Merlin - September pet of the month

Merlin is a 6 year old cat who loves to hunt, and has a particular liking for birds.  He became very unwell this summer and was brought in to our practice for assessment. His appetite was reduced, he had lost a lot of weight and had developed a fever.  He had facial tremors, was dehydrated and was unsteady on his back legs.  He was admitted to our hospital for fluid therapy and medication to reduce his temperature.

Knowing that he hunts, we decided to test Merlin for an infectious disease called toxoplasmosis, a parasite that can be transferred to cats from the ingestion of rodents and birds.  The parasite infects a surprisingly large number of cats (it is thought up to 40% of the cat population have the disease) but it rarely causes any symptoms.  Humans can also develop the infection but is only normally a concern to pregnant women, as infection has been associated with miscarriage.

Merlin's blood test was consistent with a toxoplasmosis infection and he was treated with an antibiotic that the parasite is sensitive to.  It has now been several weeks since the treatment was started and we are pleased to say that Merlin has made a great recovery - his temperature reduced and facial tremors resolved within a few days and he is now a lot steadier on his feet, has gained weight and is eating normally again.  We need to monitor Merlin to ensure the parasite does not become a concern again but for now he is back to his normal ways, happily patrolling the garden.