Content:

Intestinal inflammation occurs when the concentration of cells responsible for immune responses increases. The mechanism of occurrence of the pathology is unknown, since many factors are involved in its development. The contents of the infiltrate may contain lymphocytes, plasma cells, neutrophils, and eosinophils. According to the nature of inflammation, fibrinous, hemorrhagic, edematous and necrotic enteritis are distinguished. By origin, the original, which arose due to poisoning, and the derivative, which is the result of a bacterial or viral infection, are noted. According to the reaction of the environment, acidosis is distinguished, causing fermentation processes, or alkalosis, accompanied by the development of putrefactive microflora.

Inflammation small intestine called enteritis, colon - colitis, stomach - gastritis. These types of pathologies are often combined in the form of gastroenterocolitis. All diseases of the cat's alimentary tract are manifested by digestive disorders.

Reasons

Inflammatory processes in the digestive canal occur when exposed to the following factors:

• Non-contagious.
• Contagious.

Non-contagious

They arise as a result of congenital predisposition and the following dietary errors:

• Poor quality products.
• Feeding food that is unusual for a cat.
• Overfeeding
• Water unsuitable for drinking.
• Traumatization from swallowed small fish bones.
• Ingestion of poisonous plants or chemicals into the alimentary tract.
• Eating mice poisoned during deratization.
• Drug toxicosis.
• Allergic intolerance to food ingredients.
• Intestinal volvulus.
• Hormonal disorders.
• Neoplasms.

Contagious

Occurs with helminthiasis, panleukopenia, coronavirus enteritis, inflammation of the cat’s intestines of bacterial etiology

Symptoms

The main signs of inflammation different departments alimentary tract of unequal origin have similar manifestations:

• Diarrhea.
• Stomach ache.
• Lack of appetite.
• Hyperthermia.
• Undigested particles in poorly formed semi-liquid feces.
• The appearance of blood or mucus in feces.
• Emaciation.
• Hypertrophy intestinal lymph nodes.
• Cardiac failure.
• Dehydration. My eyes are sunken.

Diagnostics

Important has a history taking. Doctor required detailed information about the age of the animal, when and with what the cat was vaccinated, dewormed. Information may be required on the composition of the diet, the date of appearance of the first pathological symptoms. If a fellinologist has several animals, what is their health? Are all of them sick or just one?

Most characteristic features inflammation of the intestines is blood or mucus in the feces, as well as diarrhea and vomiting over a significant period of time. When examining, pay attention to thinness, the intestines become thickened. Laboratory tests not informative. A biopsy is performed as prescribed by the doctor. bacterial culture feces, test for detection of protozoal infestation, test diet.

Treatment

For big cat required " bed rest" She is placed in a warm, shaded place, isolated from other animals and children. Fasting is required for 1...2 days, drinking plenty of fluids. The treatment concept is developing in the following directions:

• Diet therapy.
• Drug treatment.

Diet therapy

Consists of conducting a food test. Some components are excluded from the diet, replacing them with others. The best option is the use of hypoallergenic food. In this case, feeding is excluded, and previously prescribed medications are also canceled. The duration of treatment can be several months.

Drug treatment

Symptomatic therapy is practiced until a final diagnosis is made. It consists of stopping vomiting parenteral administration Cerucal, and rehydration, designed to restore losses of osmocompetent salts, as well as fluid.

Disease Prevention digestive tract is to fulfill following rules:

• Nutrition ready-made feed.
• Drinking daily changed, high-quality water.
• Removing spoiled or unusual foods from the cat’s diet.
• Maintaining a sense of proportion when treating yourself to treats.
• Seasonal arrest for the period of mass rodent control.

Preventive vaccinations and deworming of cats.

Skin infection occurs through microtrauma, scratching, and diaper rash. The development of pathology is promoted by:

• young age of the animal;
• weakening protective forces the body during pregnancy and lactation;
• decreased immunity as a result of a viral infection;
• insufficient or unhealthy nutrition;
• carrying out immunosuppressive therapy;
• some chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism).

Reproducing with the help of conidia (spores), dermatophytes form mycelium (mycelium), growing over the surface of the skin and penetrating into the inner layers.

Some fungal infections can be asymptomatic and are detected only after signs are detected in the hosts. Children are most often infected.

