Readers Respond: Have you had a zoonotic disease?

Some diseases, such as rabies, are fatal. Lyme disease is a serious illness with many potential outcomes. Others, such as ringworm and fleas are usually just irritations, but nonetheless a problem. Controlling parasites and practicing good hygiene reduce or eliminate many disease risks.

Have you experienced a zoonotic disease? Please share your experiences here. Share your experience

Cat Scratch Disease

In mid September '07, I had an extreme fugue episode that sent me, in a panic, to my doctor. He ran a battery of tests on me and noticed that I had also lost a substantial portion of my vision. I was referred to an ophthalmologist and a neurologist. Over time, I lost even more vision and developed severe headaches, neurological issues, and aphasia as well. In November of '08, I was sent to a Neuro-ophthalmologist who ran a more extreme battery of tests. It was discovered that I had an extremely high titer count of b. Henselae. AKA - Cat Scratch Disease. After 3 months of antibiotic therapy, (Cipro), I was cured of the bacteria. I am on my 10th straight month of prednisone treatment in hopes of taking the inflammation down in my optic nerve, but it is doubtful that my lost sight will be recovered. Some peolple laugh when I tell them that I had Cat Scratch Disease, but it can be a very, very serious illness - especially in adults. It had done a real number on me!

—Guest Mary

Tritrichomonas Foetus

A parasite somewhat similar in appearance to Giardia is tritrichomonas foetus. This is highly infectious and VERY difficult to eradicate. I purchased a Bengal and he brought this parasite with him, infecting my other cat. It has been a nightmare. Fortunately, I had read about this when researching inflammatory bowel disease. I insisted he be tested for it. My vet was not familiar with it and gave him sub-therapeutic treatment. We are now 7 months down the road and he has been treated several times, still testing positive. My only hope is now an alternative 3-drug regimen, as he is resistant to ronidazole, the drug of choice. Bottom line - if you purchase a Bengal, make sure he is tested and guaranteed negative for this parasite. If you own a cat that came from a cattery or shelter, and he cycles in and out of diarrhea, have him tested. The vets always think of giardia, but not this parasite.

—stinkeroo

Ringworm

I have had ringworm twice in my life and I totally attribute it to my mom's dog. I loved that dog (he's crossed the rainbow bridge now), but I was a bit peeved at him when I had to treat the ringworm. I just used an antifungal cream religiously until it cleared up.

—Guest Connie G.

Treating Giardia in my dog

My dog dealt with giardia when she was 2 or 3 and had all the obvious symptoms. The vet at the time told me that although they could control it, she would never truly be rid of it and would eventually die from it. It took about 6 months of treatment with traditional methods to get it under control. Years later, she drank some more infected water and showed the same obvious signs soon after. This time however, I treated her homeopathically with the Giardia Vibropathic Liquid from Hannah's Herb Shop in Boulder, CO and all symptoms were completely gone in 24 hours. She has never had a return. Obviously this is an alternative therapy, but every time I've used homeopathy on my pets (as well as acupuncture) the results have been astonishing.

—Guest Jordan Leigh