Salmonellosis in Dogs

Overview:

Salmonella is a gram-negative bacteria from the family Enterobacteriaceae.  Most commonly known as a cause of enteritis (inflammation of the intestines). There are almost 2,000 serotypes of the genus Salmonella. They live in the intestinal tracts of many species of mammal, birds, amphibians & reptiles.   Salmonella in dogs is of particular importance because it is a zoonotic disease, ie: one which can be passed from animals to humans.

Dogs acquire the disease by consuming contaminated food, eating animal manure or making oral contact with surfaces that have been contaminated.

Clinical Features:  

Salmonellosis causes a reddening of the intestinal mucosa as well as reddening of the mesenteric (membranous sheet attaching various organs to the body wall, especially the peritoneal fold attaching the intestine to the dorsal body wall)  lymph nodes. At this point, the bacteria & or their toxin are either contained by the body's own defenses or invades the bloodstream (bacteremia) & then onto other organs such as the liver.  

It can cause abortion in pregnant females. 

What are the symptoms of salmonellosis in dogs?

Puppies, young adults and dogs with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to salmonella. Most dogs infected with salmonella have what's known as "subclinical carrier state". This means that they have been infected but only very mildly & don't display any clinical manifestations of the disease.  Salmonellosis isn't seen very often in dogs & it is believed they have a natural immunity to the bacteria. Risk factors which can make a dog more susceptible to salmonellosis include dogs in high stress situations & environments, dogs who's natural resistance has been compromised due to another infection, general poor health status, hospitalised animals & kittens.  Kittens are more likely to be clinically affected than adult dogs. [1] Symptoms of salmonellosis appear after 2 - 4 days of exposure & can include.  

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea (may or may not contain blood & may be foul smelling)

• Poor appetite

• High fever

• Dehydration 

• Weakness

• Abdominal pain

• Depression

• Lethargy

How do dogs become infected with salmonella?

Salmonella is feces & sometimes the saliva. It can grow on food & can survive on objects for long periods of time.

How is it diagnosed?

• Bacterial cultures from rectal swabs or fresh feces. 

How is it treated?

If the infection isn't severe then supportive care will be given. IV fluids, electrolytes etc. 

Food & water are restricted while vomiting & diarrhoea are present. 

It seems there is some controversy over the use of antibiotics to treat simple cases of salmonella enteritis (intestinal inflammation) with diarrhoea in dogs, suggesting that antibiotics can actually favour the growth of antibiotic resistant strains of salmonella. Antibiotics  are therefore reserved for severely ill dogs. 

Can I catch salmonella from my dog?

Dogs have been found to shed the serotype of salmonella which are pathogenic to humans. However, there are very few (if any) reports of human infection from dogs. There is a much, much greater risk of becoming infected via infected food. 

When treating a dog with salmonellosis strict hygiene is vital. After handling your dog or it's utensils, you should disinfect your hands immediately. 

Bleach is the best method to kill salmonella bacteria in the environment. 

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a veterinarian & should not be considered a replacement for a veterinarian visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only.

Always seek immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or behavioral) in your pets. 

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.