Salmonellosis in cats is a very unknown and atypical disease, for this reason, in case of signs of systemic or digestive disease, you should consult your trusted veterinarian to rule out this possibility in your cat.
In this article by Animal Expert we will talk about the prevention of this disease, as well as the symptoms, which can have serious consequences, both in our cats and in humans.Read on to learn more about salmonella in cats, as well as its symptoms and treatments.
- Salmonellosis is a food poisoning in which bacteria belonging to the family of enterobacteria are involved in the intestinal tract of animals and humans.
- Although the incidence of salmonellosis in felines is low.
- Early detection is very important due to its severity and zoonotic potential (possible transmission to humans).
Salmonella reservoirs are poultry, cattle and pigs, so the main source of contagion is the ingestion of meat from these animals, eggs and milk, in addition, the water of rivers and lakes can also be contaminated, as well as some fruits and vegetables.
Salmonellosis can be transmitted to cats by eating these raw foods directly or through contact with raw foods.Another possibility is contact with contaminated surfaces that then come into contact with the animal’s hands and mouth.Processed foods can also contain bacteria if they are not properly conserved, exposed to insects and in poor sanitary conditions.
This bacterium is resistant to the pH of the stomach, bile salts and peristalsis; colonizes the small intestine and invades the mesenteric lymph nodes, causing a localized infection; intracellular defenses are not able to destroy bacteria and bacteria enter the bloodstream producing a systemic infection, which can be located in the liver, spleen, etc.
Salmonella is eliminated by faeces in the environment and has a high resistance, it is necessary to take special care if your cat has access to the outside as there may be ideal circumstances for infection by this bacteria.It is also important to know that some cats are asymptomatic and carrier of the bacteria, a constant source of contagion.
It can also be transmitted by air, in case of invasion of the tonsils and lungs.Young cats and immunosuppressed cats are more likely to become infected.
Clinical signs of salmonellosis in cats begin around 12 p.m.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 common signs are:
It is necessary to take into account other diseases with similar symptoms, such as metabolic and nutritional diseases, a neoplasm, another infectious agent involved, etc.To make a correct differential diagnosis, the veterinarian will perform a series of additional tests.The most accurate diagnosis will be made through a correct history and a physical exploration of the animal.Another necessary evidence is a fecal cytology, PCR and culture.
Until the results of the culture prescribed by the veterinarian are obtained, an antibiotic may be used, in addition symptomatic treatment (fluid therapy, antipyretics, anti-inflammatory, probiotics, etc.) will be performed.
Finally, we would like to point out that the most effective way to prevent salmonellosis is to prevent the cat from ingesting the foods we mentioned above (meat, eggs, milk) raw.
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis, we suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any condition or discomfort.
If you would like to read articles similar to, we recommend that you visit our Bacterial Diseases section.