Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tritrichomonas foetus causes smelly large bowel diarrhea in cats
By Tolbert, Mary Katherine & Gookin, Jody·Published in Compendium (Yardley, PA)·2009·North Carolina State University, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Tritrichomonas foetus: a new agent of feline diarrhea.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A young cat with persistent, foul-smelling diarrhea was found to be infected with a parasite called Tritrichomonas foetus. This infection is often overlooked because it can be mistaken for other causes of diarrhea, like Giardia. Testing specifically for this parasite is not common in many veterinary clinics, so it’s important for pet owners to ask about it if their cat's diarrhea doesn’t improve with standard treatments. Once diagnosed, targeted treatments can help resolve the symptoms.
People also search for: cat diarrhea treatment · Tritrichomonas foetus in cats · why does my cat have smelly poop
Abstract
Tritrichomonas foetus is a single-celled, flagellated protozoal parasite that colonizes the feline colon and distal ileum. Infected cats may be asymptomatic or may have clinical signs that include malodorous large bowel diarrhea. T. foetus infection is common in, but not limited to, high-density populations of young, purebred cats. Testing for this parasite is still not routine at most veterinary clinics, and T. foetus is often misdiagnosed as Giardia spp. T. foetus-specific tests (fecal culture and polymerase chain reaction) should be considered in cats with large bowel diarrhea, especially those in which traditional diagnostics and treatments for other causes of feline large bowel diarrhea have failed to reach a clinical resolution. Recognition of this newly emerging disease and appropriate sample handling are critical for the detection and treatment of feline trichomoniasis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19866444/