Salmonellosis in cats: symptoms and treatment Poisoning.ru

Description

1-2 month old kittens, whose immune system has not yet developed well enough, are at greatest risk of contracting salmonellosis.
To avoid infection, it is recommended to give vitamin preparations to kittens of this age. Salmonellosis can occur in the following forms:

Acute - characterized by an increase in temperature up to 40 degrees, the occurrence of vomiting, diarrhea, and tearing of the eyes.
Subacute, in which the temperature rises above 40 degrees. The animal is lethargic and refuses to eat, which leads to severe exhaustion and death within a week after infection. A symptom of the subacute form is also watery stools, sometimes mixed with blood.
Chronic - considered the most severe form. It is accompanied by alternating attacks of diarrhea and constipation. 3-4 weeks after infection, the pet may die.

The pathogen is small rods, the length of which does not exceed 4 microns. In drinking water they remain viable for 10-120 days, in soil - 9-10 months, in room dust - up to 18 months.

Reproduction of microorganisms occurs in the small intestine. They penetrate through the bloodstream and lymph flow into parenchymal organs, where they multiply again. Their breakdown leads to the release of endotoxins. By affecting the body, they cause poisoning and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Causes

The main source of infection is raw poultry and farm animals that suffered from salmonellosis. You can become infected by consuming meat cat food, blood meat and bone meal, or cow's milk containing salmonella bacilli. Animals walking on the street or living in private homes are often infected by eating carrier mice.

Cats can carry the disease but not show symptoms. By releasing pathogens into the environment along with excrement, the carrier cat becomes a source of infection for other animals, and sometimes even humans. Salmonellosis during pregnancy leads to intrauterine infection of kittens and miscarriage. There is a danger of stillbirth or litter death during the first 1-10 days of life.

Predisposing factors that increase the likelihood of infection are:

Failure to comply with basic hygiene rules for keeping pets.
Presence of colds.
The presence of an inflammatory process in the gastrointestinal tract caused by improper feeding.
Severe helminthic infestation.
The period of teeth change in small kittens.
The period of transition of a kitten from breast milk to independent food of unsatisfactory quality.

Sources of salmonellosis infection in cats

The main way cats become infected with the disease is through eating raw, unheated meat. Furry animals living on the street, with a lack of vitamins, tend to eat the feces of other animals, which can be toxic. If your pet lives in a private house and always tries to dig through the waste, do not let her do this - feed her plenty and scold her for digging in the trash. Another danger of salmonellosis infection is when cats lick biological waste, this happens in close proximity to chemical plants.

Symptoms

Salmonellosis in cats manifests itself differently and depends on the age of the pet. Kittens are characterized by rapid and acute development of the disease. In adults, it can take a sluggish form, in which there is a general malaise similar to mild poisoning.

In young cats, symptoms of the pathology appear 1-3 days after infection. The disease is accompanied by a sharp increase in temperature to 41 degrees, severe diarrhea and vomiting. Vomit has a viscous consistency; before vomiting, the cat releases a large amount of saliva.

The stool has a foul odor, contains blood, and is sometimes colored black due to the digestion of blood. A significant increase in temperature may be accompanied by the development of seizures.

Types of Feline Salmonellosis

The degree of damage by salmonellosis is distinguished depending on the age of the pet, the body’s resistance to pathogenic microorganisms and the pathogenicity of the pathogen, into 3 types:

Spicy. There is a refusal of food, an irritable state, followed by a change to depression. Throughout the entire period of illness, the body temperature remains within 41-42 degrees, while the eyes water and droop. Vomiting and diarrhea may be present. Death in coma occurs on the second day.
Subacute. An upset stomach and intestines occurs, the body temperature reaches 40 degrees, there is also a decrease in appetite or its absence, and a sad state. The feces are liquid with bloody impurities. With severe exhaustion, the animal dies on the seventh day of illness.
Chronic. All signs in the chronic course are similar to subacute, with the only addition being a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood and purulent inflammation of the eyes. With severe exhaustion, the animal dies 2 weeks after the onset of the disease.

Some funny cats

When trying to palpate the abdomen, the cat actively resists due to severe pain. By releasing toxins, salmonella increase the permeability of the intestinal walls, which leads to the penetration of pathogenic and opportunistic flora into the bloodstream.

