History of salmonellosis in a cat. Salmonellosis (paratyphoid fever). Features of the clinical picture

prof. Amtsberg
Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Veterinary College, Hannover

Despite significant progress in the field general hygiene and combating infectious diseases of animals and humans, in last years Salmonella infections are on the rise again. In this regard, salmonellosis must invariably be considered as one of the most important anthropozoonoses. While approximately 22,000 cases were reported in Germany in 1974 (Weise, 1976) human diseases, then in 1992 this figure was approximately 195,000 (Kühn, 1993). Indicators of hidden morbidity are much higher, so that currently the annual number of cases of human infection with salmonella is estimated at approximately 2 million.

Salmonella are gram-negative bacteria of the Salmonella genus, which belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Within the genus, there is currently a species called Salmonella (S.) enterica. It covers 7 subspecies, including over 2,300 serotypes. For humans and animals, the most important of these serotypes are S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis. The primary localization of these pathogens is the animal. The main route of transmission to humans is through Salmonella-contaminated food of animal origin. A similar relationship can be observed when cats and dogs are infected with salmonella.

By the term “salmonellosis” we mean all animal diseases caused by salmonella. If salmonella is detected in an animal without the simultaneous manifestation of the disease, we speak of a latent (latent form) infection. This type of infection is often found in domestic and farm animals and plays a special role epidemiological role in the spread of pathogens, especially in humans, dogs and cats.

Since Salmonella also causes disease in the above-mentioned carnivores, these animal species, due to their close contact with humans, are constantly at the center of discussions in connection with human diseases.

Spread of Salmonella in Cats and Dogs

In the Federal Republic of Germany in previous years, the number of infected dogs was about 18%, cats - about 11%. In pet stores, even up to 41 percent of animals were identified as carriers of salmonella among young dogs (Table 1). Our own studies over the past decade using stool and organ samples from carnivores in northwestern Germany have shown the following results: 6.8% of dogs and 5.3% of cats were infected.

In other countries, the pattern of Salmonella distribution is similar (Table 2).

As in other animals, the most common serotype in dogs and cats is S. typhimurium. In a number of our studies, up to 35 different serotypes were found in dogs and up to 15 different serotypes in cats. The spectrum of serotypes found in these animal species is generally similar to those found in other domestic animals. Therefore, it is not surprising that the most common serotype in carnivores is S. typhimurium. There is no evidence that carnivores are particularly predisposed to a particular Salmonella serotype. However, scientists suggest that S. tyrimurium takes up residence in the intestines of cats and dogs more easily than other serotypes. Infections of these animals, just like infections of humans, are closely associated with the spread of Salmonella in farm animals. Carnivores are usually infected by eating contaminated food.

Table 1: Salmonella infections in cats and dogs in Germany

Table 2: Salmonella infections in cats and dogs in other countries

Transmission of pathogens

The relationship between feeding and salmonella infection has been proven by a number of serious researchers (Golton et al. 1955, Stone et al. 1993). In particular, Hellman(1977) in a study of 105 samples of raw dog food, consisting of various livestock entrails from slaughterhouses and trimmings muscle mass, in 41% of cases it was possible to isolate 20 different serotypes of Salmonella. In a number of samples, he simultaneously detected up to 4 different serotypes. Sainell and co-workers (1984) found Salmonella in 56.6% of total number samples (481) taken from raw pork and beef intended for feed from wholesale warehouses (liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, esophagus, tripe). A total of 24 serotypes have been identified, with S. typhimurium being the most commonly encountered by researchers. Contamination of feed meat is caused by deficiencies in hygienic conditions in slaughterhouses and subsequent improper storage of meat. In this case, the reservoir for pathogens was latently infected slaughter cattle. These relationships have been clearly confirmed in research Kershner(1980), carried out on the liver, kidneys and heart of pigs. One percent of organs taken from the slaughterhouse (300 samples) were found to be contaminated with salmonella. Of the samples taken by the import control service, 1.3% contained salmonella. An increase in this indicator to 8.5% was established in the internals located in wholesale trade. In samples taken in meat shops retail trade, this figure was even higher - 13%. It appears that the proliferation of Salmonella is favored by the discrete nature of the cooling process of products in the slaughterhouse chain - retail- consumer.

