Tetratrichomonas felistomae

From Felipedia

Tetratrichomonas felistomae are a rare oral oral parasite of cats, usually in co-morbid cases of FIV, FeLV, FIP or gingivitis.

Life cycle

Tetratrichomonas felistomae trophozoites are about 10 μm long and 3 to 4 μm wide. An undulating membrane (three undulations) runs along one side of the body, and in the original description, the undulating membrane ends in a free flagellum that is about equal in length to that portion attached to the undulating membrane[1].

Trichomonads move with a rapid and jerking mortion caused by flagellar movement. There is no cyst stage, and transmission from cat to cat is by direct contact. Disease

Treatment

Improved oral hygiene should reduce the possibility that trichomonads are present in the mouths of cats.