Dangerous diseases of cats. Sepsis in cats symptoms and treatment What viral diseases are susceptible to a lactating cat

In this article, I will briefly review the common viral diseases of cats, such as rabies, leukemia, rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, etc. I will describe the symptoms of these diseases and treatment methods. I will tell you how diseases are transmitted and why they are dangerous.

Varieties of viral diseases of cats: symptoms and treatment

Many diseases, the development of which is caused by bacterial, viral and adenovirus infections, end in death if measures are not taken in time. Such diseases are highly contagious, easily transmitted from a sick animal to a healthy one.

This disease is caused by the Rabies virus. It affects the brain and nervous system. The mortality rate for rabies is 100%. The pathogen is transmitted through the blood (usually by a bite).

The asymptomatic period can last up to 6-8 weeks, and sometimes up to six months. proceeds in several forms (violent - occurs most often, atypical, mild). The behavior of the animal changes, it becomes either affectionate or shows uncontrolled aggression.

At the last stage, the animal rapidly develops paralysis. First, the jaw suffers, then the limbs, and as a result it paralyzes the entire body, including the respiratory organs. The animal falls into a coma and then dies.

There is no cure for rabies. Cats with symptoms of the disease are isolated and observed for 10-14 days. Animals that die from rabies are disposed of by veterinary stations.

Panleukopenia

The second name for panleukopenia is cat distemper or ataxia. Pathogens are found in saliva, feces, urine, nasal discharge. The disease is easily transmitted through common objects (bowls, beds, toys, etc.). Kittens can get infected from a sick mother.

Lethal outcome in panleukopenia exceeds 90%. The disease is dangerous not only for kittens, but also for adult animals. Pets that survived after the distemper remain carriers of the pathogen for a long time.

With panleukopenia, the following symptoms are observed:

• fever (up to 41 degrees);
• vomiting yellow foam with mucus;
• lack of appetite;
• fetid bloody diarrhea;
• the formation of small red spots on the skin, which eventually turn into fluid-filled bubbles;
• profuse mucous flow from eyes and nose.

They are treated with antiviral drugs that stimulate the immune system (Fosprenil, Maksidin, Vitafel, etc.). Dehydration is treated with intravenous fluids. Without treatment, animals die in 3-5 days.

Rhinotracheitis

Also called a viral cold. It is transmitted through direct contact. With rhinotracheitis, the eyes, nose, oral mucosa, bronchi, and lungs suffer. Often the disease occurs in conjunction with pneumonia and keratoconjunctivitis.

Sick animals are lethargic, avoid bright light, cough, purulent discharge flows from the eyes and nose. Often with rhinotracheitis, stomatitis develops (small and painful sores appear on the oral mucosa). Fosprenil, Maksidin, Ampicillin, Tetracycline are used for treatment.

Calcivirus

With calcivirosis, the respiratory tract of the animal is affected. The causative agents of the disease are viruses of the genus Calicivirus. The disease is transmitted through direct contact or airborne droplets.

Young animals and kittens are at risk.

A characteristic symptom is the appearance of sores on the tongue, lips and oral mucosa. Often this disease develops conjunctivitis. In severe cases, there is fever, weight loss due to lack of appetite, anemia.

At the beginning of the development of the disease, Vitafel is effective. At later stages, Fosprenili and Maxidin are used, as well as Cerebrolysin and Aminovit.

Chlamydia

The causative agent of the disease is the microorganism Chlamydophila felis. It is transmitted sexually, through direct contact, through the air or through body fluids (saliva, nose and eye discharges, urine). Kittens can become infected from a sick mother during childbirth.

The symptoms of chlamydia are as follows:

• a slight increase in body temperature;
• development of conjunctivitis, and then blepharospasm;
• the appearance of flows from the nose;
• in severe cases of the disease - shortness of breath, cough, pneumonia, fever.

With a mild course, cats eat well and lead a normal life. A severe form can result in pulmonary edema, from which the animal dies.

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics (Tylosin, Enrofloxacin, Erythromycin, etc.). Eye preparations are also used - drops Bars, Dextra-2. Be sure to prescribe immunostimulants (Immunofan, Fosprenil, etc.).

Leukemia

Another name for leukemia is leukemia or FeLV. The disease is contagious, transmitted through direct contact and the use of shared beds. In animals with a strong immune system, the virus may simply die, but in weakened cats, it begins to actively spread throughout the body.

There are no specific symptoms of leukemia. The animal may suffer from respiratory diseases, diarrhea, skin inflammations are often observed. Cats with leukemia are predisposed to developing malignancies.

There is no cure for leukemia. Doctors prescribe symptomatic therapy aimed at eliminating concomitant diseases. Good effect gives blood transfusion. Sick cats must be isolated from healthy ones.

cat flu

This disease is characterized by high mortality - up to 100% in kittens and up to 90% in young cats. First, the throat and nose are affected, and then the inflammation passes to the bronchi and lungs. The flu proceeds rapidly - after 2-3 days the animal has a strong fever, purulent currents appear from the nose, and the cat has difficulty breathing due to edema.

Cat flu is treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, Fosprenil and Gamavit. Symptomatic therapy is also carried out (they bring down the high temperature, treat the eyes, etc.).

Peritonitis

This disease is often referred to as FIP. The causative agent is a coronavirus that is transmitted through feces or contaminated water and drink.

Kittens, young and elderly cats are most susceptible to the virus.

It comes in two forms: wet and dry. In the first case, the cat has ascites, fever, anemia, severe diarrhea. It is difficult for the animal to breathe, damage to blood vessels is observed. With this form, cats live no more than 12 weeks.

With dry FIP, dense nodules form on the walls of the intestine. Often, intestinal disease is accompanied by conjunctivitis, damage to the liver, kidneys and lungs, and disorders of the central nervous system.

FIP in cats is not curable and is always fatal. You can alleviate the condition by pumping fluid from the peritoneum. Doctors also prescribe maintenance therapy: immunostimulants, antibiotics, blood transfusions.

feline immunodeficiency virus

The causative agent of feline immunodeficiency is similar to the human AIDS virus. More often the disease is observed in adults walking on the street, and is transmitted through bites.

The symptoms of feline immunodeficiency are as follows:

• an increase in body temperature up to 40 degrees;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• severe diarrhea;
• blanching of the skin and mucous membranes (anemia).