Classification of mycoses

Mushrooms are a whole separate kingdom of living microorganisms that inhabit our planet. Hundreds of their pathogenic species can infect not only animals, but also humans.

Based on the location of the fungus in the cat’s body, all types of diseases they cause are conventionally divided into two groups: superficial (affecting the skin and mucous membranes) and systemic (affecting internal organs animal).

The fungal infections most commonly diagnosed in cats are:

This is far from full list fungal infections that can undermine a cat's health. To more rare species include eumycotic mycetoma, phaeohyphomycosis, rhinosporidiosis and others.

Manifestations of fungal infections

After the fungus has settled on the surface of the skin, it begins to carry out its harmful activities - feeding useful substances host, secrete toxins and enzymes. This leads to the gradual destruction of the upper stratum corneum of the skin and the development of local inflammatory process on the surface. Without proper treatment, the pathogen goes deep into the inner layers of the epidermis and damages hair follicles and hair structure, which leads to hair loss. In place of bald spots, itchy scales and crusts form.

Signs of an animal being affected by a fungal infection:

• breaking off or loss of affected hair hairs;
• the formation of local hairless, scaly areas with clear boundaries in the head, ears, and limbs;
• restless behavior (the cat shakes its head, actively itches);
• bad smell and discharge from the ear;
• brown-red coating from small dots in the ears;
• bumps and nodules on the skin;
• sneezing;
• bloody runny nose;
• polyps in the nostrils.

If fungus in cats is left untreated, the symptoms will become more severe. Introduction of the pathogen into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue provokes deep inflammation with the formation purulent abscesses. A serous or purulent ichor appears on the surface, which, when dried, forms thick, dense crusts.

Other complications of fungal infections include severe weight loss, pneumonia, anemia, and gastrointestinal disorders. If the animal is weakened or very young, a massive attack by spores can lead to the death of the animal.

Diagnostics and therapy

At the first sign of a fungal infection, you should take your animal to the veterinarian. The doctor will conduct an examination, collect information about your health and possible diseases cats, prescribe diagnostics and recommend treatment.

If there are skin lesions, the animal may need to be examined using a Vwood lamp. The device allows you to identify cases of microsporia.

The most reliable method for identifying a pathogen is to scrape the skin from the affected area, followed by culturing the fungus and determining its sensitivity to medicines. This method requires a certain time to grow flora (on average 1 to 2 weeks).

Other diagnostic methods include:

• general blood test;
• microscopy of wool in a 10% alkali solution for the presence of pathogen spores;
• skin biopsy;
• smears from mucous membranes;
• microscopic examination imprints of the affected areas obtained using special adhesive tape.

Symptoms and treatment are closely related. Therapy for a fungal disease depends on the type of pathogen, the degree of external and internal lesions, general condition animal. Self-medication without identifying the pathogen can cause irreparable harm to your pet.

Treatment of fungus involves:

• use of antifungal shampoos;
• applying external antimycotics (creams, ointments, powders) to the affected areas;
• taking antihistamines for severe itching;
• using an Elizabethan collar and blanket to prevent scratching and licking of medications;
• oral or injection antifungal agents.

Your pet should be treated with antibiotics strictly according to indications, adhering to the dosage. Main reason to use antibacterial drugs– the addition of a bacterial infection.

Disease prevention

Getting rid of a fungal infection is not an easy task. Treatment of fungus in cats is a long process that requires the complex use of drugs for internal and external use, constant diagnostics. In some cases, it is necessary to completely change the animal's diet.

It is much easier to prevent the development of fungus in a cat.

For these purposes, veterinarians suggest that owners vaccinate the animal against the most common types of disease - microsporia and trichophytosis.

To avoid relapses during treatment, you should carefully treat disinfectants living space, giving special attention toys, care items and the cat’s favorite places - beds, rugs, pillows. Bathing and handling a sick animal should be done with medical gloves.

Based on materials from www.merckmanuals.com

Some fungi can infect healthy cats, while others are only sick, weakened or with impaired immunity. Long-term use of antibiotics or immunosuppressants also reduces the body's resistance to some fungal infections. The infection may be localized or may affect the entire body. In cats, fungal infections mostly affect the skin; generalized forms are very rare.

