Toxoplasmosis in Cats & Dogs

What is toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is an infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a tiny single-celled parasite. Cats are the only animals in which the parasite completes its life cycle and makes eggs (oocysts) that pass out in faeces. Cats usually shed these eggs only for a short time after they are first infected.

Cats and dogs mostly become infected by eating raw meat, prey animals or anything soiled with infected cat faeces. Dogs can be infected but do not produce the eggs. Most infected cats and dogs never show signs. Illness is more likely in young animals and in those with a weak immune system.

Toxoplasmosis can pass to people, mostly from undercooked meat or from soil, water or food soiled with cat faeces, so wear gloves when handling litter, soil or samples, wash your hands well, and speak to a doctor if you feel unwell. Pregnant women should ask their doctor for advice.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Fever, tiredness and poor appetite
• Fast or hard breathing
• Red, cloudy or painful eyes
• Yellow gums or eyes (jaundice)
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Wobbly walking or fits (seizures)

In dogs, a related parasite, Neospora caninum, can cause very similar nerve and muscle signs, especially in puppies.

Which lab tests help

Toxoplasma IgG and Toxoplasma IgM are antibody tests, which look for the proteins the body makes against the parasite. IgG shows that the animal has met the parasite at some time and can stay positive for years. IgM may point to a more recent infection. Because antibodies alone cannot always show active disease, your vet may test IgG twice, a few weeks apart, to see whether the level is rising.

The Toxoplasma gondii RT-PCR looks for the parasite's genetic material in blood, body fluid or tissue, and helps when your vet needs to know whether the parasite is active. For cats, the Feline Toxoplasma (Rapid Test) is a quick kit test; the lab confirms the method when you book.

A routine stool test rarely finds Toxoplasma eggs, because cats shed them only briefly. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Liver Function Test (LFT) help show how the body is affected. In dogs with nerve or muscle signs, your vet may also check for Neospora with the Neospora caninum Antibody (ELISA).

A registered veterinarian interprets every result together with your pet's signs and history.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if your cat or dog has fever, breathing trouble, eye changes or weakness. Go the same day for fits or sudden wobbliness. If someone at home is pregnant or has a weak immune system, they should ask their doctor for advice.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab in Shahpura, Bhopal provides free sample collection anywhere in Bhopal. From other districts, samples can be sent through your local vet, by courier or by bus parcel; the lab coordinates by phone or WhatsApp on +91 88175 01118. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book. Reports come on WhatsApp, by email and in My Reports.