Hidden infections

Eating Salmonella in food primarily causes latent infections in carnivores. Most infections in dogs occur before 6 months of age. The maximum percentage of infection occurs at the age of 5-8 weeks (Foerster et al. 1974). Changes in diet and environment contribute to the development of infection during this period. Although adult dogs are at exactly the same risk of infection, they are less likely to become infected with salmonella. The reason for this should be sought in the well-functioning bacterial and immunological barrier that is being formed by this time in the intestinal tract of adult animals. Animals with latent infection shed pathogens in their feces. Isolation does not occur constantly, but sporadically, with a relatively small concentration of bacteria (Hellman 1977). The duration of the isolation period is most often 3-4 weeks and only in in rare cases exceeds 6 weeks (Morse and Duncan 1976; Tanaka et al. 1976). Detection of Salmonella in latently infected cats and dogs is possible not only from feces or intestinal contents, but also from mesenteric lymph nodes (Foerster et al. 1974). At the same time, pathogens are sometimes found in other internal organs. Browsing sectional material from 307 dogs, Förster and associates (1974) found that 18% percent were contaminated with Salmonella. However, in dogs with pronounced inflammatory changes in the intestines, pathogens were not found much more often than in animals with changes caused primarily by inflammation of the respiratory tract. Consequently, Salmonella did not always act as the cause of the disease in these dogs, but was often only detected by chance as a latent infection.

Salmonellosis

The long-held belief that, compared with other domestic animals, carnivores have a certain resistance to Salmonella infections has been largely confirmed by numerous animal challenge experiments. After oral or intraperitoneal infection, painful phenomena were most often not observed or were observed only a short time V lung shape catarrh intestines. Only in young experimental dogs after experimental infection did deaths due to septicemia. In a number of experiments, the development of infection was facilitated by factors reducing the body's resistance, such as three-day fasting or excessive mobility (lit. from Dreger 1971).

By Goudsward(1969) and Christophe(1973) salmonellosis in dogs occurs most often in the form of a disease caused by a number of factors, in other words, the clinical picture manifests itself as a result of exposure to previous resistance-lowering factors. When all the symptoms of salmonellosis are clearly manifested in the clinical picture in dogs, catarrhal or hemorrhagic enteritis, accompanied by anorexia or vomiting, is observed first of all. In young dogs, painful phenomena in the intestines appear less frequently; here we find mostly septicemic forms of salmonellosis. The literature also describes individual cases sudden abortions and stillbirths in dogs caused by salmonellosis ( Christophe 1973, Masses And Hensel 1960/61; Morse and Duncan 1975). As for cats, the appearance of high fever, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as catarrhal or hemorrhagic enteritis is described in them during the course of salmonellosis. (Dreger 1971; Timoney et al. 1978).

Diagnostics

A 100% diagnosis of salmonella infection is possible only by identifying the pathogen. To exclude hidden infections It is recommended to conduct multiple bacteriological studies of stool samples with an interval of 8 days. In the case of previous treatment with antibiotics, it is recommended to take appropriate tests no earlier than 5 days after the end of the course of treatment, since otherwise the possible concentration of antibiotics in the animal’s feces can make it difficult to identify the pathogen in culture and even prevent it. A minimum of 5g of feces is required for culture analysis. To confirm the presence of Salmonella, solid selective nutrient media are used in the form of direct culture (for example, blue agar, chrome yellow agar, and lactose). Gasner, Brilliant Green, Phenol Red and Lactose Agar Kaufman, agar Rambach). At the same time, liquid nutrient media are also used selective action(for example, a mixture of tetrathionate, brilliant green and bile - Rappaport's composition), which make it possible to reliably detect even minor accumulations of salmonella bacteria. From these nutrient media, the identified pathogens are isolated by repeated inoculation into the above-mentioned dense selective nutrient media. Differentiation of colonies when Salmonella is suspected is carried out using biochemical and serological methods. Bacteriological examination of stool tests for salmonella requires, as a rule, a time investment of about 3-4 days (Bisping And Amtsberg 1988).

