Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat develops eye infection likely from pet macaw transmission
By Lipman, N S et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1994·Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Probable transmission of Chlamydia psittaci from a macaw to a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old Siamese cat developed eye problems, including a thick discharge and redness, about a month after a macaw was brought into the home. Despite using eye ointment, the cat's condition worsened, spreading to both eyes and causing other health issues. Tests revealed that the cat was infected with Chlamydia psittaci, which was also found in the macaw's droppings. Both the cat and the bird were treated successfully with doxycycline, leading to recovery.
People also search for: cat eye discharge treatment · Siamese cat conjunctivitis · Chlamydia psittaci in pets · doxycycline for cat infection
Abstract
A 5-year-old Siamese cat developed unilateral mucopurulent ocular discharge and conjunctivitis 1 month after the introduction of a macaw into the household. Despite treatment with antimicrobial ophthalmic ointment, the conjunctivitis became bilateral and other systemic signs developed. Intracellular inclusions consistent with a Chlamydia psittaci infection were detected in conjunctival epithelial cells stained with a fluorescein-labeled monoclonal antibody. Chlamydia psittaci was isolated from samples obtained by conjunctival scraping. Subsequently, C psittaci was recovered in samples obtained from the feces of the bird. The cat and the bird were successfully treated with doxycycline. Historic and epidemiologic findings supported the theory of orthozoonotic transmission of C psittaci from the bird to the cat.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8050975/