The disease often becomes chronic and may not manifest itself for several months or years. After that, the animal begins to show symptoms such as loss of appetite, the appearance of ulcers on the gums and oral mucosa, periodic fever, runny nose, and eye discharge.

Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms. Veterinarians prescribe antibiotics (Penicillin, Ampicillin, etc.), Immunoglobulin, vitamins, antihistamines (Tavegil, Diphenhydramine, etc.). It is impossible to completely cure the disease, cats remain carriers for life.

Herpes

The herpes virus often affects small kittens. This disease is manifested by fever, purulent discharge from the eyes, apathy, lack of appetite, greenish diarrhea. Also, herpes can be accompanied by tracheitis and the appearance of sores on the oral mucosa.

For treatment, drugs such as Maksidin, Fosprenil, Immunofan are used. If the animal has diarrhea, Diarkan and probiotics are prescribed (Vetom, Lineks, etc.). The herpes virus is transmitted through the placenta from a sick mother to her offspring.

Prevention of viral infections

Prevention of diseases, the development of which is provoked by viral infections, is as follows:

Many viral infectious diseases are deadly, so it is necessary to isolate sick animals in a timely manner and start treating them as soon as possible. Annual vaccination will protect your pet from many ailments.

Viral infections in cats are often fatal. However, if you take action in time, you can completely cure a fluffy pet. An important feature that viral diseases in cats have is that they are easily transmitted to other individuals. Therefore, treatment should be started as soon as possible.

Sources of infection

What are viral infections in cats?

The most vulnerable to infection are animals that have a severely weakened immune system. Also in the zone of increased danger are those pussies who live in a crowd (like courtyards).

distemper

This disease has not been well studied. The feline virus affects the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms include the following:

• purulent discharge from the nose;
• sneezing
• high temperature, which can reach up to 41 ° C;
• A sick cat can only breathe through its mouth.

For your information! From the onset of the disease until the moment when it passes to the lungs, no more than three days pass. If not treated, then in adult animals the mortality rate will be 90%, and in young animals - 100%.

Rabies in cats cannot be cured

Fosprenil, gamavit are used for treatment. To reduce the likelihood of this disease, it is necessary to avoid hypothermia, drafts and contact with sick animals. The use of a vaccine can be an effective preventive measure.

Infectious panleukopenia in cats

The mortality rate for this disease is 90%. It has another name - cat plague. When a cat develops panleukopenia, the following symptoms may be observed:

• fever, which is accompanied by a high temperature, reaching up to 41 ° C;
• in sick animals, vomiting occurs, in which mucus is released along with yellow foam;
• no appetite;
• bloody diarrhea;
• if you examine the skin, then on it you can see a large number of small red spots. Over time, they turn into bubbles filled with a clear liquid;
• fluid is actively secreted from the eyes and nose.

Dangerous pathogens are found in cat secretions (urine, feces, saliva). The disease is transmitted through objects used by animals: pillows, bowls, toys, beds.

Note! Animals without treatment live no more than five days. A pregnant cat can infect the baby.

For the treatment of the disease, antiviral drugs are used, the action of which is aimed at strengthening the immune system. You can use maxidin, fosprenil, Vitafel or other similar drugs. Animals cannot be cured by folk methods.

Coronavirus infections: enteritis and peritonitis

The cause of peritonitis is infection with a coronavirus. Young kittens and old animals with a weakened immune system are most susceptible to the disease. Infection occurs by airborne droplets through urine, saliva and feces.

Coronavirus disease can occur in the following forms:

• the asymptomatic form is the most common. In this case, the animal's immunity is so strong that it can suppress the action of the pathogenic virus and destroy it;
• with a wet form, fluid accumulates in the abdominal or chest cavity. This is the most dangerous variant of the development of the disease. Organ failure and death occur in 2-3 weeks;
• with a dry form, the duration of the disease can be from two weeks to six months. Purulent discharge from the eyes occurs, the color of the iris changes, the mucous membranes turn yellow.

Treatment is with sulfonamides and cephalosporins.

With enteritis, a kitten or an adult constantly feels severe pain in the abdomen. The main symptom is severe diarrhea. The stools are reddish or orange in color. The disease is spread through feces.

Important! Enteritis is not completely cured, however, with qualified treatment, a sick animal can live for several more years.

Infectious rhinotracheitis, or runny nose in cats

When infected with rhinotracheitis, the oral cavity, lungs, bronchi, nose and eyes suffer. Cats affected by rhinotracheitis usually also develop keratoconjunctivitis and pneumonia.

Affected animals can be identified by the following signs:

• they have sluggish movements;
• they hide from bright light;
• pus flows from the nose and eyes.

A common symptom is the presence of stomatitis (small but very painful inflammations appear on the mucous membrane in the oral cavity).

This disease is treated with tetracycline, maxidine, ampicillin or fosprenil.

feline immunodeficiency virus

This infection is transmitted by contact. She has a long incubation period. The disease can be detected using a serological test for the presence of the immunodeficiency virus.

Immunodeficiency has many symptoms (malnutrition, diarrhea, anemia, etc.) and is analogous to the human disease of HIV.

Rhinotracheitis

Important! Treatment is to eliminate the symptoms. This retroviral disease has no cure.

Aujeszky's disease

The causative agent is the herpes virus. Infection occurs through rodents, as well as by eating the meat of infected pigs. The incubation period is eight days. Symptoms are various atypical changes in the behavior of animals. There are several forms of the disease:

• in the classical form, there are rapid changes in oppression and excitation, photophobia, itching, vomiting;
• when the disease proceeds atypically, the animal is depressed and quickly dies. It can infect humans or dogs;
• with encephalitis, the symptoms resemble the classic version. The animal additionally experiences impaired coordination and paralysis;
• in the gastroenteritis variant, the cat experiences sharp pain in the abdominal cavity.

If you do not consult a doctor, the animal quickly dies. Treatment is carried out by prescribing antibiotics and immunostimulants.

Infectious peritonitis (FIP, FIP)

Infectious peritonitis occurs when the abdominal cavity is injured by sharp objects (for example, bones). The likelihood of the disease increases in the presence of stomach ulcers or intestinal diseases. The cause may also be too hard feces or hairballs, which can create microcracks in the intestines.