Treatment

Treatment of salmonellosis remains quite problematic to this day. Human treatment experience has shown that the use of antibiotics does not help reduce the duration of the disease and had almost no effect on the persistence of pathogens in the intestine. For this reason, when treating enteritis caused by Salmonella, the main emphasis should be on symptomatic therapy. At severe forms course of the disease, especially septicemia, apparently still cannot be avoided without the use of antibiotics.

The duration of medication administration should be no more than 8-10 days. Recommend one in this regard universal antibiotic It is hardly possible due to the extreme breadth of the range of Salmonella resistance (Table 3). We have to constantly count on the emergence of strains with multiple resistance. From the comparisons in table. 3 shows that since 1978 there has been a process of steady increase in the resistance of Salmonella strains to antibiotics. The only exception is, perhaps, resistance to the drug Polymyxin B, which is even declining. Such a vivid picture of the dynamics of resistance once again emphasizes the fact that targeted treatment of salmonellosis with antibiotics is possible only on the basis of antibiograms.

Table 3:

Range of resistance of Salmonella strains isolated from cats and dogs

Salmonella enterica

* according to G. Amtsberg, 1978: Salmonella in dogs and cats. Report on the problems of keeping small animals, Hamburg, no. 7,1 -11.

Experience in treating latent infections in humans has shown that attempts to sanitize the body using chemotherapeutic methods, on the one hand, do not produce an effect, and on the other, can lead to a delay in the elimination process. For this reason, some authors recommend against chemotherapy in animals that excrete pathogens without showing corresponding symptoms ( Knothe 1975, Field 1976). Treatment with antibiotics not only does not allow selective isolation of Salmonella, but, moreover, leads to disruption of the physiological intestinal flora. Negative side effects are inhibited normal process its self-purification. This experience is confirmed by observations of dogs with latent infection. Therefore, it is recommended to sanitize clinically healthy individuals that secrete pathogens exclusively with the help of hygienic and dietary measures.

Prevention

Infection of cats and dogs with salmonella can be prevented by feeding salmonella-free food and systematic hygiene measures. Raw meat, which is, in fact, the main source of infection, should be given only after heat treatment. At a temperature of 80° C, salmonella die within 10 minutes. Since feed meat is often contaminated with Salmonella only from the surface, a one-time heat treatment is sufficient. When storing feed meat in the refrigerator or freezer, salmonella retain their vitality and ability to become infected for months. Therefore, even after refrigerated storage, raw feed should be subjected to heat treatment. In the same way as by boiling feed meat, the risk of salmonella infection can be prevented through the use of dry and canned commercial feed.

To the number hygiene measures This includes thorough cleaning and disinfection of enclosures and everything related to keeping animals. Large enclosures can, for example, be cleaned with pressurized steam using appropriate equipment. Cooking raw feed meat, as it turned out ( Mayer et al. 1976), leads to contamination of cutting boards and other equipment in feed kitchens, which requires their indispensable thorough cleaning hot water. After washing, targeted, consistent disinfection is required, for which conventional commercially available products are quite suitable. The duration of exposure to the disinfectant is selected depending on the condition of the surfaces of the materials being disinfected. Thus, disinfection of wooden objects usually requires several hours. In order to prevent re-infections, it is recommended to conduct appropriate studies of the entire environment, and humans should also be included in the range of potential carriers of Salmonella. When carrying out sanitizing measures in pens, enclosures or walking areas, it is also necessary to remember about the survivability of salmonella in nature. From May to August, pathogens are able to remain viable under these conditions for several weeks, and during the rest of the year they can live for months.

