posted
Hi everyone. Haven't visited in awhile. Been very busy with other family members' medical dramas. (Besides my own for a change!)
The reason I ask about a cat with Lyme is I am wondering about my beloved 14 year-old Monty. He seemed perfectly fine up to Monday evening. Tuesday a.m. he didn't show up for his breakfast so we hunted for him and found him in his little fort he has in the woods by the driveway. He wouldn't come out.
To make a long story short, his symptoms are:
He staggers when he walks almost like he's drunk. He has no appetite but this just started Tuesday a.m. For the past week or so, we've noticed more "meowing" than usual like he was trying to tell us something. If I carry him someplace and set him down, that's where he lays. He won't walk unless absolutely necessary. He won't come up the steps.
We took him to the vet hospital first thing this a.m. and everything checks out perfectly normal. They did bloodwork for everything, CBc, took a urine sample to check kidney function. They checked blood sugar, thyroid. No signs of injury, wounds or bites anyplace. He's not tender anywhere. All checks out fine.
I mentioned the possibility of Lyme to the vet and he was receptive to the idea and ordered blood drawn immediately so it'd go out with this evening's courrier. He said they get 30-40 dogs a year with Lyme but has never seen it in a cat. Since I and my husband both got it in our own yard, I believe it's a real possibility.
Any feedback is much appreciated. Thanks! Carol
-------------------- Luvmycat
A mind is like a parachute. It only functions when it's open. Posts: 268 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2003
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posted
Hi, We just had a similar experience with our cat - stopped eating and had trouble moving, but not as much as yours. I was wondering the same thing as you about Lyme. My vet told me the same thing - that they don't see it in cats. He said they seem to be resistant to it.
I did some research on the net and did find several places that listed sypmtoms of lyme in cats as fatigue, lack of appetitie, difficulty moving. It was hard to find any info on the frequency or accuracy of testing. We did try antibiotics, but they did not work. It probably is worth a try just in case.
Did you get all the test results back? Our cats blood tests came back okay, but the urine tests showed abnormalities and the vet suspected he had cancer.
Hope it all works out for you.
-------------------- Lynne
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead Posts: 63 | From USA | Registered: Jul 2006
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treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
Cats I highly doubt are immune to Bb. Reasoning here most cats go outdoors short life span run over by cars? or some other cotastrophy shorter life. And LDF Cats
Research Grants have included
- Improved tests - Vaccines - LD in pregnancy - Pathogenesis of LD - Tick testing - LD in dogs - LD in cats - Neurologic LD - Tick diseases in North America - New Borrelia in lone star ticks From:
Experimentally induced infection of cats with Borrelia burgdorferi.
Burgess EC.
Department of Medical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine 53706.
To determine whether cats could be infected experimentally with Borrelia burgdorferi, 15 cats were inoculated with approximately 1,000 B burgdorferi. Seven cats were inoculated by the IV route, 2 by the oral route, 2 by the ocular route, and 4 by the oral-ocular route. Six control cats were inoculated with phosphate-buffered saline solution by the IV, oral, and ocular routes. Prior to the start of the study, all 21 cats were seronegative for B burgdorferi on the basis of results of the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test, and their blood was B burgdorferi culture negative. All of the IV, orally, and ocularly inoculated cats developed IgG antibodies to B burgdorferi as detected by IFA testing. Of 4 oral-ocularly inoculated cats, 2 developed IFA-detectable antibodies and the remaining 2 cats developed low-titer response (1:128) on postinoculation (PI) day 10 only. All control cats remained seronegative. The organism was detected in blood smears from 2 of the IV inoculated cats on PI days 10 and 24 and from 2 oral-ocularly infected cats, 1 on PI days 17 and 24 and 1 on PI day 10. Spirochetes were not detected in the blood after PI day 24. The organism was isolated from tissues of only 1 cat (the lung of an ocularly inoculated cat necropsied at 7 months after inoculation). Spirochetes were not isolated from control cats. Neither clinical signs of infection nor gross or histologic abnormalities were found in any of the inoculated or control cats. Results indicate that cats are susceptible to infection with B burgdorferi, but clinically apparent disease may not be common.
PMID: 1416347 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Tick parasitism and antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in cats.
