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Bobcat fever, a disease that could kill your furry friend
Posted: 06.25.2011 at 4:35 PM
Meghan Lane

Meghan is a Live at Sunrise anchor.

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Ever heard of Bobcat Fever?

 

It's a quick-spreading disease among the cat population, and it can be deadly.

 

Its Saturday's Facebook Story of the Day.

 

The clinical name is Cytauxzoon but it's more more commonly known as Bobcat Fever.

 

It's a disease that can kill a cat within hours.

 

"It's the tick that bites the bobcat and sucks up the blood and then gives it to a domestic cat," veterinarian Ellen Ratcliff said.

 

Ratcliff saw about 30 cases last summer.

 

Now she's part of a study along with the University of Missouri and is looking for treatments and some are working.

 

"We save more than the ones that don't make it at this point in time which is good news," Ratcliff said.

 

If your cat is lethargic, panting, howling, if you see the cat's 'third eyelid' protruding, if his gums and ears appear yellow, get to a vet quickly.

 

Ratcliff said you should remove ticks, and try preventive measures like Frontline to keep them away.

 

Bottom line, if your cat stays outside at all, keep a close eye on it.

 

(KOLR's Joy Robertston contributed to this story.)

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