Accepted Answer

Hello again, and thanks for your reply.

T. Foetus is possible, but because the symptoms are often similar to Giardia, due to the fact that it's also a 'protozoal' infection, the meds for the Giardia would not eradicate it. A recent study has shown that administration of Ronidazole (30 mg/kg PO twice daily for two weeks) is effective in both resolving diarrhea and eradicating T. foetus. Recently, several compounding pharmacies have started offering ronidazole. Some examples are Diamondback Drugs (phone: 1-866-646-2223; www.diamondbackdrugs.com), Pet Health Pharmacy (phone: 1-800-742-0516), Abrams Royal Pharmacy (phone: 1-800-458-0804), Westlab Pharmacy (phone: 1-800-493-7852), and Creative Compounding (phone: 1-800-672-2177), but other compounding pharmacies may also carry ronidazole. Ask your vet to test for this, and if the test is positive, treatment with Ronidazole should help eradicate it.

From: https://www.cvm.tamu.edu/gilab/assays/Tritrichomonas.shtml

"When evaluating feline patients with diarrhea it is essential to include infectious etiologies on the list of differential diagnoses. One such infectious organism is Tritrichomonas foetus, a flagellated protozoal parasite that is usually associated with venereal trichomoniasis in cattle. Recently, T. foetus has also been identified as an intestinal pathogen in cats. Diarrhea has been reported in cats after both experimental and natural infection. Although the true prevalence of T. foetus infection in cats is unknown, it is suspected to be relatively high. In one study, 31% of 117 cats examined at an international cat show were found to be infected with T. foetus.

While cats of any age, breed, or sex can be infected, young cats that are densely housed (e.g., cats in catteries, animal shelters, or multi-cat households) seem to be at increased risk. Infection is most commonly seen in young cats (i.e., those that are less than 12 months of age) but older cats may also be infected. T. foetus primarily colonizes the surface of the colonic mucosa, leading to chronic large bowel diarrhea. Without appropriate treatment cats usually remain persistently infected. While diarrhea may spontaneously resolve, cats will often experience recurrent bouts of diarrhea after being exposed to stress. Cats infected with T. foetus generally appear healthy but show an increased frequency of defecation with loose to liquid stools, which may contain blood and/or mucus. Fecal incontinence is frequently observed. The anal region often appears edematous and may become painful with severe diarrhea. A rectal prolapse may occur in some cases."

As you can see, this infection is usually common in cats who are housed together in shelter type environments, but this is not the case for your kitty. However, it's possible that the flies and crickets could be carriers, especially if they contact other cats and/or if you are in an area with ranches, farms, etc., which have cattle.

Testing for this by your vet, would be a good next step.

Cher

Expert:	Jessesmom
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Answered:	8/18/2009

Pet Caregiver 40+ yrs

Pet Caregiver over 40 yrs. Specialist in pet behavior and health concerns.