According to Boos (1977), it is quite possible for dogs to become infected with Salmonella even if they are fed hygienically impeccable with simultaneous isolation from stray animals. However, even more is required outreach work to convince many dog ​​owners that the replacement is completely harmless raw meat in the dog's diet with boiled food.

Conclusion

Dogs and cats that are carriers or have salmonellosis shed pathogens in their feces and can often thus contribute to the undetected spread of salmonella. Since children's playmates most often are puppies and kittens - carriers of latent infection, it is necessary to seriously evaluate this source of infection. There are a number of reports of Salmonella transmission from dogs to humans. (Peach and Balling 1976). However, direct infection is quite rare. We should not lose sight of the possibility of indirect salmonella from infected animals or contaminated meat due to insufficient hygiene directly on human food, their reproduction there and, ultimately, human consumption. The preventive measures described above can reliably protect humans and domestic animals from the threat of infection. Dogs and cats, just like humans, can be considered as accidental hosts of salmonella: their infectious chains, as a rule, are quickly interrupted. By Balling(1976) the discussion on the problem of Salmonella infections in domestic animals should not be interpreted to mean that “keeping animals is associated with enormous health risks and that they must be disposed of urgently. It is for urban people, for children, that contact with animals is especially important, therefore, subject to a certain minimum of hygienic rules, the risk associated with keeping pets is undoubtedly much less than the dangers that a person is exposed to every day on the way to work or school.”

Salmonellosis is a dangerous infectious disease, capable of infecting domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. The disease is always accompanied by disruption digestive system, febrile conditions and intoxication.

When the pathogen penetrates the systemic bloodstream, cases of blood poisoning are possible. In particularly advanced cases and with a chronic course of the disease, damage to the pulmonary structures is possible. Both adult cats and small kittens are susceptible to infection. But more often a dangerous bacterial infection is diagnosed in babies aged 4-8 weeks. This is due to the body’s imperfect defense system.

Owners of not only cats, but also other pets should remember that infectious lesion Salmonella can also cause salmonella in humans, so it is important to promptly recognize signs of infection in your pet and contact veterinary clinic for help.

At positive result After diagnosis, it is necessary to take all precautions so that when caring for a sick animal you do not become infected yourself.

The causative agent of salmonellosis is Enterobacteriaceae, the serotypes of which number more than 1.5 thousand. Salmonellosis in cats is caused by several types - Enteritidis, Thiphimurium, Suipestifer.

Bacteria are rod-shaped microorganisms capable of movement and do not form a capsule around themselves. They grow well in laboratory conditions on nutrient media. They are distinguished by the feature of maintaining their properties for a long period of time under environmental conditions.

Salmonella can remain in soil, humus and standing water for up to 9-12 months, remaining infectious. When dried or frozen, pathogenic microorganisms can remain alive for several months.

The main source of infection is feed with a meat component, in the production process of which sick pigs, sheep or cows were used. Poor quality feed containing chicken and milk can also cause infection. Cats also become ill with salmonellosis when consuming fresh fish, meat and bone meal, eggs or minced meat contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms.

Thus, the main route of transmission of the pathogen becomes nutritional. Cases are also diagnosed when a healthy animal comes into contact with a bacteria carrier that releases microorganisms with feces into the environment.

Transmission of infection through the feto-placental barrier from an infected mother to kittens in the womb has also been proven. This often causes spontaneous miscarriages or abortions in cats. Often due to salmonellosis, kittens are born dead, and those that survive die in the first days after birth.

Increased sensitivity to the disease occurs when animals are kept improperly in violation of basic hygiene rules. Diseases of the digestive system, dietary disorders, and upper respiratory tract infections have a negative impact on the body's overall resistance to salmonellosis.

Penetrating into thin section intestines, the Enterobacterium bacillus that causes salmonellosis begins to actively multiply and release toxic substances into the environment during its life activity. As a result of exposure to endotoxins, processes occur inflammatory in nature on the intestinal mucosa.

