One of the most devastating illnesses that can affect domestic cats is cytauxzoonosis, often called “bobcat fever”. This disease is spread by ticks and has an incredibly high mortality rate. One symptom of a cat suffering from cytauxzoonosis is prolonged crying out in pain, often called a “death yowl.” Fortunately, regular flea/tick prevention is an effective means to keep your feline friend free from the disease.
Dr. Michelle Evason serves as Global Director, Veterinary Clinical Education for Antech and brings ain incredible depth of information and a passion for educating pet parents. She walks us through the transmission and symptoms of cytauxzoonosis and even tries, unsuccessfully in Stephen’s case, to teach us how to pronounce the name disease.
Here are links to information we talked about today:
- Listen to Zoey Smith, LVMT talk all about ticks in Episode 6
- Learn more about cytauxzoonosis, including geographic distribution, from Today’s Veterinary Practice
- You can lose track of time exploring all of the maps and charts at The Companion Animal Parasite Council
- Video of a tick waiting for a host to walk by via YouTube
Got a question for Michael and Stephen? Run across something interesting you want to share with the show? Do you have a topic idea for a future episode? Send it to us at thefamilypetpodcast@gmail.com.
