Campylobacteriosis in cats: cause, symptoms, treatment


Campylobacteriosis in cats is caused by a bacterium, responsible for intestinal disorders in the feline: let’s see how to recognize the pathology.

Campylobacteriosis in cats is a bacterial infection. This bacterium is often found in the bowels (gastrointestinal tract) of cats and other healthy mammals. It is found much more often in dogs, although it can also affect cats, but it is more evident in puppies and kittens under the age of six months.


Cause and contagion of campylobacteriosis in cats

Campylobacteriosis infections are the so-called zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted by animals) spread all over the world. Most pathogenic Campylobacteriosis infections result from ingesting drinks or food contaminated with fecal matter from infected animals.

In fact, these bacteria are present in many warm-blooded animals, both wild and domestic (cattle, sheep, pigs, dogs, cats, rodents and all varieties of birds), whose gastrointestinal tract is the main reservoir for pathogenic Campylobacter.

Unpasteurized milk is also an excellent vehicle, as is close contact with infected house animals. Among the foods most at risk we also remember the chicken meat left slightly raw. Direct transmission from person to person or person-cat, via the fecal-oral route, is also possible.


Symptoms of campylobacteriosis in cats

The potency of the symptoms is quite variable, so much so that in the cat affected by mild forms the disease can proceed asymptomatically, while in the more severe forms it can take on aspects similar to ulcerative colitis, with the following symptoms:

  • Constipation during defecation.
  • Loss of appetite in the cat (anorexia).
  • Elongated lymph nodes.

Diagnosis and treatment

The most common diagnostic method is fecal culture. The vet will examine the culture after 48 hours to look for white blood cells (leukocytes) in the cat’s gastrointestinal tract or feces, further investigations will be done on the blood and urine.

Antibiotics are the most effective treatment option for animals that exhibit the disease more persistently or diarrhea and dehydration. It is important to keep him hydrated, watch for any worsening symptoms, and help the animal follow treatments.

This is to ensure that the bacteria have been completely removed. For mild cases, outpatient treatment is possible and the general effects are considered only moderate. In severe cases, disease monitoring will be required to see the animal’s progress.

It may also be necessary to solar the animal by administering oral fluid therapy against dehydration of the cat, as well as a blood transfusion.


Prevention of campylobacteriosis in cats

Experts on most diseases believe prevention is paramount and therefore regular cleaning of the space in which your pet cat lives and eats and regular cleaning of bowls of water and food are important.


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