Other symptoms of salmonellosis include:

The presence of purulent discharge on the nose and eyes.
Heavy breathing associated with rapidly developing bronchopneumonia. Possible cough.
Refusal to eat.
Complete apathy to what is happening around.

Sick cats tend to avoid contact with people and other animals. They are irritated by bright light, so they always lie in dark places. The development of cough and severe respiratory failure indicates the imminent death of the cat.

The danger of the disease and its clinical manifestations

It is important to remember that salmonellosis is an anthropozoonosis. Simply put, by squeezing your furry, you yourself can become infected. The danger of this infection also lies in the fact that at least a third of cats (and dogs) do not show any symptoms at all, being classic carriers. If the infection “attacks” a cat with a weak immune system, then its manifestations will definitely not take long to appear. What are the symptoms of salmonellosis in cats?

Here are the main ones:

Severe fever of intermittent type.

Poor appetite or complete absence of it.

Coma or lethargy.

Severe profuse diarrhea, with feces often black from digested blood.

Whenever you try to feel the stomach, the cat immediately begins to hiss and otherwise express its displeasure.

Rapid development of sepsis. This is due to the fact that Salmonella toxins greatly increase the permeability of the intestinal walls, as a result of which pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora can enter the general bloodstream.

This disease is especially dangerous if it affects kittens. They very quickly fall into apathy, their eyes droop literally within a few hours, their body temperature rises sharply, profuse diarrhea may begin, but diarrhea is not recorded in all cases of salmonellosis.

Laboratory diagnostic methods

To make a diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a bacteriological examination of stool for the presence of salmonella. In dead animals, secretions from parenchymal organs are examined.

Since the pathogen is not always detected in feces, additional methods are used to confirm or refute the diagnosis - microscopic, serological, biochemical blood and urine tests.

Treatment

Lack of timely and adequate treatment leads to rapid progression of the disease. Therefore, if you suspect salmonellosis, you should urgently call a veterinarian. After confirming the diagnosis, he will prescribe the necessary medications and give recommendations regarding the further behavior of the owner of the sick cat.

During the first 1-3 days of treatment, you should not try to feed your pet. During this period, it is important to ensure that there is always a bowl of clean, fresh water near him. If necessary, the doctor will inject the cat with anti-toxic anti-salmonella serum with antibodies against certain types of pathogens.

First aid

First of all, the animal is prescribed medications to eliminate acute diarrhea and combat the pathogen. The following medications are used:

Antibiotics and drugs of the sulfonamide group (Biseptol, Sulfalen, Oxytetracycline, Levomycetin). The course of antibiotic therapy is 7-10 days.
Furazolidine is an antimicrobial agent with antiprotozoal action. It is used both for the treatment and prevention of salmonellosis, trichomoniasis, and eimeriosis.
Antihistamines and glucocorticoids - the action of such drugs is aimed at protecting the liver from antibiotics.

Basic treatment

Along with the use of medications, treatment of symptoms of salmonellosis in cats includes the organization of proper nutrition and proper housing conditions.

When the animal’s condition has stabilized, the animal begins to be fed with pureed vegetables, boiled rice, and special food recommended by the veterinarian. After 3-5 days, when the cat is confidently recovering, its diet includes boiled chicken, liver, fish, and cereals. Instead of milk, it is recommended to use acidophilic yogurt.

To increase the body's defenses, the doctor prescribes vitamin complexes to the cat. The dosage and method of administration of such medications depends on the age of the pet.

Causes of development and sources of infection

After entering the body, the causative agents of salmonellosis begin to multiply and poison the host with the products of their vital activity - endotoxins. As a result, an inflammatory process occurs in the intestines.

Toxins accumulate in the body and affect the vessels of the intestinal wall, increasing its permeability. If the cat's body has insufficient resistance, endotoxins:

cause areas of hemorrhage on the mucous membranes;
provoke degenerative changes in organs - intestines, liver, kidneys, spleen;
penetrate the body’s lymphatic system and general bloodstream, causing the development of sepsis - blood poisoning;
affects all organs and systems - the brain, joints, lungs.

When bacteria infect all organs and tissues of the body, liver, kidney, and pulmonary failure develops and the death of the animal occurs.

The incubation period after infection ranges from several days to three weeks. The appearance of the first signs of manifestation may be acute or resemble the malaise of mild poisoning. It depends on the age of the pet. The infection is extremely dangerous for kittens, as they tolerate it extremely hard and can die on the second day of illness.