Feline leukemia virus (leukemia, FeLV, FLV)

The disease is spread through direct contact with a sick animal. If the cat has a strong immune system, the virus may die. There are no specific symptoms of this disease. It cannot be cured. Sick cats should be isolated.

infectious anemia

This disease can occur in the form of HVI or an acute form. It affects red blood cells and hematopoietic organs. Symptoms are weakness, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, increased breathing and heart rate.

The diagnosis can only be made in a veterinary clinic by conducting tests. Treatment is with tetracycline antibiotics.

Herpes

The virus of this disease affects kittens more often than adult animals. Symptoms are apathy, purulent greenish discharge from the eyes and nose. Immunofan, fosprenil, maksidin are used for treatment.

Rabies (rabies)

The causative agent of the disease is the Rabbies virus, which affects the nervous system and affects the brain. It enters the body through an open wound. Usually infection occurs when a sick animal bites a healthy cat.

Note! At first, no symptoms can be detected. This period lasts for 6-8 weeks. All this time, the cat is able to infect other animals.

The disease can have various forms: violent, atypical or mild. The first of these options is the most common.

A sick animal can dramatically change its behavior from affectionate to violent and vice versa. This usually happens for no apparent reason. At the final stage of the disease, paralysis occurs. It starts with the jaw, then the limbs fail, then the lungs stop working, and the animal dies.

There is no cure for this disease. If a cat with rabies is identified, it is isolated. The dead animal must be disposed of.

Calcivirus infection (calicivirus) in cats

This disease affects the respiratory tract. The causative agent is the Calicivirus. The disease is common mainly among young individuals.

Infection with a viral infection in a cat occurs either by direct contact or by airborne droplets.

Calcivirus

In animals with calcivirosis, ulcers appear in the oral cavity, on the tongue, and on the lips. Sometimes at the same time the animal develops conjunctivitis.

If the disease is severe, the cat may experience anemia, fever, and weight loss. At the initial stage of the disease, the use of such a remedy as Vitafel is effective. In the future, cerebrolysin, maxidin, fosprenil and aminovit are used for this.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by infection with Chlamydophila felis. This virus is transmitted by touch, sexual contact, through the air, or through feces and urine.

Symptoms: nasal discharge, development of conjunctivitis, fever, shortness of breath and cough.

The disease occurs in a mild or severe form. In the latter case, the animal dies if left untreated.

In the treatment of viruses in cats, antibiotics are used: tylosin, erythromycin, enrofloxacin, etc.

How is the treatment of a viral disease in cats at home

It is necessary to contact the veterinarian to make a diagnosis, prescribe a serum for cats against a viral infection and tell you how the treatment should be.

To do this, he must examine the animal, take a scraping from its oral cavity, and also conduct a conversation with the owner of the animal to find out the necessary details. If necessary, other tests are taken from the cat or photographs are taken. Based on the information received, a diagnosis is made and recommendations for the treatment of feline infection are given.

Treatment should be carried out at the first signs of the disease

Note! When owners see that a pet is sick, they should not self-medicate by arbitrarily giving him drugs. It is necessary to show the sick animal to the veterinarian as soon as possible and treat infectious diseases of cats in accordance with the instructions received.

Transmission of infection to humans

When animals get sick, only some of them can be transmitted to humans. Among them: toxoplasmosis, rabies, Aujeszky's disease (pseudo-rabies), infectious feline anemia.

For your information! Regarding the transmission of chlamydia, scientists studying virology do not have a firm opinion.

If a pet is ill, it is necessary to take it to the veterinarian, observing the necessary precautions. The specialist will tell you exactly whether the infection in a cat is dangerous for humans and what precautions are needed.

Prevention of viral infections

To reduce the risk that feline viral diseases will occur, the following should be ensured:

If sick animals are found, it is necessary to isolate them so that viral diseases of cats are not transmitted to the rest.

Checking with a veterinarian is an important step towards a pet's recovery.

It is impossible to make a diagnosis of a viral disease on your own, and with improper treatment, a pet may die. It is important to contact your veterinarian immediately for a diagnosis and advice on treatment.

A virus is an infectious non-cellular agent that does not reproduce by division, but forms copies of itself inside the host cell. DNA viruses reproduce in the nucleus, RNA - in the cytoplasm. The ICTV classification distinguishes seven varieties of virus orders: Caudo, Herpes, Ligamen, Mononega, Nido, Picorna, Tymo.

Antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents do not work on viruses. Antiviral drugs are nucleotide analogues. They are embedded in the molecule of the emerging virus and make it inactive. In addition, there are therapeutic globulins and serums containing ready-made antiviral antibodies, substances that increase immunity.

Non-cellular agents destroy the cell and leave the body, leaving behind nutrients for the bacteria that inhabit the body. They multiply and do more damage than the viruses themselves. Therefore, the treatment of such diseases is not complete without the use of antimicrobial agents.

This article introduces readers to diseases of cats of viral origin. The owner of the animal is responsible for the life and health of the pet, himself and others.

Common viral diseases in cats

Viruses cause severe, life-threatening diseases for cats. Infection occurs through air, water, feed, bedding and contact with infected animals. There are the following factors contributing to the development of the disease:

• Contact with a virus carrier. Visiting cat shows is a big danger.
• Transmission of viruses through food, water, air.
• Failure to comply with zoohygienic conditions.
• Stress factors:

1. Transportation.
2. Boring content.
3. Overheating or hypothermia.
4. Irrational nutrition.

The most common among cats and the most dangerous are the following diseases:

The most dangerous viral zoonosis is rabies. The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

• The causative agent is myxovirus.
• Carriers - homeless dogs, cats, wild carnivores.
• Infection - through saliva when bitten by a sick animal or defects in the skin and mucous membranes.
• incubation period. After the bite, the animal is observed for 10 days. If there are no clinical manifestations, the animal is considered healthy.
• The symptoms are nervous phenomena.
• Forms of the disease:

1. Violent. Profuse salivation, aggressive behavior, perversion of appetite, paralysis. Photophobia, hydrophobia. After 3-11 days, the animal dies.
2. Paralytic. Lasts up to 4 days. Paralysis occurs without an aggressive phase.
3. Atypical. The symptoms are gone. It ends with paralysis and death.

• Diagnostics:

1. In vivo - based on anamnesis, epizootic situation, clinical symptoms.
2. Post-mortem - histological examination of the brain.

