Pet Health Articles
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Contenido en español actualizado.
Translated from the original English article Internal Parasites in Cats -
The Ebola virus is very contagious and is transmitted through blood, body fluids, and tissues, but not through air, water, or food. Ebola affects humans, non-human primates, and is carried by fruit bats. Other species do not appear to be affected, although there has been evidence of exposure to the disease in dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. Domestic animals are not believed to transmit the virus; however, there is a risk that they could transmit body fluids such as saliva on their fur to other humans. Any potential exposure to Ebola should be reported to your veterinarian who will contact the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
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Poxvirus is related to the virus that causes smallpox in humans. In cats, infection usually causes skin lesions, such as ulcerations, scabs, or abscesses. Cats often recover on their own with no further symptoms unless they are immunocompromised. There is no specific treatment or vaccine.
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Contenido en español actualizado.
Translated from the original English article Rabies in Cats -
Rabies is a devastating viral disease that affects mammals, including cats and humans, and is caused by the rabies virus. Once clinical signs of rabies occur, the disease is nearly always fatal. Vaccination is the cornerstone of rabies prevention.
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Feeding raw food to cats is potentially dangerous - not only to the cat eating the raw food, but also to other pets and humans in the environment, due to the high likelihood of bacterial contamination. Raw food may also not be complete and balanced and could lead to nutrient deficiencies or toxicities. Consuming raw food with bones can lead to life-threatening foreign body obstruction.
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Ringworm infections in cats are caused by a fungus, not a worm. Ringworm is highly contagious and can be spread between animals and from animals to people. The clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and risks are explained in this handout.
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Roundworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites observed in cats. They are of most concern to kittens and debilitated older cats when present in large numbers, causing life-threatening problems. Roundworms can also be transmitted to humans. Diagnostic testing, treatment, and preventive measures are explained in this handout.
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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.