Salmonella Infection Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a bacterial illness caused by salmonella bacteria. Salmonella is zoonotic, this means that it can be transmitted between species. Left untreated, salmonella infection can lead to a wide range of dangerous symptoms in humans and animals.
Causes of Salmonella Infection
There are over 2,000 strains of salmonella bacteria, many of which cause infection in humans and animals. Salmonella bacteria can be found in raw or undercooked foods such as meat and eggs. It can also be present in contaminated pet food or treats.
Ingestion of contaminated food can lead to salmonella infection in pets. The bacteria can also be spread through direct contact with the saliva or feces of an infected animal. Pets with underdeveloped or compromised immune systems are particularly prone to salmonella infection. For this reason, the condition is often seen in young or old pets, and those receiving antibiotic therapy.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
Symptoms of salmonella infection can vary and may mirror those of other common conditions. Please visit your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any of the following signs or symptoms of salmonella infection.
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Anorexia
- Miscarriage
Diagnosis of Salmonella Infection
Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of their symptoms. They will then perform a complete physical examination to evaluate your pet’s overall health and check for signs of infection.
Diagnostic tests will be performed to check for the presence of salmonella bacteria and rule out other underlying health issues such as E. coli infection or food allergies. These tests may include a urinalysis, bloodwork, fecal examination, and bacterial cultures.
Treatment of Salmonella Infection
Treatment of salmonella infection will depend on the severity of your pet’s symptoms. If symptoms are mild, your veterinarian may recommend supportive treatment such as rest and hydration to help your pet recover. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to fight the bacterial infection.
If symptoms are more serious, a period of hospitalization may be necessary to monitor and stabilize your pet. Severely dehydrated pets may be treated with intravenous fluid therapy. In some cases, complications such as sepsis will require more specialized treatment.
Prevention of Salmonella Infection
There are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of salmonella infection. Always feed a high-quality, balanced diet and practice good hygiene when handling your pet’s food. It is also important to provide plenty of fresh drinking water and discourage your pet from drinking from puddles or standing water.
Make sure to keep your pet’s environment as clean as possible, and do not allow access to feces from other animals. Finally, please schedule regular appointments with your veterinarian so your pet’s overall health can be continuously monitored.