Aspergillosis in cats.

Aspergillosis- infection caused by fungi Aspergillus. This respiratory infection, which can become generalized. Aspergillosis is widespread throughout the world, the infection occurs in almost all domestic animals and many wild ones, but resistance to it various types quite different. Cases of aspergillosis of the nasal cavity, lungs and intestines have been described in cats. Cats already suffering from any viral infections or those with reduced immunity are at greater risk of contracting the fungus. Signs of aspergillosis are nonspecific and include inflammation of the nasopharynx or esophagus (or both) and pneumonia. Accurate diagnosis may not be an easy task. Antifungal drugs are used for treatment and surgical methods However, the prognosis for recovery depends on the general condition of the cat and the severity of the infection.

Candidiasis in cats.

Candidiasis(thrush) is a localized fungal disease that affects the mucous membranes and skin. Candidiasis is common among various animals, including cats. In most cases, candidiasis is caused by yeast-like fungi Candida albicans. In cats, candidiasis is rare, usually in connection with diseases of the upper respiratory system, oral, eye, infections of the space between the lungs and chest wall, intestinal, bladder infections.

Prerequisites for infection in cats include trauma to any mucous membrane, the use of catheters, antibiotics and immunosuppressive drugs, and certain diseases.

Symptoms of candidiasis in cats are nonspecific (eg, diarrhea, weakness, skin lesions) and are usually more associated with primary disease than with candidiasis itself. To treat the oral cavity and skin, external agents (ointments, sprays) are used. If necessary, they can be assigned oral medications or injections.

Coccidioidomycosis in cats.

Coccidioidomycosis(Valley fever) - non-contagious infectious disease caused by a fungus Coccidioides immitis. The disease is common in dry, desert regions. Inhalation of fungal spores (often carried by dust particles) is the only way transmission of the disease. Outbreaks of the disease can occur during periods when rains give way to drought and dust storms begin. Coccidioidomycosis is rare in cats.

Coccidioidomycosis is primarily a chronic respiratory disease. Signs of coccidioidomycosis in cats include skin problems (dry skin, lumps under the skin, abscesses), fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Difficulty breathing, lameness, neurological problems and eye problems. Diagnosis is made by identifying the fungus by analyzing tissue samples from the cat.

Treatment of cats for coccidioidomycosis involves long-term use antifungal drugs. Cats with skin problems respond well to treatment, but in other cases the prognosis for recovery is guarded. For prevention, it is necessary, if possible, to protect the cat from desert dust.

Cryptococcosis in cats.

Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease that can affect a cat's respiratory tract, (especially nasal cavity), central nervous system, eyes and skin (particularly the face and neck). The disease is caused by fungi Cryptococcus neoformans, which can be found in soil and bird droppings, especially pigeon droppings. The fungus is transmitted through inhaled spores or through wounds.

Cryptococcosis is common in cats, but other domestic (and wild) animals are also susceptible to the disease. In cats, symptoms of the disease usually appear as signs of nasal disease due to upper respiratory tract infections. Symptoms include sneezing, spotting from the nose, polyp-like formations in the nostrils, and hard swellings under the skin and above the bridge of the nose. Small raised bumps and nodules may appear on some areas of the skin and may be watery or firm. Such areas may ulcerate, exposing the surface of the body beneath the skin. Neurological signs Signs of central nervous system cryptococcosis include depression, temperamental changes, seizures, dizziness, mild paralysis and blindness. Cats can also develop eye pathologies.

Various antifungal drugs are used to treat cryptococcosis in cats. As a rule, the cat has to be treated long time(several months) - the period depends on the severity and extent of the fungus. Can be used for treatment surgical operations for the removal of tumors in the nasal cavity or on the bridge of the nose. If a cat is simultaneously infected with the feline leukemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus, the prognosis is cautious, since in such animals there is a high probability of complications during treatment.

Histoplasmosis in cats.

Histoplasmosis is a non-contagious disease caused by fungi Histoplasma capsulatum, common in many countries. Fungi are widely present in the soil, especially in river valleys and plains. The infection spreads by inhaling airborne spores. First of all, the lungs and lymph nodes in the cat's chest are affected, from where the fungus spreads. blood vessels spreads throughout the body. The infection can be localized in the bone marrow and eyes.