The disease is extremely contagious. If there are other pets in the house besides the cat, they must be isolated. In dogs, the symptoms that occur when infected are the same.

The course of the disease, its severity and the form of salmonellosis depend on the stability of the cat’s immunity.

Forms of the disease

There are acute forms of the disease, subacute and chronic.

The acute form develops when a large number of bacteria - pathogens and their toxins - enter the body. It is characterized by:

a rapid rise in temperature to very high levels. It remains high throughout the entire period of illness;
complete refusal of food;
almost continuous watery diarrhea, vomiting;
purulent discharge from the eyes and nose;

Vomiting is preceded by hypersalivation. Feces may contain blood and mucus.

Prevention

To prevent an animal from becoming infected with salmonellosis, healthy cats should not be allowed to come into contact with sick ones. It is necessary to regularly disinfect the premises, equipment, and care items.

To prevent the disease, it is important to provide adequate nutrition, carry out timely treatment of colds, gastrointestinal pathologies, and periodically use anthelmintic medications.

Animals that walk outside, eat mice, and often consume fresh meat must undergo timely vaccination. It is also necessary to vaccinate small kittens under 2 months of age.

To prevent human infection, after contact with a sick animal, you must thoroughly wash your hands and follow other sanitary and hygienic rules. If there are children in the family, they should not be allowed to interact with a sick cat.

Salmonellosis in cats is an infectious disease that affects the gastrointestinal system. Mostly kittens aged 1 to 2 months are affected, but in some cases the infection is also diagnosed in adult animals. Signs of salmonellosis are similar to manifestations of severe poisoning, helminthic infestation, and other infectious and viral diseases. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, based on the clinical picture and laboratory diagnostics. It is difficult to recognize the disease on your own. In the absence of qualified treatment, infected cats and kittens die from severe intoxication and exhaustion of the body.

Prevention of salmonellosis

Protect your cat from contact with yard animals.
Heat treat food (meat, eggs).
Purchase high-quality premium food.
Maintain proper hygiene for cats and kittens.
Animals sick with salmonellosis should be kept away from other animals, people, especially children.

Salmonellosis belongs to a group of diseases of infectious origin that affect not only people, but also many species of animals. Salmonellosis in cats is too dangerous, since the disease affects not only the respiratory system, but also develops fever, gastroenteritis, and symptoms of poisoning. The age category most often affected is 1-2 month old kittens. Adults get sick much less frequently because they have developed immunity over several years.

Owners of four-legged friends should remember that salmonellosis is transmitted from cat to person, so precautions must be taken when caring for and treating an infected animal. Regularly treating your pet's area with disinfectants and thoroughly washing your hands with soap after each interaction with your pet will help prevent the transmission of infection.

Sick cats are kept separately from healthy pets, care items and equipment of infected cats are disinfected

Pregnant and lactating females are provided with high-quality food, kittens are introduced to new complementary foods with great care and gradually

Salmonellosis is a serious infectious disease that poses a mortal danger to your four-legged friend. If you suspect a cat has a gastrointestinal disorder, you cannot hope that the ailment will go away on its own; you need to check the cat for salmonellosis. Only timely contact with a specialist will help avoid the death of your pet.

The main requirements for the prevention of salmonellosis in cats are the use of good quality food and compliance with hygienic requirements for keeping animals.

When feeding your cat, you should choose only safe foods. Raw meat, which is the main source of infection, can be given to a cat only after heat treatment: Salmonellosis, which tolerates low temperatures well, dies in 10 minutes at 80° C. Instead of milk, it is better to give kittens acidophilic yogurt.

To prevent your cat from contracting salmonellosis, limit its contact with outdoor animals. An effective measure for the prevention of salmonellosis is the extermination of rodents in the garden: mice, moles and rats can, while remaining healthy, be carriers of the infection.

Concept and causes of disease

The causative agent of salmonellosis is Escherichia coli, which belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family and has more than 1,500 serotypes, but only 3 types of Salmonella are dangerous for the cat family. Escherichia coli is very mobile, the length of the bacterium is from 1 to 4 microns, it does not have capsules or spores. In the external environment, Salmonella is relatively stable: in water, soil and manure, the microorganism retains its viability for about 1 year. At low temperatures, Salmonella can remain active for up to 4 months. Disinfectants destroy the infectious agent within 1 hour.

