How To Get Rid Of Liver Flukes In Cats

What is Liver Fluke Infestation?

The cat liver fluke is a hepatic fluke, which ways information technology affects the bile duct, minor intestines, pancreatic duct and liver. Without handling, liver fluke tin can be fatal. Outdoor cats and feral cats who chase are more susceptible to contracting the fluke.

Liver fluke infestation in cats occurs when the Opisthorchis felineus, or cat liver fluke, infects the cat from a secondary host. The parasite lives in warm, freshwater lakes and rivers in subtropical areas, such equally Hawaii, Florida, Cardinal America, parts of Asia, Italy and eastern Europe. The pocket-sized parasite typically start infests cyprinid fishes and snails. Other animals, such every bit frogs, lizards or larger fish, eat the infected fish or snail, becoming the second intermediate host. When the cat eats the second intermediate host, it becomes infected with the parasite.

Liver Fluke Infestation Average Cost

From 412 quotes ranging from $200 - $500

Average Cost

$250

Symptoms of Liver Fluke Infestation in Cats

Most cats with cat liver fluke present with no symptoms (asymptomatic). When cats become heavily infected, however, they may brandish the following symptoms:

Diarrhea that may contain mucus
Vomiting
Loss of appetite (anorexia)
Severe weight loss (emaciation)
Fever
Enlarged liver
Distended abdomen
Jaundice
Generalized disability

Elevation

Causes of Liver Fluke Infestation in Cats

Liver fluke infestation is acquired when an infected true cat passes feces that contains the embryonated eggs that have fully-adult miracidium, or larvae. These eggs are then consumed by a snail, where the miracidia emerge from the eggs and enter the snail's intestine. The larvae, now know as cercariae, are released from the snail, and they are consumed by a larger fish, frog or lizard. When an outdoor cat hunts and eats these animals, the cercariae enter and dwell in the upper digestive tract and bile ducts. It takes approximately eight weeks for the parasite to mature and shed eggs, which then pass into the cat'due south feces, perpetuating the bicycle. Cats who live in tropical and subtropical areas and who live outdoors are most likely to contract the parasite. It is estimated that 15 to 85 percentage of cats who live in infested areas accept contracted the parasite at some betoken in their lives.

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Diagnosis of Liver Fluke Infestation in Cats

The veterinarian will need to know the cat'due south complete health history, what symptoms are present and when symptoms first began. True cat liver fluke is oft suspected with cats who live in areas where the fluke dwells, are allowed to get outdoors, and present with typical symptoms. The veterinary will run routine labs, such as a biochemical profile, complete blood count, and a urinalysis. These labs can help the veterinarian determine how the liver is functioning and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

The veterinarian volition confirm the diagnosis of cat liver fluke by taking a sample of the bile or liver tissue. These samples will be sent to the lab in order to wait for the presence of the fluke. The veterinarian may as well have a stool sample in order to look for fluke eggs in the feces. Considering information technology takes eight weeks for the parasite to mature and pass eggs, all the same, the cat could potentially become very ill past the time eggs are present in the feces.

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Handling of Liver Fluke Infestation in Cats

Fluid Therapy

Cats who are dehydrated as a result of vomiting and diarrhea will need to exist hospitalized in order to receive intravenous fluid therapy. The veterinarian will monitor the cat'south labs during fluid therapy to ensure they are existence well-received by the true cat's body.

Feeding Tube

If the cat is unable to eat, a feeding tube may exist inserted directly into the cat's intestines. This feeding tube will exist placed through the true cat's nose or via a modest incision in the esophagus.

Medications

The veterinarian will prescribe a medication, such as fenbendazole or praziquantel, to kill the parasitic worms. If the cat is hospitalized, this medication will be given intravenously. Cats who are being treated an outpatient basis will receive an oral medication. Vitamin D may be given to the cat intravenously to assist promote healing. The veterinarian may also identify the true cat on an antibiotic in lodge to forestall infections from occurring.

Surgery

On rare occasions, the parasite can block the cat'southward bile ducts, preventing the bile from inbound the modest intestine to aid in digestion. In this case, surgery may exist necessary to clear the bile ducts.

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Recovery of Liver Fluke Infestation in Cats

The cat will demand to follow up with the veterinary for the monitoring of liver enzyme levels. Because liver fluke can cause carcinomas in the liver or pancreas, it is important to scout for symptoms of these weather condition, such every bit loss of appetite, weight loss, and jaundice. With prompt handling, most cats recover completely from liver fluke infestation.

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