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Tritrichomonas
A unicellular protozoanTritrichomonas Blagburnilives in the cat's large intestine and causes very foul-smelling and persistent diarrhea and flatulence, but sometimes it is completely asymptomatic. Regardless of the time of infection, it is possible for the cat to start showing symptoms at any stage or to remain completely symptom-free, even if the parasite is not eliminated.
Currently, the only drug proven to work is Ronidazole, which may cause neurological symptoms. However, the symptoms usually go away as soon as the medication ends. Ronidazole is a specially licensed product intended for pigeons (trade name Tricho plus, extempore capsules), which takes some time to obtain and the drug is valuable. It should be given to the cat in capsule form once a day, the capsules are large and usually several pieces should be given.
Cleanliness of the environment is also important, although Tritrichomonas is a sensitive organism that does not live on dry surfaces for more than half an hour, but in excrement for even days. It is sensitive to both cold and heat, so for example cleaning the environment with a steam cleaner and keeping the litter box clean should prevent re-infection from the intake environment.
During the treatment, the sand should be changed several times (every time the cat defecates) so that the cat does not get a new infection from the litter box. The cat's diarrhea should gradually ease already during the medication, but since Tritrichomonas can cause considerable destruction in the large intestine, recovery may take some time. New samples can be taken no earlier than 14 days after medication and it is recommended to test again after six months.
Take your pet to the vet if...
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the result of the stool sample is positive