The source of the causative agent of salmonellosis is meat and dairy products from sick farm animals or birds. Often the infection is contained in the egg of a waterfowl; in rare cases, healthy animals become infected from Salmonella-carrying cats that excrete E. coli along with their feces.

Salmonellosis in cats can occur during pregnancy, resulting in abortions and stillbirths. If sick kittens are born, their death occurs within a few days. Predisposing factors for the disease are considered to be:

feeding low-quality foods that cause prolonged diarrhea,
respiratory and gastrointestinal infections,
decrease in the body's protective properties,
change of baby teeth,
worms.

Attention! Poor living conditions increase the risk of salmonellosis, especially if there are a large number of animals in one room.

Natural cat food

Question: I am afraid to give my cat raw meat and chicken eggs due to the risk of salmonellosis. Is it true that raw quail eggs are safer than chicken eggs, since quails have a higher body temperature and salmonellosis is killed in them?

Questions about salmonellosis in relation to feeding raw foods to pets come up extremely often. However, contrary to popular belief, salmonellosis is not a high risk factor when feeding cats raw foods.

95% of cats, including wild cats from zoos or private collections, have Salmonella representatives in their intestines. Of the cats tested positive for salmonella, more than 90% showed no clinical signs of illness. All of these cats also showed no signs of illness over the next year. (Clyde et al., 1997).

These results indicate the ability of carnivores, especially cats, to harbor Salmonella as part of their gastrointestinal flora, an evolutionary adaptation of a predator that is constantly forced to ingest a certain dose of pathogens contained in its raw prey.

Although the cat's intestinal tract is a reservoir for Salmonella (Carlson et al., 2012), its short length, rapid passage of food through it, and low gastric pH (ph = 1) allow cats to shed Salmonella into the external environment through feces while remaining asymptomatic.

Therefore, in theory, even if salmonella does not threaten a cat, it can still infect people through contact with cat waste products, which is why it is so important to follow hygiene rules when handling the tray, kitchen surfaces, dishes and feeding areas. To date, there have been no reported cases of salmonellosis in humans directly associated with feeding raw meat diets to domestic animals (Finley et al., 2006).

But from dry food you can get salmonellosis for the whole family:

A salmonellosis outbreak occurred in the United States from 2006 to 2008, infecting 79 people in 21 states, half of them children under two years of age. As it turned out, cats or dogs lived in the homes of many sick people. Employees of the infection control centers examined the food of these animals, and in some samples they found that same harmful salmonella. Further investigation revealed that one of the premises of the factory, where the feed was sprayed with flavor and odor enhancers before packaging, was contaminated with salmonella. The company at fault returned all of its products from stores and closed the business.

And this is not an isolated case.

Separately, I want to talk about quail eggs. I often see the statement that it is supposedly better to give your cat raw quail eggs rather than chicken eggs, since quails do not get salmonellosis due to their high body temperature.

But this is a myth and a fallacy.

The body temperature of quails and chickens is the same: 41-42° C, and salmonella die at temperatures of 60° C and above. Quails can suffer from pullorosis (a disease from the group of salmonellosis, to which chickens, turkeys, pheasants, and guinea fowl are also susceptible), caused by Salmonella pullorum and S. gallinarum. In humans, these bacteria rarely cause mild foodborne illnesses. But in quail eggs, as in the eggs of other poultry, Salmonella enteritidis can be found (S. enteritidis is one of the main pathogens that causes severe foodborne illnesses in humans).

From the point of view of salmonellosis, it makes no difference whose eggs you give: chicken or quail. Quail ones are perhaps more convenient in size, since chicken ones may be too large for one serving.

Let's summarize. The high acidity of the gastric juice, combined with a short digestive tract and the evolutionary adaptation of cats to eat raw flesh of varying degrees of bacterial contamination, allows cats not to worry too much about salmonella. Salmonella even lives in cats' intestines as a natural part of the microflora. Yes, salmonellosis can be potentially dangerous for them if the pathogenicity is very high or if the animal is severely weakened, but in practice, few have seen a cat with salmonellosis.

Cats get sick from salmonellosis casuistically rarely - read that never. To minimize the risks for people living near cats is to wash their hands after using the toilet, wash eggs with soap before preparing anything from them, and do not buy eggs from hand or from unverified strangers.