Low resistance to infection and produced toxic substances provokes penetration into regional lymph nodes located on the intestinal mesentery. Salmonella then penetrates the systemic bloodstream and spreads throughout all organs and systems. It leads to toxic shock in an animal or blood poisoning.

On the background negative influence endotoxins on the walls of blood vessels, exudative processes and diapedesis of red blood cells develop. Extensive hemorrhages are visible on the visible mucous membranes of an animal that suffers from salmonellosis. Hemorrhages on internal organs lead to the development of necrotic processes.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection in Cats

The period from the entry of pathogenic Salmonella bacilli into the body until the onset of characteristic features may 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:

1. Acute course of the disease 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. Little kittens in force natural features carry infection it’s hard, they lie down more, trying 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.
2. Subacute course characterized a sharp violation work digestive tract. Feces 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 possible complication of subacute salmonellosis, manifested by a disturbance in the area respiratory system. The cat has pronounced signs of difficulty breathing, wheezing when inhaling or exhaling, and inflammation of the lungs and bronchial tree develops. Some cats can become overly aggressive, possible nervous disorders. Animals with weak immunity die after 1-2 weeks in the absence adequate treatment. The main cause of death is dehydration and extensive hemorrhages of internal organs.
3. Chronic form salmonellosis has similar symptoms to the subacute course. The animal has profuse diarrhea, alternating 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 body against the background of toxic infection and sepsis.

An accurate diagnosis of salmonellosis in cats can only be made by qualified specialist based on the data obtained after a clinical examination and laboratory tests. The main task of the doctor is to isolate the pathogen from stool or blood smear (if severe symptoms toxic infections). It is important to accurately separate salmonellosis from other similar diseases of bacterial etiology.

Differential diagnosis is necessary to exclude canine distemper, viral gastroenteritis, helminth infections, intoxication chemicals and toxins.

Treatment

A sick animal, first of all, must be provided with proper conditions - clean bedding, light, high-quality balanced feeds. It is recommended to treat a cat for salmonellosis under the strict supervision of a veterinary specialist, who, after laboratory tests, will prescribe an adequate treatment regimen based on individual characteristics animal (age, body condition and degree of pathological process). The main task is to eliminate the pathogen and for this purpose specific serum against salmonellosis and collibacteriosis is widely used. Bacteriophages are also prescribed in the dosage prescribed by the doctor.

Antimicrobial therapy includes the use of antibiotics and sulfonamides:

• Levomycetin;
• Oxytetracycline;
• Biseptol;
• Sulfadimethatoxin;
• Sulfalene.

The therapeutic course of treatment is about 7 days. Next, repeated tests are carried out, which makes it possible to determine the effectiveness of the therapy. If necessary, the course of antibiotic therapy is continued.

Symptomatic treatment of salmonellosis involves the use of medications, relieving inflammation and preventing allergic reaction. In addition, they are widely used medicines to improve the functioning of the heart muscle.

In the treatment of an infectious disease, drugs to increase the body’s immune forces are not superfluous. At severe dehydration The cat is given intravenous infusions of saline and glucose, as well as vitamin complexes.

Prevention of infection

Salmonellosis in dogs and cats can be transmitted to humans, so it is important to follow preventive measures, thereby protecting not only your pet from infection, but also yourself. The main preventive measure is the selection of high-quality dry food and careful processing of fresh food (if the animal eats natural food).

Collateral good health and minimizing the chances of infection is the correct approach to caring for the animal, proper living conditions and hygiene. If it does happen that a cat is diagnosed with salmonellosis, it is necessary to isolate it from other pets, constantly ventilate the living area, and treat all surfaces. disinfectants, as well as follow all doctor’s recommendations for treatment.

