Cat gecko disease, or feline platyinosomiasis, is a little-known disease that can lead to a number of health complications in cats. The condition is so named because contamination occurs after the cat eats a gecko contaminated with a parasite. But what does cat gecko disease cause in cats? The Paws of the House explains how this disease manifests itself in the kitten and what are its dangers to the cat's health. Check it out!

What is lizard disease?

Gecko disease is caused by a parasite that passes through three hosts in one cycle. It all starts when an infected kitten releases the eggs of the disease-causing worm through its faeces. These eggs end up entering the snail, which is the first intermediate host. After a month or so, these eggs multiply and return to the environment, and are then ingested byThe lizards eat these insects and the worms then become lodged inside them, so when the cat eats an infected lizard, lizard or frog, it contracts the disease for itself, starting the cycle all over again.

Lizard disease in cats: symptoms vary according to the amount of worms in the body

Symptoms of gecko disease in cats may start out mild and worsen over time. Once the cat has eaten contaminated gecko, the worms enter the body. Depending on the amount of parasites, the intensity of the symptoms varies. Some cats may even be asymptomatic or show signs common to several other health problems. The most common symptoms are thecat with diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss, listlessness and anaemia. In the case of a more intense infestation, the symptoms of lizard disease in cats become more dangerous as other parts of the body are affected.

Lizard disease can lead to serious liver problems

The organ most affected by gecko disease in cats is the liver, as this is one of the parasite's preferred places to lodge. When the cat eats infected gecko and acquires platyinosomosis, it begins to show symptoms typical of liver disease. One of the most frequent problems in pussies infected with platyinosomosis is hepatomegaly, a condition characterized by an increase in the liver'sThis overgrowth of the organ is dangerous as it can result in liver failure.

Gecko disease in cats can also result in problems with the ducts and gallbladder. Another very common condition in gecko disease is ascites in cats, which is when there is an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and consequently swelling in the area.

Yellowing skin and mucous membranes are symptoms of lizard disease in cats

In cats with gecko disease, the symptoms are very similar to those of liver diseases, such as feline hepatic lipidosis. One of the first signs that an animal shows when its liver is not functioning properly is yellowish mucous membranes, a condition called jaundice in cats. It is common for a cat infected with gecko disease to have skin, the roof of the mouth, gums, and the skin of the mouth.The explanation for this different colouring lies in the excess of a yellow pigment called bilirubin in the blood. In a healthy animal, this pigment passes through the liver, whereas in a cat with lizard disease or suffering from liver disease, the liver cannot process the bilirubin properly.

Lizard disease in cats: rapid treatment is key

Lizard disease is curable, but treatment is usually more effective with early diagnosis. Treatment of feline platyhinosomiasis is done with the use of specific dewormers. They are specially formulated for this type of problem. Therefore, other types of cat dewormers will not cure lizard disease. The cat may also need supportive treatment, such as serum or other medications.medicines that help the liver and gallbladder to recover.