Magnarelli LA, Anderson JF, Levine HR, Levy SA.
Department of Entomology, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven 06504.
Ticks were removed from naturally infested cats, and serum samples from these cats were tested for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. Twenty-two of 93 cats (23.7%) had one or more motile stages of Ixodes dammini attached. Of 2 larvae and 20 nymphs removed from cats, 1 larva and 2 nymphs were infected with B burgdorferi. Spirochetes were not found in tissues of 13 female and 4 male ticks. Ten of 71 serum samples analyzed by indirect fluorescent antibody staining or ELISA contained antibodies to this spirochete. Maximal antibody titers were 1:256 and 1:2,560, respectively. At titers greater than or equal to 1:160 in ELISA, seropositivity ranged from 8.8% (n = 34 sera tested from 34 cats) in May through July to 33.3% (n = 12 cats tested) during February through April. In clinical studies of 30 cats, there were nearly equal percentages of seropositive cats with limb or joint disorders not accompanied by fever, anorexia, or fatigue (5 of 21 cats) and cats with these signs of illness but lacking lameness (2 of 9 cats.)
PMID: 2196252 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Abstract American Journal of Veterinary Research November 2005, Vol. 66, No. 11, Pages 1895-1899 doi: 10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.1895
Seroprevalence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in cats
Louis A. Magnarelli, PhDSandra L. Bushmich, MS, DVM Jacob W. IJdo, MD, PhDErol Fikrig, MD Department of Entomology, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, PO Box 1106, New Haven, CT 06504. (Magnarelli); Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269. (Bushmich); Section of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8034. (IJdo, Fikrig); Present address is the Division of Rheumatology, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242. (IJdo) Objective--To determine whether cats in the northeastern United States develop serum antibodies against antigens of Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum and whether coinfection with the 2 organisms occurs.
Sample Population--Serum samples from 84 healthy cats and 9 cats with lameness, fever, anorexia, or fatigue.
Procedure--Serum antibodies against B burgdorferi and A phagocytophilum were measured with an ELISA incorporating a whole-cell preparation or purified recombinant antigens, by means of western blot analysis, or indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) staining.
Results--ELISA results indicated that 44 of 93 (47%) sera contained antibodies against ≥ 3 B burgdorferi antigens, whereas 43 (46%) were reactive to wholecell B burgdorferi. Serum reactivity to protein 35, VlsE, and outer surface proteins A and F was most common. Seropositivity to ≥ 3 antigens occurred at the same rate (5/9) in the 9 ill cats as in the 84 healthy cats (46% [39/84]). Of 13 sera reactive to recombinant antigens, 9 were seropositive as measured by western blot testing with whole-cell antigen. Seropositivity rates of 30% and 38% were detected for antibodies against A phagocytophilum via IFA and ELISA testing, respectively. Fifteen (16%) sera had antibodies against both pathogens.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Cats living in areas infested by Ixodes scapularis ticks are exposed to B burgdorferi and A phagocytophilumand, in some instances, may be coinfected. Most cats appeared healthy. An ELISA incorporating specific recombinant antigens may be used adjunctively with western blot and other assays to confirm B burgdorferi and A phagocytophilum infection in cats. (Am J Vet Res 2005;66:1895-1899)
Burgess, E.C. 1992. Experimentally induced infection of cats with Borrelia burgdorferi. A.J.V.R. 53:1507-1511
Magnarelli, L.A. et al. 1990. Tick parasitism and antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in cats. J.A.V.M.A. 197:63-66.
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
I had a similar incident with my 10yr old cat last winter. I found a tick on her late November. I freaked and burned it and didn't get it tested. I called the vet, who said no lyme for cats and to keep an eye on her.
By around Christmas, I noticed she wasnt't really moving around much - she'd sleep all day in the same spot, and she had lost some weight, and wasn't eating.
I got the cat into the vet right after Christmas - she'd lost half her body weight and was severely dehydrated. I told the vet about the tick and my own experience.
The vet took tests, gave her fluids and B12 and sent her home. 8am the next day I showed up at the vet -good thing I did - the cat was in kidney failure. Lyme test negative (of course), but she was showing signs of infection.
They started her on iv abx and fluids right away and kept her for about 10 days. They honestly didn't think she'd make it... They released her and we kept her on abx for about 3 more months.