• Treatment. Injection of specific serum within 72 hours. If symptoms appear, treatment is ineffective.
• Prevention - annual vaccination.

Aujeszky's disease

Cats are the first to fall ill, productive animals are infected from them. A person becomes infected through meat. The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

• The causative agent is herpesvirus.
• Carriers - rodents, infected pigs.
• Infection - through the eating of virus carriers - mice, rats and contact with pigs.
• incubation period. Up to eight days.
• The symptoms are nervous phenomena.
• Forms of the disease:

1. Classic. Excitement is replaced by oppression. Constant meowing, salivation, vomiting, photophobia, skin itching, death.
2. Atypical. Strong oppression, the animal does not meow. Quick death.
3. Encephalitic. Features similar to the classical form. Additionally - aggressiveness, lack of coordination, paralysis.
4. Gastroenteritis. Severe pain in the abdominal cavity, vomiting, lightning death.

• Diagnostics. It is required to distinguish between Aujeszky's disease (pseudo-rabies) and rabies.

• Treatment. In the initial phase, use:

1. Immunoglobulin Vitafel.
2. Immunostimulants - phosphprenil, immunofan, gamavit.
3. Antibiotics - Maksidin.

• Prevention has not been developed.

Panleukopenia

Distemper of cats (panleukopenia) is the most dangerous disease with high mortality. Survivors after a four-day illness become virus carriers. In the warm half of the year, young animals, old cats are sick. Pathology is characterized by the following features:

Animals that have been ill acquire stable immunity to parvovirus. Antibodies protect offspring up to twelve weeks of age.

Viral rhinotracheitis

The disease affects the organs of vision and respiration. Mortality does not exceed 20% of the number of cases. Those who have been ill develop lifelong immunity. Pathology is characterized by the following features: The causative agent is the herpes virus.

• Infection - air, discharge from the genitals, eyes, nose. Infection is transmitted through food, contact with people and insects.
• The incubation period is 3…8 days.
• Symptoms:

1. Acute form:

• Inflammation of the conjunctiva. Rhinitis.
• Cough.
• Ulcers on the tongue.
• Mucosal hyperemia. Redness of the nose.
• Temperature >40°C.

The acute form ends with recovery after a decade.

1. Chronic form:

• Constipation.
• Chronic rhinitis lasts for years.
• Bronchitis develops into pneumonia
• Skin ulcers appear.
• The nervous system is affected.
• Fix abortions, stillbirth.

• Diagnosis - clinic, analyzes of nasal and eye secretions.

1. Generic antibiotics.
2. Sulfonamides.
3. Antihistamines.
4. B-group vitamins. Vitamin C.
5. Dietary nutrition consists in the use of liquid boiled feed.

• Prevention - vaccination.

calicivirus

The disease affects the respiratory system. Get sick in the cold half of the year. The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

• The causative agent is calicivirus.

• Carriers - sick cats, virus carriers.
• Infection - through the air and by contact.
• The incubation period is 1 ... 3 days.
• Symptoms resemble signs of rhinotracheitis. Calicivirus is complicated by stomatitis, eye and respiratory diseases. The disease lasts 7 ... 21 days. Lethality - 30%.
• Diagnosis - clinic, epizootic situation, blood tests. Observe anemia and leukopenia.
• Treatment is symptomatic. Apply:

1. Generic antibiotics.
2. Sulfonamides.
3. Nitrofurans.
4. Vitamins A, C, B 12.
5. hyperimmune serum.
6. Diet food, as in leukopenia.

• Prevention - vaccination.

cat flu

Co-infection with rhinotracheitis and calicivirus viruses.

Coronavirus peritonitis

Represents a problem for fellinologists who maintain a cattery. Among the many relatively harmless coronaviruses is a deadly one. The disease is difficult to diagnose. It resembles diseases of the brain, eyes, digestive organs and cardiovascular pathologies. Sick young animals up to two years old, old cats. Lethality is high. The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

• The causative agent is FIP coronavirus.
• Carriers - sick and recovered cats.
• Infection - through the air, discharge from the genitals, nose, eyes. Infection is transmitted through food, contact with people and insects.
• The incubation period is 21 days.
• Symptoms:

1. Temperature >40°C.
2. Symptoms of peritonitis.
3. Vomit.
4. Ascites.
5. Belly swollen.

• Treatment is symptomatic. Apply universal antibiotics to destroy the associated microflora.
• Prevention. Not developed.

• sneezing
• apathetic state;
• disorders of digestive functions;
• an increase in regional lymph nodes - in most cases in the head area.

Veterinarians do not recommend treating cats with tuberculosis, since tuberculosis is a fatal disease for them. The owner himself must contact a phthisiatrician and pass the necessary tests.

cat scratch disease

Belongs to the category of acute infectious diseases. It develops when the Bartonella bacteria enters the human body. Infection occurs with a bite, scratches caused by a cat. Most often, the disease manifests itself in children, because they play with kittens the most. The bacterium is transmitted to pets from birds and rodents. There are no external manifestations of Bartonella infection in cats.

The incubation period for a person ranges from 10-30 days, and sometimes 2 months. The disease begins rapidly. A person's body temperature suddenly rises to high levels (38-39 ℃). Regional lymph nodes are greatly enlarged, especially in the axillary, cervical and head regions. The nodes are inactive, very painful and increase in size - up to the diameter of a chicken egg or an orange. The person feels a slight malaise.

Other possible symptoms are:

• bowel dysfunction;
• headaches;
• muscle weakness,
• a rash on the skin that resembles a rash with scarlet fever or measles.

Treatment of a person can take 2 or even 3 months. Antibacterial agents are required to be prescribed: Erythromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin, Tetracycline, Ofloxacin. For humans, "cat-scratch disease" can be deadly.

Toxoplasmosis

A person can become infected with toxoplasmosis (an infectious disease) through saliva, or by cleaning the tray after a pet. The cats themselves become carriers of the causative agent of the disease - the bacteria Toxoplasma gondii, due to the consumption or hunting of birds, rodents.

As a rule, the disease does not manifest itself in any way in pets or in humans. Basically, the disease does not have serious consequences for the life and health of the owner. However, toxoplasmosis is extremely dangerous for pregnant women. Various pathologies of fetal development and even its fading are the most likely consequences of the disease in a pregnant woman.

