Cats are susceptible to numerous diseases, and all of them deserve adequate attention, even if some of them are only mild. This is the case of bordetella, whose clinical picture is not very serious but if it is not treated it can get complicated and be fatal for our pet.
Also, in this case, we are referring to a disease that is infectious and therefore, if left untreated, can spread easilyto other felines, to other dogs if your cat lives with them and even to human beings, since it is a zoonosis. In this AnimalWised article we talk about bordetella in cats and we show you its symptoms and treatment.
What is bordetella?
The name of this disease refers to the bacteria that is responsible for it, called Bordetella bronchiseptica, whichcolonizes the upper respiratory tract of the feline, causing a very diverse symptomatology. As we already mentioned, it is also possible to find bordetella in dogs, even in humans, although statistical data show that humans are rarely affected by this bacterium.
All cats can suffer from bordetella although it is much more common in those cats that live with other domestic felines in overcrowded conditions, for For example, in an animal shelter. The cat's body is responsible for eliminating this bacteria through oral and nasal secretions and it is through these same secretions that another cat can be infected.
What are the symptoms of bordetella in cats?
This bacterium affects the respiratory tract and consequently all the symptoms that may appear are related to this device. The clinical picture can vary from cat to cat, although bordetella usually causes the following problems:
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Fever
- Eye discharge
- Respiratory distress
In cases where there are complications, such as in kittens under 10 weeks, bordetella can cause severe pneumonia and even death. If you detect any of these symptoms in your cat you should urgently go to the vet
Diagnosis of bordetella in cats
After performing a physical examination of the cat, the veterinarian can use different techniques to confirm the presence of bordetella. Generally, these diagnostic techniques consist of extracting samples of infected tissue to later verify that it is that specific bacterium that is causing the disease.
Treatment of bordetella in cats
The treatment will also vary depending on each cat, although generally antibiotic treatment will always be used, and in those cats most affected, it may be necessary hospitalization with intensive care and intravenous fluids to counteract dehydration.
Remember that you should always dedicate time and observation to your pet, since when noticing any of these symptoms speed is very important. The further the disease progresses, the worse its prognosis may be.
