospitalization, blood transfusion and adjuvant therapy are required to stabilize the cat's condition. In less severe cases, your cat can recover at home with antibiotics.
The prognosis of infection with mycoplasma is usually good if the cat is no longer sick and weakened. If the pet is simultaneously suffering from any other disease, the prognosis may be worse. In either case, one or more follow-up visits with the veterinarian may be required to monitor your health recovery. Careful attention to the pet is necessary during treatment; symptoms may not go away right away. Take notes on the behavior, appetite of your cat and tell the doctor about everything. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent mycoplasma infection. Disinfectant soaps can kill mycoplasma bacteria on various surfaces at home.
Mycoplasmosis in cats: recovery from disease
In most cases, cats recover completely. Antibiotic therapy is effective, but pets with hemoplasmas (affecting red blood cells) will still remain carriers after treatment. They can transmit the disease to other cats and experience clinical relapse. Mycoplasma can be effectively controlled with proper hygiene and regular medical examinations.