If you still have questions, you can contact us for a paid on-line consultation. To do this, write to us by email: [email protected]

Signs of salmonellosis in cats

Penetrating into the animal’s body, the infectious agent rapidly multiplies, releasing endotoxins (waste products). As a result, inflammation forms on the intestinal mucosa. The incubation period from the moment of infection ranges from 3 days to 3 weeks, depending on the type of pathogen and the state of the cat’s immune system.

There are 3 stages of the disease, in which the symptoms of salmonellosis in cats vary significantly:

Acute – characterized by a strong jump in body temperature (up to 42ᵒC), nervous excitement, and complete refusal of food. Small kittens lose motor activity and constantly lie down. Animals' organs of vision become watery and sunken. Diarrhea and vomiting may occur. After 2 days the animal falls into a coma and dies.
Subacute – accompanied by severe digestive upset. The cat refuses food, there is bloody diarrhea and elevated body temperature (up to 41ᵒC). Salmonellosis in cats can be complicated by bronchopneumonia, in which case the animal experiences breathing problems and wheezing in the lungs. Sick pets die after 1-2 weeks from severe exhaustion.
Chronic - has the same signs as the subacute stage, however, the death of the cat occurs 1 month after the onset of the disease. The chronic course is accompanied by purulent conjunctivitis and severe anemia.

Info! In some cases, the pathology occurs as a toxic infection (poisoning). With this form of the disease, the signs of salmonellosis in cats are less pronounced. Animals experience temporary indigestion, diarrhea (short-term), decreased interest in food, and a state of general depression.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection in Cats

The period from the entry of pathogenic Salmonella bacilli into the body until the onset of characteristic symptoms can vary from 3 days to 3 weeks. The characteristic symptoms of salmonellosis in cats also vary depending on the type of disease. Quite often, salmonellosis occurs in the form of toxic infection in animals, which makes it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis.

The strength and nature of the signs of the disease also depend on the degree of infectivity of the pathogenic bacillus and the general resistance of the body. In veterinary medicine, there are several types of salmonellosis, characterized by their own specific disorders:

The acute course of the disease is characterized by the animal’s refusal to eat and increased excitability, in some cases even aggressiveness. Body temperature increases to 42 degrees and can remain at this level until the end of the acute phase. Due to their natural characteristics, small kittens are difficult to tolerate infectious diseases; they lie down more and try not to move. They experience profuse diarrhea mixed with blood and eruption of gastric contents. As a rule, if assistance is not provided in a timely manner, kittens die on the third day, being in a comatose state.
The subacute course is characterized by a sharp disruption of the digestive tract. Fecal masses lose their shape, become liquid, and mucus and streaks of blood are often present. Body temperature increases, the animal refuses to eat, becomes lethargic and apathetic. A subacute complication of salmonellosis, manifested by a disorder in the respiratory system, is possible. The cat has pronounced signs of difficulty breathing, wheezing when inhaling or exhaling, and inflammation of the lungs and bronchial tree develops. Some cats may become overly aggressive, possibly causing nervous disorders. Animals with weak immunity die after 1-2 weeks in the absence of adequate treatment. The main cause of death is dehydration and extensive hemorrhages of internal organs.
The chronic form of salmonellosis has similar symptoms to the subacute course. The animal has profuse diarrhea, followed by normal stool. Against the background of infection and refusal of food, the animal’s body becomes severely depleted, iron deficiency anemia, inflammation of the conjunctival sac with purulent exudate, and pneumonia develop. Without treatment, the animal dies after a few weeks due to the slow decline of all vital functions of the body against the background of toxic infection and sepsis.

First aid

Most owners of furry beauties do not know whether cats suffer from salmonellosis, and consider the signs of gastrointestinal distress to be ordinary food poisoning. If you suspect an infection, your pet should be immediately taken to a veterinarian; self-treatment at home is unacceptable. Salmonellosis in cats is an infectious disease that can be cured with antimicrobial drugs. Only a veterinarian can identify the pathogen and prescribe an effective antibiotic in the right dose.

Diagnosis of salmonellosis in a cat

To make an accurate diagnosis, a clinical examination of the animal is not enough; laboratory diagnostics are necessary. To identify the pathogen, a study of the feces of a sick pet is carried out; in case of a post-mortem diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a bacteriological culture from the parenchymal organs of a dead cat.

