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Treatment

Currently, the most effective known therapy for cats diagnosed with T. foetus is a drug called ronidazole. This antiprotozoal drug is not currently approved for use in cats in the United States, but your veterinarian may choose to prescribe it. You or your veterinarian will need to get this drug from a special compounding pharmacy that custom blends the medication. The affected cat should be isolated from other cats in the household until the end of treatment to prevent them from becoming infected as well.

Ronidazole is given orally once a day for two weeks. During treatment, cats should be watched closely for any adverse reactions to the drug. Potential side effects of ronidazole are neurological and include difficulty walking, loss of appetite (anorexia), and possible seizures. If your cat shows any signs of toxicity, treatment must be discontinued and your veterinarian must be consulted.

Living and Management

During and following treatment, cats should be given a very digestible diet to help regulate their bowel movements. The litter box environment should be keep well disinfected, dry, and changed regularly during treatment to prevent re-infection with T. foetus.

Prevention

There is no vaccine or preventive medication that can be given for this organism. Cats from breeders and shelters should be monitored closely for signs of potential infection. In addition, new cats should not be introduced to the other cats in a household until they have been examined by a veterinarian and cleared.