Symptoms of histoplasmosis in cats are nonspecific and depend on which body organ is affected. Sometimes cats with lung disease have a fever, difficulty breathing, and a cough. Lung infections in cats usually go away on their own. However, if the respiratory tract infection spreads to other organs, more severe forms of the disease may develop, involving many organs and systems of the body. The fungus often affects the lungs, intestines, lymph nodes, liver, spleen and bone marrow. Signs of the disease most often include depression, fever, poor appetite, Besides - chronic diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, anemia and weight loss. The infection can affect the cat's bones, eyes, skin, and central nervous system.

For treatment, it is necessary to identify the presence of fungus in body fluids and tissues. When the fungus is widespread throughout the body, treatment is significantly more difficult. Antifungal drugs are used, supportive care is required, special food, increasing the amount of fluid (hydration) and controlling secondary bacterial infections. Antifungal agents (sometimes quite expensive) usually have to be used for a long time.

Mycetoma in cats.

Mycetoma- disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, causing the appearance nodules or tumors. The fungal form of the disease is called eumycotic mycetoma. Fungi multiply in damaged areas, combining into new growths in the form of granules or grains. There are such granules different colors and size, depending on the type of fungus. Fortunately, mycetoma is rare in cats.

In most cases, eumycotic mycetoma affects the subcutaneous tissue. In cats, mycetoma usually causes nodules to form on the skin of the paws or face. When mycetoma affects the limbs, the infection may spread to the bones of the paws. While mycetoma does not threaten the cat's life, it is often difficult to notice. To treat mycetoma in cats, antifungal drugs are used, and in some cases surgical removal affected areas.

North American blastomycosis in cats.

Blastomycosis- a disease caused by fungi Blastomyces dermatitidis. Distributed in North America, in the area bounded by the Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Ohio river basins, as well as near the Great Lakes and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Therefore, it is not relevant for Russia.

Pheohyphomycosis in cats.

Pheohyphomycosis- a generalized name for diseases caused by pigmented fungi of the family Dematiaceae. Infection can be the result of fungus entering wounds due to injuries. In cats, phaeohyphomycosis is rarely observed, and in most cases the skin and subcutaneous tissues are affected. Possible formation of slowly growing masses under the skin on the head, tissues of the nasal passages, limbs and chest. The nodules may ulcerate. Treatment of phaeohyphomycosis in cats is carried out by surgical removal of the damaged areas. If surgical removal is not possible, antifungal agents may be used for treatment.

Rhinosporidiosis in cats.

Rhinosporidiosis- a chronic fungal disease that is not life-threatening, in which the tissues of the nasal passages, sometimes the skin, are primarily affected. Rhinosporidiosis is caused by fungi Rhinosporidium seeberi.

With rhinosporidiosis, soft, pink, loose polyp-like growths develop with rough surfaces- large enough to make breathing difficult or block the nasal passages. There may be single or multiple growths on the skin, located directly on the skin or attached to it by a “stem”.

The standard treatment for rhinosporidiosis in cats is surgical removal of the tumors, however, recurrence of the disease remains possible.

Sporotrichosis in cats.

Sporotrichosis- chronic sporadic disease caused by a fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The fungus can be found in soil, plants and wood on all continents, most often in coastal areas and river valleys. Infection usually occurs when the fungus enters the cat's body from the ground or plants through wounds. It is important that the fungus can be transmitted to humans from animals.

Sporotrichosis is more common in cats than in other domestic animals. The infection may remain localized to the wound site (affecting only the skin) or spread to nearby lymph nodes. Although the generalized form of the disease may not be noticeable at first, over time it can cause fever, lethargy and depression. IN in rare cases the infection can spread through the blood vessels from the original site of infection to the bones, lungs, liver, spleen, testicles, gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system.

Treatment requires long-term use antifungal drugs (3 to 4 weeks) after recovery. Due to the risk of human infection, strict hygiene must be observed when handling cats with suspected or diagnosed sporotrichosis. If your cat is diagnosed with sporotrichosis, ask your veterinarian about precautions to take while your cat recovers.