The differential diagnosis excludes diseases such as canine distemper, helminthic infestation, influenza, intoxication with chemical and toxic substances, and viral gastroenteritis.

Principles of treatment

Treatment of salmonellosis in a cat should be comprehensive. At the first signs of the disease, it is advisable to use specific hyperimmune serum from recovered animals. Among antimicrobial drugs, antibiotics and sulfonamides (Biseptol, Levomycetin, Sulfalen) are prescribed; Furazolidone is highly effective. When cardiovascular failure develops, use glucose solution (20%), sulfacamphocaine, caffeine solution. The use of antiallergic drugs and glucocorticoids is also necessary.

Prevention to combat salmonellosis in cats

How to treat salmonellosis in cats?

Salmonellosis in cats manifests itself in the form of catarrhal or hemorrhagic gastroenteritis or in the form of septicemia with severe general disorders; often salmonellosis infection occurs latently without clear symptoms of damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

Etiology

Salmonella is a sedentary gram-negative rod 1-3 microns long. Salmonella differs from other enterobacteria in a number of biochemical properties.

Using specific antisera to the O- and H-antigen, up to 2000 different Salmonella serovars can be differentiated.

Salmonella is ubiquitous. They are found in manure, sewage, water, meat, meat waste, various waste, and also in feed.

Depending on humidity, temperature, and pH, salmonella remain viable for weeks, months, and even years.

Chlorine-containing agents, aldehydes and alcohol (for hand disinfection) are effective as disinfectants against salmonella.

From 3 to 12% of cats are Salmonella carriers; In 2.3% of cats, Salmonella is detected in the feces. The most frequently reported are Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella enteritidis.

Pathogenesis

Cats most often become infected with salmonellosis by eating salmonella-infected mice, poultry, or meat. Salmonella can be transmitted from cat to cat, as well as through care items or feeding utensils.

During oral infection, Salmonella colonize the gastrointestinal tract, excreted in feces for 3-6 weeks; they can also be found in the liver and spleen. In the event of a decrease in resistance (parasitic diseases, viral infection, surgical interventions, etc.), salmonella multiply intensively, showing their pathogenic effects after a short (2-7 days) incubation period.

According to modern views, the ability of Salmonella to colonize the intestine is explained by the presence of fimbriae and the production of enterotoxin.

The multiplication of Salmonella in the intestines is accompanied by damage to the intestinal wall, followed by penetration of the pathogen into the blood and the occurrence of septicemia.

In young cats, Salmonella septicemia does not lead to death, but results in damage to individual organs.

Symptoms

Latent salmonellosis only in extreme cases manifests itself as mild intestinal catarrh. In case of severe infection, catarrhal or hemorrhagic enteritis is observed, accompanied by profuse diarrhea, vomiting, which causes rapid loss of strength and dehydration, poor circulation; in the chronic course, noticeable emaciation is observed.

In the blood there is leukocytosis and a left-sided nuclear shift in the leukogram; Over time, leukopenia and anemia may develop.

With the septic form of salmonellosis, loss of strength occurs relatively quickly, anorexia, fever, diarrhea, vomiting and death appear.

Pathological changes

With salmonellosis in cats, exsicosis, enteritis, emaciation, anemia, necrosis in the liver, jaundice, enlarged spleen are detected, as well as, depending on the organ localization of the infection, bronchopneumonia, purulent pleurisy, endocarditis, endometritis, etc.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is based on the isolation of the pathogen from the feces, and in the case of the death of the cat, from the parenchymal organs. However, salmonella is not always detected in feces. The detection of antibodies (agglutinins) is not a diagnostic criterion for a number of reasons.

Differential diagnosis

Salmonellosis in cats should be distinguished from viral and bacterial infections accompanied by fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Treatment

If latent salmonellosis is suspected, no treatment is carried out; otherwise, it is the same as for salmonellosis in dogs and people with a delay for the entire period of salmonella isolation until the cat’s body is completely cleansed of the pathogen.

In case of clinically pronounced salmonellosis in cats and its febrile course, the sensitivity of salmonella to antibiotics is determined and treatment is carried out with the latter.

Levomycetin and other beta-lactam antibiotics are effective, as well as nitrofurans, which are given orally, administered intramuscularly or intravenously.

Baytril and enroxil have a more pronounced effect. The duration of antibiotic treatment is 7–10 days. In the fight against exsicosis (dehydration), maintaining water balance (injections of isotonic sodium chloride solution or Ringer's solution, etc.) is indicated.