But guess what?? She's happy and healthy now. Her kidneys suffered damage and she requires IM fluids every couple days to help keep her hydrated, but other than that (and being a very spoiled eater now), she's fine.
They never came out and said Lyme... but for me, just way too much of a coincidence.
If your cat is meowing unusually, keep looking. He's telling you something.
-------------------- Julie _ _ ___ _ _ lymeinhell
Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed. Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5338
posted
Part of the problem could be that the cat has vertigo. Of course, that's possible with Lyme.
Carol
Posts: 6956 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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lymemomtooo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5396
posted
I would think that cats can get lyme if they are bitten..I know that they get bartonella..Have seen a brochure with the red spots on their gums. And it said it was bartonella..
If the vet won't treat, you can always go to the animal supply stores and ask them for abx for your pet..I know a friend that gets her meds for her horses and (herself) there..
Posts: 2360 | From SE PA | Registered: Mar 2004
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
I am so sorry to know about Monty.
There is some good information here, but you will have to weed through it to find the feline stuff.
posted
I would try some Olive Leaf extract in tuna, or something you know the cat is going to eat. You can buy this herb anywhere , and it may help your cat. It is an anti-viral and antibiotic, and some pet foods even include it in their formula. Of course getting a cat diagnosed is another story, when even humans can't get diagnosed, but I often thought my cat had Lyme before I did...he is now deceased, but he had several symptoms, and I give Olive Leaf to my new cat regularly. I have to wonder about vets who say they don't see it...doctors don't see it either, even when it's straring them in the face. In any event, Olive Leaf can be bought in capsules, and you can open them and sprinkle some in the tuna oil. One of the best brands I have found is Rexall, found at WalMart.
Posts: 8 | From VA USA | Registered: Oct 2001
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tabbytamer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3159
posted
Darleen,
How much olive leaf do you give your cat per dose?
How many doses per day?
I'm interested in it for its anti viral properties.
posted
amazingly, one of my cats, Nike, had the same symptoms plus eye involvement twice when he was younger. I had found him and some littermates outside and raised them. Although, I don't think they tested for lyme, both times,he was "cured" with antibiotics and has not suffered this since. Another explanation could be a rabies shot affecting a cat nuerologically. Both incidents were about a month after his rabies shot. I have since kept my indoor cat from getting rabies shots. But, I think it was lyme! How wonderful to be cured on two incidents with oral antibiotics!!
-------------------- To win this battle, make the time for exercise and fitness activities! There is no shortcut to any place worth going! pegee4 Posts: 59 | From Hamptons, New York | Registered: Aug 2006
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AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
I just wanted to let you know that cats can get lyme.
My vet said he gets mostly dogs with lyme and much less in cats. Maybe its because dogs have to go outside to go to the bathroom where as cats can be completely indoors.
Maybe cats have better immune defenses against lyme. Maybe they get it but often their symptoms just arent as noticable. who knows but cats do get it.
Actually recently someone posted on here that their cat tested positive for lyme.
Cats get alot of different ailments and seem to be effected in envirmental problems before us (bad water, sprays/poisons used where they live or play, etc)
I definetely wouldnt rule out lyme for your cat. I would keep a journal of the symtpoms you observe to help the vet determine whats going on.
Since they can't verbally communicate what's wrong - we have to be their voice.
I think a couple of my cats have it, but on a sub-acute level. I have them on a lot of herbs, and they are doing better.
I had one cat that got severely ill with an unknown infection and had to be put on IV antibiotics to recover the same summer I started having severe Lyme symptoms.
He got better, but he was still acting, I don't know, just not himself, a little crazier. When the winter hit and it got cold out he disappeared.
I really wonder if he didn't relapse once the cold weather started, and disappeared and hid or got disoriented because he got sick.
I still have a lot of guilt about not doing more for him. I was so sick at the time, it was harder to see that he had a serious problem more clearly.
I pulled at least three deer ticks off of two of my cats that summer.
I definitely think cats can get Lyme. I think a lot of them just have better immune systems than we do and control it better. Cats also hide pain issues until they get very severe.
Farah
Posts: 208 | From New Mexico | Registered: Dec 2005
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