Symptoms that appear in this case:

• inflammation of the eye membranes;
• a sharp increase in body temperature;
• excessive weight loss and even exhaustion;
• disorder of respiratory functions;
• malfunction of the digestive tract.

It is impossible to prevent this disease, because there is no effective vaccine. Both animals and humans can get sick with this infection only once in a lifetime. After the first contact with the pathogen, persistent natural immunity is developed for life.

The disease is a consequence of the penetration into the body of simple microorganisms - chlamydia. A person is infected from a pet by airborne droplets. A fluffy pet becomes infected with pathogenic pathogens from rodents.

If you do not start urgent treatment immediately after the appearance of the first clinical manifestations, pulmonary edema occurs, and the pet dies. You can notice chlamydia in a pet due to the following symptoms:

• very frequent sneezing;
• cough;
• hard breath;
• loss of appetite;
• eye inflammation;
• severe weakness and lethargy of the cat;
• purulent discharge from the nose.

Human chlamydia threatens with pneumonia. Having made the correct diagnosis, doctors in each case prescribe modern antibiotics that can overcome these microorganisms.

salmonellosis

Most often, kittens under the age of 1.5 years suffer from this disease. Humans become infected through contact with animals. Pathogens are transmitted through saliva, feces. It is impossible not to notice salmonellosis, because this disease manifests itself especially sharply. The main signs of a cat:

• sudden high fever;
• respiratory failure;
• severe salivation;
• refusal to communicate with the owners;
• loss of appetite and even complete refusal of food;
• vomit;
• purulent mucous discharge from the nose and eyes;
• very loose stools with bloody impurities.

If you notice at least some of these symptoms, you should definitely contact your veterinarian. Otherwise, the pet may die.

In humans, the disease also manifests itself in the form of severe intoxication. As a rule, a person is hospitalized in the infectious diseases department. To combat salmonellosis, complex therapeutic schemes are used, in which antibiotics occupy a special place. The period of complete recovery is 3-5 weeks.

Ringworm

A person can get ringworm from a cat, and vice versa. As a rule, the disease, if not in its most neglected form, is very easily treated in both the former and the latter. The causative agents of the disease are microscopic fungi. Infection occurs by contact, that is, directly from the cat (stroking, playing or lying with him), or through objects on which the pet was lying.

Cats are very susceptible to a wide variety of infections. Even the simplest inflammation can mean that an infection has entered the body and now internal forces are fighting it. Chronic are very diverse and many-sided. Each owner needs to pay attention to even the smallest changes in the health of the animal. So that you do not have to look for information in other sources, we have specially collected in one place all the material that you may need on this issue.

What viral infections do cats have, their types and symptoms

Currently, a great variety of infections are known that affect the sensitive feline body. You should know at least the most common of them, since it is they who cause a serious health hazard not only for the cat, but also for its owner. Chronic viral infections of cats are not uncommon nowadays, and therefore it is recommended to learn as much as possible about these diseases. And so, the first on our list will be, perhaps, one of the most common diseases.

Rabies is a viral infection in cats.

Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the nervous system. It usually ends in death. The main danger of this disease is that a person can also become infected with it, and therefore it is very important for the owner to receive qualified medical care. This is an infectious disease that enters the body through wounds, cuts, scratches. One of the most important symptoms is swelling of the larynx. The cat tries to drink water, but it does not work, from which the animal begins to cough and spit. The danger of this infection lies in the fact that it has a latency period of up to 5 days. During this time, the disease will have time to thoroughly spread throughout the body. Rabies can last from 3 to 11 days. Then the animal, as a rule, dies from dehydration. A viral infection in cats has different symptoms, and therefore the treatment should be appropriate.

Various forms of rabies - viral infections in cats

Many people think that there is only one type of rabies. However, it is not. It has as many as 3 different forms that you should be aware of.

• Active form of rabies

With an active form of rabies, the animal completely refuses its usual food (for example, it may refuse its favorite chicken) and instead begins to absorb all inedible ones - for example, stones, sand, begins to throw itself at a person at the slightest irritant - for example, a shout or a bright light. After the next attack, the pet may look tired, haggard. After some time, his paws are taken away, and the beast dies.

• Paralytic form of rabies

It lasts from 2 to 4 days, in this state the cat or cat becomes unusually affectionate, fawning over the owner. Gradually, the animal begins to look oppressed, lethargic. The voice disappears, as the vocal cords swell, due to the fact that paralysis gradually occurs - it may seem that the beast choked on a bone. It is also possible clouding of the cornea of ​​​​the eye.

• Atypical form of rabies

Passes with pronounced symptoms of gastritis or enteritis (vomiting, loose stools with bloody impurities). There is no active phase as such. This makes it difficult to diagnose the disease. Treatment of this disease has not yet been developed. The euthanasia of a four-legged friend is shown.

Calcivirus - viral infections in cats

Caliciviridae is the Latin name for the virus that causes this disease. This disease manifests itself in the cold season. Cats that have had this condition tend to develop very strong immunity. If the cat's immune system leaves much to be desired, then very likely to be fatal, and therefore it is recommended to have an idea about the main symptoms of calcivirosis in a cat. The most susceptible are young animals aged 1 to 4 years. First of all, it should be understood that, as a rule, sick animals serve as a source of infection. Try to avoid places with a huge concentration of cats, for example, exhibitions. Calcivirosis in cats it is insidious in that it is hidden, which does not allow the owner to recognize the disease in time and begin treatment. As a rule, the diagnosis is made on the basis of a blood test, which should clearly show a decrease in hemoglobin levels of more than 30%. This disease is often accompanied by stomatitis, bronchitis, pneumonia.

Therapy is prescribed by a veterinarian, who must select adequate drugs that not only stop the symptoms, but also support the animal's body. In order to avoid recurrence in case of recovery, the animal should be provided with a comfortable level of living, isolated from sick animals.

Chlamydia is a viral infection in cats.

This infectious disease causes chlamydia virus, which is a cross between a virus and a bacterium. Chlamydia is manifested by elevated body temperature, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, pneumonia. Chlamydia perfectly tolerate low ambient temperatures, but are extremely susceptible to rising temperatures. Their main carriers are homeless animals, as well as wild mice and voles. If your cat loves to hunt for rodents, for example, in the countryside, congratulations. She is at risk. Kittens are the most affected by this disease. They have not yet formed an immune system in order to give a worthy rebuff to the disease.