Causes of the disease

Feline salmonellosis is a bacterial intestinal infection caused by bacteria of the Salmonella genus. Doctors identify 20 different pathogens that can cause this disease.

Below are the main causes of the disease in cats.

Eating raw meat contaminated with salmonella or poorly cooked cat food.
Contact with an infected animal. A kitten can contract the disease from another cat. Older animals are less susceptible to this disease.
Infection of kittens through the placenta can occur if an acute disease develops in the mother cat. The kitten may be born with congenital anomalies or dead.
Eating rodents. Mice and rats can be carriers and transmitters of salmonellosis.

Why is salmonellosis dangerous?

Cats can get salmonellosis several times in their lives. Their bodies do not develop immunity to the pathogens of this disease. In kittens, salmonellosis often leads to death. In adult cats, it can cause severe complications and pathological processes, which include:

infectious-toxic shock - a condition that develops against the background of severe intoxication and a large amount of loss of fluid, electrolytes, and damage to the adrenal glands;
dehydration – occurs due to excessive vomiting and diarrhea;
pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas;
Acute renal failure most often develops in kittens. Against the background of intoxication syndrome, the kidneys stop cleaning and filtering the blood.

How dangerous is the disease?

A person can easily adopt this disease from his furry pet.
The main danger lies in the fact that salmonellosis in a cat can be transmitted to humans. The infection is insidious, since in pets that have strong immunity, signs of pathology sometimes do not make themselves felt for a long period. However, when the immune system deteriorates, symptoms are noticeable almost immediately. Salmonellosis is most dangerous for adult cats, in which it causes serious complications. First of all, it should be noted the development of infectious-toxic shock due to severe intoxication and damage to the adrenal glands.

The consequences of salmonellosis include dehydration, which develops against the background of diarrhea and vomiting. The possibility of pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas, cannot be ruled out. Sometimes kidney failure develops, to which young pets are most susceptible. Due to infection, the organ stops purifying the blood.

Features of the clinical picture

Salmonellosis in cats can occur in acute, subacute and chronic forms. The first symptoms may occur within the first two days after contact with an infected animal or consumption of infected meat.

The main clinical manifestations of salmonellosis include the following symptoms:

anorexia – refusal to eat. The animal refuses to eat the food offered to it;
increase in body temperature to 41 degrees. A sick cat has a hot and dry nose;
nausea and repeated vomiting. Vomit may consist of food debris, bile, gastric juice, hairballs;
weakness, which is manifested by inactivity of the pet. The cat constantly lies down, sleeps, and does not walk around the house;
profuse diarrhea. The stool may have a foul odor, foam, and streaks of blood and mucus can be seen in it. The animal goes to the toilet often, up to 15 times a day;
A decrease in the amount of urine occurs due to dehydration of the cat.

About the sources of infection and some features of the pathogen

The more often your pet receives raw food, the higher the likelihood of infection. The same applies to cases where an animal receives feed of unsatisfactory quality and/or of dubious origin. If in a bag of dry food you find pellets that are not very similar to food granules, but strongly resemble mouse droppings... In a word, you should not feed your pets this.

It is important to remember that salmonellosis is an anthropozoonosis. Simply put, by squeezing your furry, you yourself can get infected

The danger of this infection also lies in the fact that at least a third of cats (and dogs) do not show any symptoms at all, being classic carriers. If the infection “attacks” a cat with a weak immune system, then its manifestations will definitely not take long to appear. What are the symptoms of salmonellosis in cats?

Here are the main ones:

Severe fever of intermittent type.

Poor appetite or complete absence of it.

Coma or lethargy.

Severe profuse diarrhea, with feces often black from digested blood.

Whenever you try to feel the stomach, the cat immediately begins to hiss and otherwise express its displeasure.

Rapid development of sepsis. This is due to the fact that Salmonella toxins greatly increase the permeability of the intestinal walls, as a result of which pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora can enter the general bloodstream.

Who can your pet get infected from? Cats can serve as carriers of salmonellosis without being sick themselves. But almost all other types of domestic animals, including cattle, can “work” with them. Reptiles, especially turtles, also suffer from salmonellosis and can be its carriers.

The first symptoms may occur within the first two days after contact with an infected animal or consumption of infected meat.

