Library
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H1N1 influenza virus emerged in pigs as a genetic sharing of DNA from both human and swine influenza viruses. It caused a deadly pandemic in 2009 and continues to be an important cause of illness today. Pets including cats and dogs can be infected from their owners and become ill. It is not yet known to transfer from pets to humans. Good hygiene and restricted exposure should be taken immediately if there is any sign of influenza-like infection to restrict spread between humans, and between humans and their pets or domestic animals.
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Tapeworms are parasites that infect the gastrointestinal tract of cats, other animals, and humans. Several types of tapeworms are known to infect pets, but the most common species observed in cats is Dipylidium caninum, which is transmitted through fleas. Risk factors, clinical signs, treatment, and prevention are explained in this handout. Other, less common types of tapeworms that affect cats and humans are also covered.
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Tapeworms are parasites that infect the gastrointestinal tract of dogs, other animals, and humans. Several types of tapeworms are known to infect pets, but the most common species observed in dogs is Dipylidium caninum, which is transmitted through fleas. Risk factors, clinical signs, treatment, and prevention are explained in this handout. Other, less common types of tapeworms that affect dogs and humans are also covered.
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There are several tests for diagnosing leptospirosis, but the two most common ones are the DNA-PCR test and the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Infection can be diagnosed with either test, but each has weaknesses, and in some situations, both tests may be needed to reach a diagnosis.
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Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of their host and can in turn transmit diseases to your cat or even you. They are prolific breeders, and their life cycles can extend through multiple seasons. Prompt removal or use of preventatives limit or prevent the spread of disease or kill the ticks.
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Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of their host and can in turn transmit diseases to your pets or even you. They are prolific breeders, and their life cycles can extend through multiple seasons. Prompt removal or use of preventatives limit or prevent the spread of disease or kill the ticks.
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Toxoplasma occurs worldwide. However, infection is uncommon in pet cats that do little or no hunting and primarily or exclusively eat commercial cat foods. Despite the high number of cats infected with T. gondii, very few show significant clinical signs. Humans are most commonly infected by eating contaminated food. Most people infected with this organism do not develop clinical disease. However, infection during pregnancy may be transmitted to the fetus and sometimes cause severe damage. Many pet cats will never be exposed to Toxoplasma and, therefore, cannot pass the infection on to humans.
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Tularemia is an infection of the bacteria Francisella tularensis and is most common in rabbits and rodents. Infection in cats occurs from ingestion of an infected animal, drinking contaminated water, or getting bitten by a blood-sucking insect. Clinical signs include enlarged lymph nodes and draining abscesses. Treatment includes antibiotics, surgical removal of any draining abscesses, and any other supportive care warranted by the cat's condition. Tularemia is a reportable zoonotic disease.
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Tularemia is an infection of the bacteria Francisella tularensis and is most common in rabbits and rodents. Infection in dogs occurs from ingestion of an infected animal, drinking contaminated water, or getting bitten by a blood-sucking insect. Tularemia causes mild illness in healthy dogs. More severe clinical signs include enlarged lymph nodes and draining abscesses. Treatment includes antibiotics, surgical removal of any draining abscesses, and any other supportive care warranted by the dog's condition. Tularemia is a reportable zoonotic disease.
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Vaccines are necessary to reduce infectious disease-caused illnesses in cats. They work by stimulating the body's immune system to recognize and fight a particular microorganism such as a virus, bacteria, or other infectious organisms. Depending on the disease, the vaccine will help the body prevent infection or lessen the severity of the infection and promote rapid recovery. The American Association of Feline Practitioners has established vaccination guidelines for cats, some of which depend on a cat's lifestyle and where it lives.