Chlamydia symptoms can also include:

• The cat refuses to eat;
• The temperature rises;
• Limbs weaken;
• Rhinitis, conjunctivitis appears;
• Breathing becomes hoarse, rapid.

If timely veterinary care is not provided, the animal will eventually die due to pulmonary edema.. Treatment of chlamydia should be prescribed by a veterinarian.

However, below we give general recommendations that must be followed for the fastest recovery of a four-legged friend with chlamydia:

• High-calorie, but at the same time light food;
• An isolated room without drafts;
• Treatment with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor;
• Eye treatment as in conjunctivitis.

Any the disease is easier to prevent than to treat, and therefore prevention is carried out with the help of a special vaccine, as well as careful personal hygiene in a cat.

Panleukopenia - viral infections in cats

This disease has a variety of names: panleukopenia, plague or infectious gastroenteritis. It is an extremely contagious disease that occurs in a pronounced form. This viral infection affects all cats, regardless of their breed and species. At risk are kittens and adult cats aged 8-9 years. The source of the disease, as a rule, is already ill animals, which secrete bacteria with feces, mucus and saliva, which, when they enter the body of a healthy animal, begin to spread to your cat. The incubation period is from 2 to 10 days. During this time, the virus has time to thoroughly settle in the body and cause trouble.

At acute panleukopenia the following
symptoms:

• Increase in body temperature up to 40 degrees;
• Feces have a fetid odor;
• Vomit;
• Possible pulmonary edema;
• convulsions;
• Lack of appetite.

The behavior of the pet also changes. He becomes lethargic, looking for a hiding place. The probability of death increases up to 90%, especially among young individuals. If the cat began to feel the need for food again, then the animal is on the mend. However, she still remains a carrier of the virus. A recovering cat needs special dietary nutrition. During the first days of recovery the animal is fed with cottage cheese, kefir, mashed boiled chicken. Such food will provide a pet and at the same time will not overload the stomach. A cat or a cat should receive food every 4-5 hours, in order to to start the normal functioning of the stomach. Salts and minerals the animal should receive as much as before the illness. There are a lot of infections in cats, but it is this one that is prevented with the help of preventive vaccinations, as well as timely isolation of a sick pet.

Rhinotracheitis - viral infections in cats

Infectious rhinotracheitis in cats is an acute disease that primarily affects the respiratory system. The disease can occur at any age and in any breed. Mortality is 50%. An ill animal acquires immunity to this disease. The virus, which is the causative agent of the disease, dies when exposed to ether, chloroform, and caustic phenol solutions can deactivate the pathogen in 10 minutes. The main carrier of the infection is a previously ill animal and an animal in which the virus proceeds in a latent form. The infection can be transmitted with nasal mucus, with milk (if it is a female), as well as secretions from the genitals.

feed the pet you need light, dietary products that should be mashed into a figurative state. The veterinarian should prescribe drugs that are primarily aimed at eliminating the symptoms of rhinitis and other conditions. Next, vitamin C should be prescribed. The diet should be of the following plan: boiled liquid feed from broth on meat or fish, raw egg, milk, which must certainly be warm, boiled minced chicken. From finished products, as a rule, high-calorie canned food is recommended. After the disease has been identified, the room and in general the apartment where the cat was should be thoroughly disinfected.

Infectious Feline Peritonitis FIP, viral infections in cats

FIP known as Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a danger to those owners who have more than one cat. This is a deadly disease that is quite difficult to diagnose due to its similarity with other diseases, as well as IKP veterinarians call Great imitator because the disease manifests itself in a variety of ways.

Main symptoms infectious feline peritonitis are:

• temperature increase up to 40 degrees;
• diarrhea, vomiting, rapid loss of moisture;
• the animal is losing weight before our eyes;
• the stomach is swollen;
• sometimes - pleurisy;
• in rare cases, the body is covered with bubbles filled with liquid, which give the animal a lot of inconvenience.

Often, this virus affects the liver, spleen and other organs of the pet, which can soon lead to death. Vaccines have not yet been developed, and therefore the veterinarian can only prescribe maintenance therapy.

What can be done to ensure that your beloved cat does not get infected - viral infections in cats

After reading this material, any caring owner who takes care of his pet will conclude that danger awaits his pet from all sides and will close him in the apartment. This is fundamentally not the right approach. A pet should lead an active life, but at the same time, the owner should be as attentive as possible and be able to notice symptoms early dangerous disease. For this you need:

• Read more materials on the topic of viral infection in cats, treatment. Then you will not panic at the first symptoms, and you will seek veterinary help at the "I-VET" center to qualified specialists for treatment.
• Disinfect the apartment in order to prevent the spread of infection throughout the house.
• Gratitude to accept the advice of friends, but do not follow them, because viruses are very easy to confuse with each other. In the article we have described only some of them.
• Get tested every six months. This will help to notice a dangerous disease in a timely manner and start treatment as soon as possible.
• Carefully monitor the behavior of a furry pet. Any deviation from the norm should be a reason for contacting a veterinarian.
• Examine the pet on your own - when stroking, part the coat, stroke the pet. If he begins to show aggression, this is also a reason to contact the Ya-VET veterinary center.

Be attentive to the cat, because you are the most important person in her life, who, among other things, is also responsible for her health.

Viral infections in cats: what you definitely should not do if you suspect a disease

Upon learning that the cat is sick with some kind of virus, most owners fall into a stupor and simply do not know how to get out of this situation. First of all, I would like to say: Do not self-medicate, prescribing and canceling a variety of drugs that can cause irreparable damage to the beast.

Since it is completely unrealistic to describe all viruses in one article, run to the Ya-VET veterinary center for help when the animal has:

• heat;
• refuses any food;
• starts behaving strangely;
• looking for a secluded place;
• behaves aggressively towards family members and the owner.

In such cases, you already know where to turn and can immediately call the veterinary center on your own in order to pass the tests prescribed by the doctor as soon as possible and receive qualified assistance from an experienced doctor..

Why we have not described all viral infections in cats that are currently known

The purpose of this article is to talk about the most common symptoms that can occur when cats are infected with viral infections, as well as to direct an ignorant person on the right path, to suggest what to do if the animal does get sick. Perhaps the veterinarian, after examining the pet and examining the tests, will offer to euthanize it.

