Salmonellosis in cats is a fairly unknown and atypical disease, so at any sign of systemic or digestive disease, we should go to the vet to rule out that our cat suffers from it.
In this article on our site we are going to look at prevention and the symptoms that this infectious disease can cause, causing serious consequences for our feline companions and for us. Keep reading to learn more about salmonellosis in cats as well as its symptoms and treatment
What is salmonellosis?
Salmonellosis is a food poisoning involving bacteria belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family found in the intestinal tract of animals and humans. Although the incidence of salmonellosis in the feline species is low, its detection is very important due to its seriousness and its zoonotic potential (possible transmission to humans).
The main reservoir of Salmonella are poultry, cattle and pigs, therefore, they are important sources of infection meatof these animals, eggs and milk, in addition to the water of rivers and puddles and, therefore, of fruits and vegetables
Salmonellosis can be spread to cats by direct ingestion of these raw foods or by contact with raw food or surfaces that are contaminated and subsequently come into contact with the hands and mouth. Also through processed foods, if they are not properly preserved and exposed to insects or unsanitary conditions.
This bacterium is resistant to the pH of the stomach, bile s alts 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 it and it goes to the blood, producing a systemic infection and reaching the liver, spleen, etc.
Symptoms of salmonellosis in cats
Salmonella is eliminated through faeces into the environment and has a high resistance in it, therefore, special care must be taken if our cat has access abroad and therefore, the circumstances that lead to a toxin infection may occur. It should also be noted that there are cats asymptomatic and carriers of the bacteria, being a constant source of contagion.
It can also be transmitted by the airborne route, when it invades the tonsils and lungs. Young and immunosuppressed cats are more susceptible to infection.
Symptoms of salmonellosis in cats usually begin to appear within 12 hours or up to 3 days after ingestion of the bacteria and the feline could spend a maximum of 4 to 7 days without treatment. The most frequent symptoms are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloody diarrhea
- Fever
- Weightloss
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Apathy
- Shock
- Chronic intermittent diarrhea of the large intestine
Diagnosis and treatment
Other diseases that present with similar symptoms must be taken into account such as a metabolic or nutritional disease, a neoplasm, another infectious agent involved, etc. To carry out a correct differential diagnosis, the veterinarian will carry out a series of complementary tests. The most exact diagnosis will be carried out through a correct history and physical examination and the performance of a fecal cytology, PCR and culture
Until the results of the culture, according to the veterinarian's prescription, it will be decided to treat with antibiotics, in addition to symptomatic treatment (fluid therapy, antipyretics, anti-inflammatories, probiotics, etc.).
To end this article we would like to point out that the most effective way to prevent salmonellosis is to avoid feeding our cat raw food.
