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Salmonellosis in cats is a very unknown and atypical disease. For this reason, at any sign of systemic or digestive illness, you should go to your trusted veterinarian to rule out this possibility in your cat.
In this article from Animal Expert let's talk to you about preventing this disease as well as the symptoms. This disease can have serious consequences, both in our cats and in us humans. Read on to learn more about salmonella in cats,as well as her symptoms and treatments.
What is salmonellosis?
Salmonellosis it's food poisoning in which bacteria belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae that are found in the intestinal tract of animals and humans. Although the incidence of salmonellosis in feline species is low, early detection is very important due to its severity and zoonotic potential from it (possible transmission to man).
The main reservoirs of Salmonella are poultry, cattle and swine. For this reason, the main source of infection is the ingestion of meat from these animals, eggs and milk. In addition, water from rivers and lakes may also be contaminated, as well as some fruits and vegetables.
Salmonellosis can be transmitted to cats by direct ingestion of these raw foods or by contact with raw food. Another possibility is the contact with surfaces that are contaminated and that later come into contact with the animal's hands and mouth. Processed foods can also contain the bacteria if they are not properly preserved, exposed to insects and in unsanitary conditions.
this bacteria is resistant to ph stomach, bile salts and peristalsis. It colonizes the small intestine and invades the mesenteric lymph nodes, causing a localized infection. The intracellular defenses are not able to destroy the bacteria and it moves to the blood producing a systemic infection, which can be located in the liver, spleen, etc.
Salmonellosis symptoms in cats
Salmonella is eliminated through feces into the environment and has a high resistance. It is necessary to be especially careful if your cat has outdoors as the perfect circumstances for an infection with this bacterium may occur. It is also important to know that some cats are asymptomatic and carriers bacteria, being a source of constant contagion.
It can also be transmitted by air, when it invades the tonsils and lungs. You young cats and the immunocompromised are more likely to be infected.
Clinical signs of salmonellosis in cats begin around 12:00 or up to 3 days after ingestion of the bacteria. The feline can go a maximum of 4 to 7 days without treatment. The most frequent signs are:
- vomiting
- Diarrhea
- bloody diarrhea
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration (Check how to tell if the cat is dehydrated)
- Apathy
- Shock
- Chronic intermittent diarrhea of the large intestine
Diagnosis and treatment
It is necessary to take into account other diseases with similar symptoms such as metabolic, nutritional diseases, a neoplasm, another implicated infectious agent, etc. To perform a differential diagnosis correct, the veterinarian will do a series of additional tests. The most accurate diagnosis will be achieved through a correct anamnesis and physical exploration of the animal. Other necessary tests are to perform a fecal cytology, PCR and cultivation.
Until the results of the culture are obtained, as prescribed by the veterinarian, an antibiotic may be used. In addition, a symptomatic treatment (fluid therapy, antipyretics, anti-inflammatory drugs, probiotics, etc).
In closing, we want to point out that the most effective way to prevent salmonellosis is to prevent the cat from eating the foods mentioned above (meat, eggs, milk) raw.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.