Even in such a sad situation, it is recommended not to argue with the doctor and agree, no matter how sad it may be. Although veterinary services have come a long way, not all diseases have an antidote. Also, not all viruses have a vaccine. Sometimes euthanasia is the only way to help the animal and avoid spreading the disease.

However, this is an extreme measure and the doctors of the Ya-VET veterinary center are fighting to the end for the life of a four-legged friend. Much also depends on the desire of the owner to fight for the pet. And the fact that not all infections are described is not at all the fault of the lazy author. In order to describe all the viruses that cats get sick, you will need to compile a whole guide that an ordinary Internet user will not read.

As a rule, viruses can easily change to any disease, pretending to be either the flu or conjunctivitis.

It is recommended that you always seek help from a doctor, because he can:

• Prescribe medicines that are sold exclusively by prescription.
• Assign the necessary tests, which may lead to additional costs, but nevertheless help to clarify the health of the animal.
• Observe the animal in the process of treatment and notice either an improvement or a deterioration in the cat's well-being.

If you decide to treat a virus with us, you will not regret it, because our veterinary center has the most modern laboratory that will not miss even the smallest microbe. The veterinary center "Ya-VET" is known for its caring attitude towards four-legged pets. Here, even the sickest cat quickly recovers, because the treatment is carried out with love, affection and care.

Ambulance for animals is no longer a myth, viral infections in cats

In the event that you cannot bring a cat for inspection on your own, we have our own car that can go to any address and help a dying animal. Viral infections in cats

In addition to an ordinary veterinarian, we can send:

• a nurse for sampling;
• surgeon
• animal dentist;
• nephrologist;
• neurologist;
• we can do an x-ray at home, thanks to a portable device;
• it is possible to do an ultrasound and get the results on the spot, which is very convenient for receiving surgical therapy.

It only remains to add that all our doctors love animals very much and value their reputation, which means that there are no mistakes here and we always go to the last. Remember, by asking a question on sites, you are only wasting precious time that should have been spent on testing.

Cats, like any mammal, can become infected with viruses or infections. At the same time, infectious diseases of cats can occur as a result of ingestion of several types of harmful microorganisms. Pets at least as often as yard fluffies pick up infections.

The owners of domestic predators need to know that viral infectious diseases of cats proceed very rapidly, so timely help from a veterinarian is the key to success in treatment. At the slightest suspicion of infection with an infection, you should immediately consult a doctor.

The list of infectious diseases of cats is very long, but the first symptoms of the disease may be similar. The main features include:

• increased lacrimation:
• strong salivation;
• vomiting, diarrhea;
• copious discharge from the nose;
• eye inflammation;
• coughing, sneezing;
• desire to hide from bright light, attempts to constantly be out of sight of the owners;
• fear at the sight of water;
• a sharp loss of interest in food or, conversely, a greatly increased appetite;
• general lethargy, apathy;
• temperature;
• rash and wounds on the head and trunk;
• convulsive twitching of limbs and whole body.

In the case of a cat being infected, it depends only on a person whether it will be possible to save the pet by starting treatment at the initial stage of the disease, because infectious diseases are quite difficult to treat effectively.

Rabies

An extremely dangerous disease for mammals. When infected with rabies, it is virtually impossible to save the animal. Infection usually occurs through the bite of another, sick animal. Prevention of rabies is exclusively an annual vaccination for cats.

In different muroks, the symptoms of rabies at the onset of the disease can manifest themselves in different ways: from anxiety, fearfulness, lethargy, unwillingness to communicate, to increased affection and obsession. Then the cat begins to show signs of anxiety, irritability, aggressive behavior. The animal often refuses to eat, eating absolutely inedible: stones, threads, wooden pieces.

The main symptom of the disease is the inability to quench their thirst, the cat is simply not able to swallow a drop of water due to spasm of the swallowing muscles.

At this stage, the cat is very aggressive, her rampage can cause a sudden movement, bright light, loud sound. The illness usually lasts three to eleven days. The course of the disease can occur in the form of mild (paralytic) or atypical.

To date, there is no effective treatment regimen for rabies in cats. The cat is simply euthanized. Therefore, it is extremely important to get vaccinated in time to protect your pet from a deadly disease.

Mycoplasmosis

Mycoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by mycoplasmas (pathogens) that poison the cat with waste products of ammonia and hydrogen content. It is possible to become infected with this disease in any way: from the airborne route to the usual everyday communication. The disease can affect all organs of the animal, even to stillborn offspring.

Mycoplasmosis in the beginning is similar to a standard cold. The cat sneezes, coughs, suffers from a runny nose, eyes become inflamed. But then all the discharge can turn into purulent, with the appearance of sores on the skin, the joints suffer greatly.

To cure a disease such as mycoplasmosis, it is very important to visit a doctor at the very first stage, when the cat seems only to have a cold. The disease can be detected in this period only as a result of the necessary tests.

Mycoplasmosis cannot be prevented by vaccinating a cat, so it is necessary to maintain her immunity, not to stress, colds, hypothermia. Mycoplasmosis is treated by prescribing a course of potent antibiotics, selected by the doctor taking into account the characteristics of a particular animal, drugs that increase the immunity of the cat are always prescribed, and they also give the cat medicines that treat the symptoms of the disease: drops in the eyes and nose, expectorants, cough medicines, healing ointments . They also align the functions of the gastrointestinal tract and the genitourinary system of the pet.

To prevent the disease, measures are taken to maintain the strong immunity of the pet of her proper nutrition, always with the addition of complex vitamins with the natural feeding of the pet.

Piroplasmosis

This disease is more common in dogs than in cats, but purring creatures can also catch the disease. The disease is carried by Babesia ticks, hence its other name - babesios. In fact, piroplasmosis is a complex disease of animals, with reproduction in the blood and under the skin of a cat of harmful ticks that feed on blood.

Pyroplasmosis in cats has mild symptoms that can be signs of many other diseases. The main signs of piroplasmosis include:

• almost complete refusal to eat;
• general lethargy and indifference of the animal;
• brown, red, brown color of urine;
• mucous membranes become yellow;
• digestive problems appear.

The disease proceeds extremely rapidly, and it can be detected only by the results of urine and blood tests.

