Cryptococcosis - The Pigeon Problem Your Cat Doesn't Want
Have you ever heard of a medical affliction called Cryptococcosis? We don't suspect that you have, but if you have pigeons anywhere close to your property, this disease could be a very big concern.
What is Cryptococcosis?
This particular disease is actually classed as a yeast infection, and it is primarily known as a parasite of pigeons. Unfortunately, it doesn't affect them at all. It doesn't make them sick, and it certainly won't leave them with any easily identifiable symptoms. A pigeon can be infected with Cryptococcosis without your knowledge.
Why doesn't Cryptococcosis affect pigeons?
The pigeons themselves aren't affected by the Cryptococcosis-causing bug because it is believed that the high internal body temperature of the bird keeps the yeast bug in check. Unfortunately, this same high body temperature doesn't apply to humans and other mammals, therefore leaving them vulnerable to the effects of the bug.
How can a cat contract Cryptococcosis?
It isn't just cats that can suffer as a result of Cryptococcosis, all mammals can, and it is thought that the main method of transmission is via inhalation. Once inhaled, the organization travels through the body, first to the lungs, and then to the various other parts of the body. The symptoms will very much depend on where it travels to.
What are the symptoms of cats with Cryptococcosis?
Because the bug enters the body via the respiratory tract, it is there that you will find the usual earliest symptoms. This can include having a runny nose, something that you'd easily spot in your cat, as well as bouts of sneezing as the body tries to rid itself of the yeast organism.
If the organism then travels to the nervous system of the cat, symptoms can become a lot more severe — seizures and an unstable demeanor, and perhaps even wandering around aimlessly, seemingly without direction or intent. In some ways, without the ‘crazy eyes' and mouth-foaming, early onset Cryptococcosis in the nervous system of a cat can appear somewhat rabies-like.
Some animals, including cats, dogs, and humans, can suffer with Cryptococcosis in the form of lesions and blisters on the skin, and some may have spots or a rash. There have been cases of the organism reaching and then affecting the eyes, causing a lot of discomfort and inflammation, and can also cause blindness, either temporary or — if not treated — permanent.
What is the treatment of Cryptococcosis in cats?
Unfortunately, many of the treatments available for Cryptococcosis in ALL animals have rather nasty side effects, which can include damage to the kidneys, and a rather upset stomach. In some cases, this diarrhea and vomiting problem can lead to hospital/veterinary stays, usually brought on by severe dehydration.
Cryptococcosis is also quite a difficult disease to diagnose, and with the early symptoms being so vague, generic, and easily attributed to a number of other less severe diseases and afflictions, it could be a little while before a proper diagnosis is received. This is more so the case if the pigeon connection is not made.