Category: Diseases and treatment

Salmonellosis– a dangerous infectious disease for cats. Its causative agent is microorganisms of the genus Salmonella, and the source of infection is sick animals and bacteria carriers (they have no symptoms of the disease). Transmission of the infection usually occurs through consumption of contaminated food.

The main symptoms of the disease
The incubation period of the disease lasts from three to twenty days. Clinical manifestations salmonellosis are very diverse, so to make a diagnosis it is necessary to carry out laboratory research. It is impossible to diagnose the disease only by external examination and focusing on the main symptoms.

There are several forms of the disease, each of which has its own characteristics.
1. Acute form.
This stage is characterized the following symptoms. After incubation period the animal becomes inactive and its appetite worsens. Body temperature rises to 41-42 degrees C. Appear frequent diarrhea and vomiting, which quickly leads to dehydration. At significant loss Cats retain fluid eyeballs. In the absence or improper treatment The death of the animal occurs from exhaustion of the body approximately on the third day.
2. Subacute form.
It manifests itself as a disruption in the functioning of the digestive system. At the same time, appetite weakens and bowel dysfunction appears. The stool becomes greenish in color, with the presence of a sharp unpleasant odor, mucus and blood. Observed elevated temperature bodies. The death of a pet can occur on the seventh to fourteenth day.
3. Chronic odds ma.
With this form, an alternation of disturbances in the animal's stool occurs - diarrhea is replaced by constipation. Possible exacerbation of inflammatory diseases. Anemia develops. Death occurs on the twenty-first – twenty-eighth days.

Diagnosis and treatment
To confirm correct diagnosis laboratory tests should be carried out. Stool is cultured on nutrient media to detect microorganisms. Blood and urine tests are also performed.
For salmonellosis, treatment is primarily aimed at preventing fluid loss and normalizing stool. Then they are appointed antibacterial drugs. If the animal's condition improves, a light diet is also prescribed. You should not treat your animal at home! This can kill your pet. You should immediately come to the veterinary clinic for professional help. For warning reinfection animal, the dishes from which the pet eats should be treated.

Salmonellosis belongs to the group of diseases infectious origin, affecting 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. Age category The ones most often affected are 1-2 month old kittens. Adults get sick much less frequently because they have developed immunity over several years.

Causes of development and sources of infection

The causative agent of salmonellosis has the ability to resist environmental factors. Temperature changes do not affect the infection, that is, even with severe frost it will not die, but will remain viable for a long time.

The photo shows Salmonella, the causative agent of salmonellosis in cats.

The main cause of infection is the consumption of meat and fish that have not been previously subjected to heat treatment. In low quality specialized feeds products intended for cats may also contain salmonella.

You can also become infected through contact with other types of animals that have the infection, these include:

• mice or rats;
• birds;
• chickens;
• ducks;
• geese

In addition to the above, the etiology of the disease is:

• failure to comply with hygiene rules;
• viral diseases;
• intestinal diseases caused by poor diet.

The effect of factors is aggravated during the period of change of teeth from milk to permanent, when infected with worms, during the transition from mother's milk to specialized cat food, not meeting all standards.

How dangerous is salmonellosis and its main symptoms?

Salmonellosis can be transmitted from animals to humans. The insidiousness of the infection is that in cats with strong immunity symptoms of the disease may for a long time don't make yourself known. However, if the animal the immune system weakened, then the manifestations of the disease will not take long to appear.

The main symptoms of cats with salmonellosis are:

• severe fever;
• lack of appetite or deterioration;
• apathy or coma;
• severe diarrhea with black discharge;
• pain on palpation of the abdomen;
• rapid development of putrefaction of internal organs.

When a cat has salmonellosis, the temperature rises and diarrhea occurs.

Kittens carry this infection very hard, they immediately fall into apathy, their eyes roll for a long time, their body temperature reaches 40-41 degrees, and in some cases diarrhea occurs. If it comes coma, kittens die on the second day of the disease.