The main clinical manifestations of salmonellosis include the following symptoms:

anorexia – refusal to eat. The animal refuses to eat the food offered to it;
increase in body temperature to 41 degrees. A sick cat has a hot and dry nose;
nausea and repeated vomiting. Vomit may consist of food debris, bile, gastric juice, hairballs;
weakness, which is manifested by inactivity of the pet. The cat constantly lies down, sleeps, and does not walk around the house;
profuse diarrhea. The stool may have a foul odor, foam, and streaks of blood and mucus can be seen in it. The animal goes to the toilet often, up to 15 times a day;
A decrease in the amount of urine occurs due to dehydration of the cat.

It is important to note that these bacteria are able to maintain their activity for a long time in environmental conditions. They are practically insensitive to low temperatures, but do not tolerate UV rays and heating up to temperatures above 75 ° C.

Therefore, in order to prevent the disease, it is recommended to heat foods to 75 ° C for 10 minutes before consumption.

These bacteria are found during the analysis (washing off from the surface) of tables and cutting boards that are rarely treated with detergents and disinfectants. The pathogen may be present on dirty hands or contained in the feces of infected but apparently healthy people and animals. In the latter case, we are talking about carriage of infection. Externally healthy carriers can be a source of infection for others.

That is why it is not recommended to feed your pets raw fish and meat products that have not undergone heat treatment. Fresh eggs, dry and wet food stored in violation of the recommended conditions and terms can also pose a danger.

First aid for salmonellosis

Salmonellosis in cats is treated under the supervision of veterinarians. When the first signs of illness appear, the animal should be taken to a veterinary hospital.

Remember that trying to cure a cat of salmonellosis on your own is dangerous. She may die due to improperly selected therapy and complications that can only be identified by a veterinarian.

First aid can be provided by the owner of the animal. With its help you can slightly reduce the intoxication syndrome.

The main components of first aid are listed below.

Gastric lavage

Gastric lavage will help remove from the body the remnants of low-quality contaminated food that has not had time to be digested.

In order to rinse a cat's stomach, you can pour 20-40 ml of plain water at room temperature through a syringe and induce vomiting. To do this, you can sprinkle a little salt on the root of the tongue.

Please note that animals are prohibited from rinsing their stomachs with potassium permanganate. This substance can cause a burn to the esophagus and increase intoxication of the body.

Enema

To wash a cat's intestines, you can use a baby bulb with a volume of 50-100 ml. You need to rinse until clean intestinal water appears. You need to use plain boiled water at room temperature.

Sorbents

Sorbents are medications that help neutralize and remove pathogenic bacteria and their toxins from the intestines.

Crush half a tablet of activated carbon, mix with 5 ml of water and pour the medicine into the cat’s mouth through a syringe.

Drink

You need to give your cat water little by little and often. It is best to do this through a syringe. Every 15 minutes, pour 5-10 ml of plain water into it.

Treatment is prescribed by a veterinarian after examining and examining the animal. If the condition is severe, the cat may be kept in hospital at a veterinary clinic for several days. If the patient is feeling stable, the doctor describes the treatment plan, diet and tells the owners when to come next time for injections and IVs.

Treatment for salmonellosis consists of:

dietary nutrition;
antibacterial drugs;
droppers with solutions to treat dehydration;
corticosteroids;
antispasmodics;
antiemetic drugs.

Pet examination

To identify the causative agent of the disease, complications and to assess the functioning of the internal organs, the animal is prescribed an examination, which consists of:

general blood test - carried out to identify a bacterial infection and assess the degree of dehydration;
general urinalysis, which is needed to detect kidney damage;
biochemical blood test - to assess the functioning of the liver, pancreas, kidneys;
bacteriological examination of stool, which is needed to identify the causative agent of intestinal infection;
ultrasound examination of internal organs, in which the doctor evaluates the shape and size of the liver, gall bladder, pancreas and kidneys;

Please note that an animal that has had salmonellosis can be contagious to other pets for a long time. After completion of treatment, he should be examined for the presence of Salmonella bacteria in the feces.

Salmonellosis in cats is a common infectious disease. It is most dangerous for small kittens, who can die due to intoxication syndrome and dehydration. Treatment is prescribed by a veterinarian. Before going to the veterinary hospital, you can rinse the cat’s stomach and intestines yourself, give it sorbents and drink. To make a diagnosis, examination of the animal may be necessary.