The parasites that attack cats aren’t just confined on the outside of the cat. In the actual fact, there are also parasites that affect their brain. The brain parasites in cats are actually used in describing a number of parasitic creatures, which may affect the central nervous system –including of course, the spinal cord and brain. In this article, we will discuss more about this. If you want to learn more, feel free to give this article a read.
Brain Parasite in Cats: What are these?
In the actual fact, the term brain parasite is used in describing any of the several parasitic creatures, which may affect the central nervous system. This includes the spinal cord and the brain. Moreover, cats are vulnerable to various kinds of parasites, which may potentially make their own wat into the brain, and linked tissues.
Moreover, the symptoms of the condition actually range from non-existent to austere and might be life-threatening as well in some circumstances. Further, the parasites in the brain is often because of encephalitis or the brain inflammation that causes the mainstream of the symptoms. The brain parasite in cats may cause behavioral changes, as well as issues with the muscle control. The parasites are more expected in cats, which are allowed out-of-doors, eat raw foods or anything that they catch, possess immune conditions, or live in a cramped situations with some other animals.
Types of Cat Brain Parasites
There are some types of brain parasites, which can make their own way in the brain, as well as the related issues. The parasites, which may be found in the central nervous system may include the following:
- Toxoplasma gondii. This is a single-celled parasite, which may infest the brain tissues and cause some issues. Commonly, it is present all throughout the world and may be passed from a cat to human.
- Myiasis. These are kinds of infestations that are in relation to the insect larvae, as well as include botfly larvae or Cuterebra that pets are vulnerable to in the months of summer, in various regions where the botfly is rampantly available.
- Roundworms. This is actually a common kind of parasite that affects a lot of regions in the body. This includes the spinal column and brain. The varieties, which may infest the brain include the Baylisascaris procyonis that may cause eye and brain damage. The Dirofilaria immitis or the heartworm, ad Gurlita paralysans that may cause paralysis.
- Flukes. Two kinds of these parasitic creatures might make its home in the brain. The schistosomes or the blood flukes, as well as the lung flukes or Paragonimus, actually have both been found in the CNS or central nervous system.
Causes of Cat brain Parasites
A vet may diagnose brain parasites though the confirmation of the presence of the parasite –its larvae, or its eggs in the system of the pet, in case clinical signs point the condition. Some other disorders and diseases may cause the same symptoms, so the vet might need to conduct some tests to rule out some other potential issues. You must prepare to discuss the history of the cat, its eating habits, as well as all the symptoms you may have observed. A physical examination may be followed up with a urine, blood, and fecal analysis. In various cases, the spinal fluid may be analyzed and obtained as well. The vet might also use additional methods in checking for the parasites, including the contrast dyes and imaging technology.
Symptoms of Cat Brain Parasites
The symptoms of the brain parasite in cats may actually vary, and some cats with parasite on their brain and related tissues may never present symptoms. Most of the symptoms relate to the activity controlled by the CNS, including the behavior, occasionally vision and hearing issues, as well as muscle control. Further, the cat might also exhibit indications that are related to the parasite infestation in some other parts of the body. The parasites in the lungs, urinary tract, as well as gastrointestinal system might have localized and neurological symptoms.
The most common symptoms of brain parasite in cats include:
- Death
- Breathing trouble
- Paralysis
- Seizures
- Brain inflammation
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Emaciation
- Inability to drink and eat
- Lack of appetite
- Unexplained aggression
- Fearlessness
- Unusual neck or head position
- Circling
- Listlessness
- General weakness
- Loss of muscle control
- Ataxia
Treatments for Cat Brain Parasites
A surgical removal of the parasite from the cat’s brain has never been reported to happen. Nonetheless, there are some medications that may help in relieving the symptoms that are caused by the parasite. Anti-epileptic drugs may help in preventing the seizures, while the IV fluids ensure that the cat maintains the good nutritional status.
Moreover, a drug treatment that is designed to kill the brain parasite in cats is available as well, yet are just used in case the symptoms have been happening for less than a week. After a much longer period, it is likely that the parasites will die.