Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. All mammals, including dogs, serve as intermediate hosts. This disease is zoonotic, meaning that it can be transmitted to humans, however cats are the host that allows the parasite to reach adulthood and reproduce.
Signs may include depression, lethargy, muscle or abdominal pain. The cat may have a cough, fever, abdominal bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, or may have a decreased appetite. Some cats may have vision problems or inflammation of the eyes due to the affect the infection can have on the central nervous system (CNS). In turn, this may lead to loss of coordination, abnormal pupil size and responsiveness to light, blindness, abnormal circling, head pressing, difficulty chewing and swallowing food, seizures, loss of control over urination and defecation. Infection can lead to pneumonia and the liver may be affected, leading to yellowing of the skin.
Pregnant cats can pass the parasite on to their unborn, leading to genetic abnormalities or small and weak kittens. The pregnant queen might also spontaneously abort the pregnancy.
Cats with a weakened immune system (like those who have feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)), and those who are pregnant or have not yet reached adulthood are most at risk of developing severe symptoms. Most healthy cats who become infected with this parasite will not become seriously ill.
Diagnosis is typically made through blood work, fecal sample, tissue biopsy, urinalysis, and serum titer tests. In more severe cases, more advanced diagnostics like x-rays or eye examinations may be needed.
Antibiotics, specifically clindamycin, are typically prescribed alongside corticosteroids. If your pet is on immunosuppressive medications for another condition they will likely be stopped. It has been reported that cats will start seeing improvements in symptoms within 1-2 days of treatment, and a full recovery is possible depending on the severity of the infection.
Studies are currently ongoing to develop a vaccine against toxoplasmosis.
Rehabilitation to improve the effects of toxoplasmosis on the central nervous system may include retraining the vestibular system and improving the other systems that the body uses for balance such as vision and proprioception. This usually involves various balancing exercises incorporating eye and head movements. We will also address any neck pain or tightness associated with a head tilt.
The brain cannot repair areas that have been damaged, but it has a great ability to re-route around areas of damage through a process called neuroplasticity. Through this process the brain is able to use healthy areas of the brain to do the function of damaged areas. Practicing controlled and targeted movements will help the brain with this re-routing process.