Excessive grooming of the cat: frequent bathing with shampoo, constant cleaning of the ears with cotton swabs, and other grooming procedures contribute to the development of fungi.

Fungus in cats manifests itself in various symptoms.

Some of them can be detected immediately, while others only after laboratory research.

If you suspect this disease, it is necessary to isolate the cat from contact with other animals until the diagnostic results are obtained.

If you suspect a fungus in cats, its symptoms should be as follows:

1. frequent and prolonged combing of a certain area;
2. ear fungus is characterized by frequent scratching and pressing of the ears, shaking of the head;
3. depressed state;
4. refusal to eat;
5. cough.

There are 2 types of fungus in cat breeds:

1. Formed on skin and mucous membranes of the animal: ringworm and yeast stomatitis.
2. Systemic fungi that affect the internal organs of the cat.

Many people know first-hand what ringworm looks like. Distinctive Features it is a skin area without hair, rounded in shape, the edges of which have a bright red color.

With yeast stomatitis appears increased salivation, unpleasant odor from the oral cavity, the color of the mucous membrane changes, and bleeding wounds appear in the mouth.

Systemic forms of the fungus are very rare in cats.

These include the following types:

1. Cryptococcosis. It is formed by a yeast-like fungus found in the soil layer of the earth and in bird droppings.

   Characterized by coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, bloody discharge from the nose, lumps under the skin.

   At neglected form The nervous system is affected, leading to loss of vision and seizures.

   If left untreated, it can lead to meningitis and death of the cat. This is one of the most difficult fungal diseases to treat.

2. Histoplasmosis. It is very dangerous, since the symptoms of infection are similar to those of other diseases, so it can be difficult to immediately make a correct diagnosis.

   Appetite is disrupted, accompanied by weight loss, body temperature rises, weakness and apathy occur, and the eyes and skin are affected. Treatment must be carried out on early stages development of the disease.

3. Blastomycosis. Amazing respiratory system, skin, eyes and brain. Dogs and humans can also get these diseases.
4. Actinomycosis. Caused by a radiant type of fungus that infects oral cavity, neck, chin, area around the nose and lips, groin, chest.

   When fungus forms on the face and neck, a slight rise in temperature occurs, and the movement of the jaw and chewing muscles is limited.

   When the thoracic and abdominal area is affected, high temperature, expectorant cough with discharge, loss of strength.

5. Ear fungus. The most common infection, which is very easy to determine by observing the cat’s behavior.

   The animal constantly and for a long time scratches its ear with its paw, experiencing painful sensations, and shakes his head or turns to the sides. A large amount of wax forms in the ears.

   If left untreated, the fungus enters the middle ear, causing meningitis, and can lead to the death of the animal.

6. Mycetoma. Affects the skin and tissue underneath, sometimes skeletal system. Its granules are localized on the toes and near the nails, where its new growths appear and grow.
7. Candidiasis. Affects the skin and oral mucosa. Formed in the form of plaque white or scaly wounds.

   Appears during prolonged treatment of an animal with antibiotics, intestinal tract infections, and pulmonary diseases.

8. Mycosis. This infection affects cats with reduced immunity. Main symptoms: redness of the skin, spots on the abdomen, ears and genitals.

   Hair loss and dandruff occur.

9. Malassezia. Manifested by severe baldness.

Important! Many fungal diseases do not cause any special problems for the cat, but greatly reduce the immune system. Because of this, the cat becomes susceptible to dangerous viruses.

Treatment of fungus in cats at home

If a fungus is detected in cats, treatment should be immediate.

First, you need to contact a veterinarian, who will determine its type using laboratory tests and give the correct guidance on how to treat fungus in a cat and what medications to use for treatment.

Sometimes treatment is carried out using rather complex methods, which include injections and droppers.

At ringworm Usually they cut off the place of its formation with scissors and lubricate it with sulfur ointment, iodine or brilliant green.

Sometimes compresses are used to dry the lesion. Use special nutrition, with increased content vitamins to restore immunity.

Washing the cat with shampoos that contain miconazole and ketoconazole has a great effect in treating fungus. Use for 1.5 months, twice a week.

To prevent the occurrence of the disease, as well as to treat fungi, the vaccine is used as an injection. The most popular: Vakderm and microderm. Before using it, deworming is carried out.