Types of Feline Salmonellosis

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

1. 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 case of coma, it occurs on the second day.
2. 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. At severe exhaustion, the animal dies on the seventh day of illness.
3. Chronic. All signs of chronic course similar to subacute, only a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood and purulent inflammation of the eyes are added. With severe exhaustion, the animal dies 2 weeks after the onset of the disease.

Diagnosis of feline infectious salmonella

How to detect feline salmonellosis? It is impossible to diagnose the disease using clinical indicators alone. Diagnosis is made by testing clinical analysis blood and urine.

If salmonellosis is suspected, the veterinarian will draw blood.

In addition, serology of the blood of a sick animal is necessary. Only after an epizootological, clinical and pathological examination can a diagnosis be made accurate diagnosis. At the end of the diagnosis, stool is examined in a laboratory for the presence of salmonellosis.

How to treat salmonellosis in cats

First you need to provide the animal quality food and contain in favorable conditions. These criteria will help your pet recover faster. Milk can be replaced with yogurt or kefir.

Important! During illness, it is necessary to exclude milk, raw meat and fish from the diet.

It is strictly forbidden to treat such a dangerous disease as salmonellosis at home, since it can kill your beloved pet. At the first suspicion of salmonellosis, you should seek help from an experienced veterinarian, and only after making a diagnosis will he prescribe appropriate treatment.

The doctor will focus on eliminating diarrhea caused by infection, but the main treatment is antibiotics.

The veterinarian will also prescribe sulfonamide medications in a comprehensive manner, including:

• hyperimmune serum that fights salmonellosis and colibacillosis in domestic animals and birds;
• use of Bacteriophage for three days, 10 milliliters at a time;
• Fusarolidone is widely used in the treatment of this infection, it is taken 30 milligrams per kilogram of weight, twice a day before meals, the course is 7 days;
• Oxytetracycline is given to kittens for 5 days at a dose of 0.1 grams per kilogram of weight.

Furazolidone is used to treat salmonellosis in cats.

The course of treatment is usually 5-7 days, but if necessary, the doctor can extend the treatment up to 10 days. In acute form it is prescribed subcutaneous injections camphor oil, 20 percentage solution caffeine and glucose.

To prevent irreversible consequences, the animal is injected with buffer compounds intravenously, and drugs that protect the liver are added.

After the slightest relief, cats are given a strict diet in the form of:

• boiled rice porridge;
• boiled chicken;
• liver;
• greenery;
• various vegetables, steamed and mashed through a sieve.

Important! When your pet is sick, you need to drink as much plain clean water as possible: the more he drinks, the faster the disease will fade into the background.

The duration of the illness is usually one and a half to two weeks, then the body recovers; during this time there should be no stress on the digestive organs and stomach.

Is salmonellosis scary for people?

All pet owners need to know that salmonellosis is general disease people and animals, so both a person and an animal can become infected, and vice versa. Therefore, the owner of a sick animal needs to take this very seriously, namely, follow all hygiene rules while caring for the cat.

Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating and when caring for an infected animal. To avoid infection, it is better not to squeeze your pet; you should wait until it recovers.

Salmonellosis is transmitted to humans from cats through direct contact.

Prevention goals

Main for preventive purposes is feeding pregnant and lactating cats, as well as kittens in the first months of life, exclusively with high-quality food with good timing suitability. There is no need to give one-month-old babies food that is intended for adult cats, and vice versa: food intended for kittens in the first months of life is not suitable for adults.

Proper care and good conditions maintenance - pledge excellent health and development prevention dangerous diseases, such as salmonellosis. At the beginning of feeding, you should not suddenly switch from one feed to another. This should be done gradually, replacing first one feeding, then two, and so on until a complete replacement of food occurs.

If there is a sick animal in the house, it must be isolated from healthy ones. The room where the animal is located must be ventilated, disinfected, moistened as often as possible, and care items must be thoroughly washed after each use.

Subject to all rules and timely application Going to the veterinarian can save the life of your beloved pet, who will be grateful to his owner for this until the end of his days.