Treatment should be started in the first two days after infection, because after this period it may no longer have any effect on the disease. In this case, the treatment itself is carried out with extremely potent drugs that can be toxic. When prescribing them, the doctor is guided by the considerations that the risk of intoxication can be significantly less than the risk of death. Therefore, it is recommended not to start treatment until the results of laboratory tests are available.

In parallel with potent medicines, the doctor will prescribe immunity boosters to the pet, complex vitamins to support the cat's body. Improvement occurs about six to seven days after the start of treatment.

Calcivirus (calicivirus)

A viral disease of cats that affects the respiratory organs of cats. Infection is possible through everyday contact of a sick animal with a healthy one, it is also transmitted by airborne droplets. The incubation period can go up to three weeks. The most dangerous infection with calcivirosis is for weakened, elderly cats and kittens. Disease for animals from this group often ends in death.

The symptoms of calcivirosis in cats are quite characteristic:

• ulcers, very painful, are located on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat;
• high temperature about 40 degrees;
• almost complete refusal to eat;
• offensive, putrid-smelling discharge from the mouth and nose;
• severe cough, endless sneezing;
• vomiting and diarrhea in cats.

The disease can be determined by a careful external examination. But in order to avoid mistakes, the doctor does additional tests and x-rays.

During treatment, strong antibiotics and drugs are used to treat the manifestations of the disease: drops in the nose, medicines for healing ulcers, droppers so that there is no dehydration. Scheduled vaccinations can prevent a deadly disease.

Panleukopenia

This disease has many names: cat distemper, feline typhus, infectious gastroenteritis, infectious agranulocytosis. A very dangerous viral disease, with which both domestic and large wild cats can become infected with panleukopenia. Infection with the virus occurs through normal contact, through infected excrement on the ground or in a tray, also by airborne droplets. The virus matures in a cat from two days to two weeks, with direct contact - in just 5 days. Then the health of the cat is rapidly deteriorating. The temperature rises to 41 degrees, the pet is very feverish, she refuses to eat, vomits, swears, saliva flows very strongly from her mouth, her eyes stick together from purulent discharge. The cat may sit over a bowl of water or food, unable to swallow anything. The pet languidly lies on the tummy, feeling very unwell, suffering from pain.

The illness usually lasts 7-10 days. If the cat was able to survive the first four days of the illness, then with a high degree of probability it can be said that the pet will survive after the acute phase, however, forever remaining a carrier of the virus.

A guarantee of the complete rehabilitation of the animal can only be an appeal to the veterinary clinic in the first two days after infection.

In addition to a visual examination, the doctor prescribes tests that will make sure that the diagnosis is accurate. If panleukopenia is confirmed, then the cat is urgently injected with hyperimmune serum. Further, all treatment is directed to those signs that appear as a result of infection. Full recovery of the cat can occur in two or three weeks.

Chlamydia

The disease is caused by chlamydia, a bacteria that is transmitted, as a rule, through close contact between a healthy and a sick animal. This disease is dangerous for a cat with damage to the respiratory organs, as well as the reproductive system. For a person, the danger is that he can get infected from his own cat.

The disease is often manifested by conjunctivitis, accompanied by strong discharge from the nose.

The diagnosis cannot be made based solely on the results of a visual examination, it is necessary to analyze the washings of the conjunctival sac.

In the treatment of this disease, tetracycline-based antibiotics are prescribed, special ointments and eye drops are used.

There is a vaccination against chlamydia, but it must be done only for cats that take part in exhibitions.

Rhinotracheitis

Infectious (herpesvirus) rhinotracheitis affects, first of all, the respiratory organs of a cat and its eyes. The disease proceeds quite quickly and insidiously. At the very beginning, it looks like a common cold, but in just a couple of days, the pet’s health deteriorates greatly, she has hips, purulent discharge from the eye, swelling of the mucous membranes, the cat is unable to swallow food and drink, this gives her excruciating pain. When making a diagnosis, a swab from the mouth or a wash from the eye is examined.

To treat this ailment, antibiotics are used, necessarily - drugs that can help raise immunity, anti-inflammatory drugs, antitussives, expectorants, drops in the eyes and nose.

At the same time, if the owner asked for help on time, a favorable outcome in the treatment of this disease is quite possible.

Infectious feline pancreatitis

This is a deadly disease that especially threatens those cats that are kept collectively, that is, they are not the only ones in the house. This means that the biggest risks exist for shelters, catteries, or simply numerous cats that are kept in the same house or apartment.

The insidiousness of the virus, which serves as the source of the disease, is that it is easily reborn from the form of a non-life-threatening cat into a form that poses a mortal threat to the life of a cat. At the same time, it is possible to determine the fact of the transition from one form to another even when it is too late.

An accurate diagnosis can be made solely on the basis of the results of the tests, since infectious feline pancreatitis can easily be confused with various diseases: cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal.

Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to treat this disease today, and the vaccine against this disease is practically useless, scientists are even inclined to believe that this vaccine is harmful.

Leukemia virus

Infection with this virus can lead to suppression of the cat's immune system, as well as lead to cancer. About ninety percent of cats die a maximum of four years after infection.

It should be understood that there is no effective treatment for the disease, you can only support your pet, relieving the symptoms of the disease, alleviating its condition. The use of immunomodulators is especially indicated to help the cat.

To prevent the disease, the use of vaccination has been proven to date.

Feline immunodeficiency

The disease is caused by viruses and in its course and structure resembles the human immunodeficiency virus, but a person cannot become infected with a virus through a cat, just as a cat cannot catch the disease from a person. The virus infects the immune system of the pet, causing its oppression, as a result of which the cat begins to get sick often and severely. Once the disease is diagnosed by a blood test, the animal is usually spayed immediately to prevent the risk of spreading the disease. A treatment is then applied that will stimulate the cat's immune system.

You need to understand that a pet after infection can live a completely fulfilling life if its owner follows all the recommendations of the veterinarian for its maintenance, gives medicines on time, and feeds the animal properly.

As in the case of humans, there is currently no effective cure for the immunodeficiency virus. But a cat - a carrier of the virus, can live a fairly long and happy life. For a cat that does not go outside, is spayed and kept alone in the house, the risk of infection is almost zero. Usually this virus infects cats more often than cats, usually cats aged 5-10 years old, with outdoor walking, get sick.

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