Vaccination is contraindicated for kittens under two months and nursing cats.

The drug ketoconazole is used to treat cryptococcosis.

Amphotericin is used to combat candidiasis and histoplasmosis.

Clotrimazole ointment is used to treat the affected areas as a local remedy.

Potassium iodide is antifungal agent and antiseptic. It comes in the form of a powder from which a solution is prepared.

For damaged liver, lungs and kidneys, amoxicillin is used.

So, how can you cure a cat from fungus? folk remedies at home?

In this case use various substances as a local wound treatment:

1. Mix one fly in the ointment and butter and applied to the site of infection.
2. Raw yeast dough is applied to the wound site.
3. Boiled peas are applied and fixed to the wound for several hours.
4. Celandine. The juice is squeezed out and rubbed into the wounds.

Is fungus dangerous for humans?

The fungus is not often transmitted to humans, but it does happen, and it is best to protect yourself from the disease.

Fungal spores are found on the animal’s fur, which it picks up on the street, from other animals, as well as from humans, which it can easily bring into the home.

Therefore, maintaining hygiene is of particular importance.

If fungus is detected in your cat, an immediate visit to the veterinarian is necessary, who will give you recommendations on how to protect yourself from infection.

If you have been bitten or scratched with its claws by an unfamiliar cat, you should immediately contact medical institution in order to eliminate accidental fungal infection.

Video

Look at the video for more nuances about this disease:

Related Posts

A chronic mycosis that affects the upper and lower respiratory tract, skin, as well as the central nervous system.

For cryptococcosis in cats Difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, tumor-like swelling, skin nodules with ulcerations, and nervous symptoms are noted.

Etiology.

The causative agent Cryptococcus neoformans is covered with a polysaccharide capsule and grows on artificial nutrient media, forming fungal colonies. Microscopic examination of native preparations reveals individual round or oval blastospores, sometimes forming daughter cells.

Cryptococcus neoformans is ubiquitous; The primary habitat is soil. IN large quantities found in bird excrement, rich in acidic urine and creatinine; often detected in the feces of pigeons, resistant to drying, maintaining viability in dry feces for 1-2 years. A 1% formaldehyde solution kills the pathogen in 55-60 minutes.

Symptoms

The gate of infection is usually the nose or respiratory tract, from where the pathogen enters the eyes, kidneys, and central nervous system, and the organs of primary infection are not always affected. The disease is characterized by a chronic course.

When localized in the nose, a runny nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing, ulceration of the mucous membrane, and narrowing of the nasal openings are detected. Nasal passages and frontal sinus filled with a mucous mass (sometimes with a gelatinous consistency). If the respiratory tract is affected, cough and dyspnea are noted.

When the central nervous system is infected, movement disorders, coordination disorders, paresis. When the lesion is localized in the eye area, unilateral or bilateral conjunctival-lacrimal discharge, rhinitis and blindness occur. In the central nervous system foci of softening are found, on the membranes of the brain there are gelatinous-jelly-like overlays or infiltration; There is no cellular reaction.

For cryptococcosis in cats The formation of tumor-like nodes in the area of ​​the nose, neck, lungs, and lymph nodes, spleen, kidneys. Here, accumulations of grayish-white lard or fat-like masses are found, as well as a slightly burnt granulomatous reaction.

Cutaneous cryptococcosis manifested by the formation of palulae or nodules, in the area of ​​which hair partially falls out and ulceration is possible.

Diagnosis.

Diagnosis feline cryptococcosis confirmed by cultural isolation of Cryptococcus neofonnans from nasal mucus, saliva, eye secretions and from foci of tissue changes. Microscopic examination of stewed preparations is also used, in which the pathogen is identified, covered with a characteristic mucous capsule. Pathohistologically, unstained clusters or fungal cells lying freely in the tissues are detected.

Differential diagnosis.

The disease must be distinguished from tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, leukemia, blastomatosis or histoplasmosis.

Prognosis and treatment.

Forecast at feline cryptococcosis most often unfavorable. This is due, on the one hand, to the detection of the disease, usually in an advanced stage, and, on the other hand, disabilities treatment, most often by giving amphotericin B (which is nephrotoxic) and 5-fluorocytosine (ancotyl).