Lyme Disease in Cats
Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is found in Ixodes ticks. These ticks are typically found in grassland or woodland areas and commonly feed on deer, sheep, horses and rodents. Gorged ticks drop from their hosts and remain in surrounding vegetation between meals. When hungry, they climb aboard suitable hosts, including cats, dogs & people who brush through the vegetation.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Cats
Symptoms of lyme disease can include:
- Arthritis
- Lameness
- Joint pain
- Joint swelling
- Fever
- No appetite
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Swollen lymph nodes
It is important to note that these symptoms are similar to dozens of other cat ailments. And many cats are completely asymptomatic when infected. It is best to have a veterinarian perform a diagnosis.
Diagnosis of Lyme Disease of Cats
Diagnosing lyme disease in cats can be difficult, as the symptoms are similar to may other ailments. However, evidence of a tick bite, or presence of a tick in conjunction with some or all of these symptoms.
Treatment of Lyme Disease in Cats
Antibiotics are an effective way to fight cat lyme disease. National Pet Pharmacy has a selection of antibiotic treatments such as Doxycyline and Amoxi-Tabs. These are available with a prescription from your veterinarian.
How to Remove a Tick from Your Cat
If you see a tick on your cat, you can generally remove it yourself. Remove the tick using the following steps:
1. Expose the tick by separating or pulling back the fur to make the entire tick visible.
2. Using a tick removal tool such as Ticked-Off Tick Removal Tool For Pets, or a pair of tweezers, pull the tick away from your cat’s skin.
3. Be sure to pull the tick by its head, not the body, as the pressure of squeezing the body may potentially push more of the bacteria into your cat. Once remove, dispose of the tick.
4. There may be pieces of the head or mouth of the tick still attached. This is not cause for concern. Typically the pieces will disappear in a day or two.
5. Thoroughly clean the area with hydrogen peroxide or any other topical cleanser.
6. A red welt may occur at the point of the tick bite, this is entirely normal and not indicative of lyme disease.
Prevention of Lyme Disease in Cats
The best way to treat lyme disease is to prevent exposure to tick bites. While checking regularly for ticks is recommended, there are 5 ways to help prevent tick bites:
About National Pet Pharmacy
From whiskers to tail, your cat deserves the best in pet medicine and pet supplies. National Pet Pharmacy has quality pet medications like Revolution and Frontline as well as veterinarian diet cat food and cat supplies. Find total health for your cat at National Pet Pharmacy.
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