The disease is caused by a virus and is highl y contagious. It is most severe in young kittens and can cause profuse discharge from the eyes and nose. It is usually less fatal than rhinotracheitis or panleukopenia. The disease is caused by the organism chlamydia psittaci and can be complicated by associated bacterial infections. The disease, caused by a virus, can lead to tumor growth nearly anywhere in the body as well as a variety of other symptoms.
Infected cats are unable to resist other diseases and ma y die from associated infections.
Testing for the disease is recommended prior to initiating a vaccination program. Symptoms can include a swollen abdomen, chronic fever, anorexia, lethargy, weigh t loss, excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, paralysis, seizures, eye inflammation and blindness. Until the availability of the vaccine, the death toll reached a half a million cats each year. Vaccination Clinics Township Animal Hospital's vaccination clinics are held the second Saturday of each month.