Common Bacterial Diseases In Dogs : Part 2

Bacterial Diseases

SALMONELLA

Several bacteria of the salmonella species are capable of producing acute infectious diarrhea in dogs. Salmonella remain alive for many months or years in soil and manure. In dogs, the disease is acquired by consuming raw or commercially contaminated foods, by eating animal manure, or by making oral contact with surfaces that have been contaminated by the diarrhea of an infected dog. This bacterial infection is a risk in dogs fed a raw diet, unless excellent food-handling hygiene is practiced at all times.

Puppies and young adults are most susceptible, as are dogs whose natural resistance has been compromised by a viral infection, malnutrition, parasites, or being housed in crowded, unsanitary quarters.

Signs of illness include fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. The stool may be bloody and foul smelling. Dehydration develops when vomiting and diarrhea are prolonged. Bacteria in the bloodstream can cause abscesses in the liver, kidneys, uterus, and lungs. The acute illness, which lasts four to ten days, may be followed by a chronic diarrhea that persists for more than a month. Dogs with chronic diarrhea shed salmonella in their feces and are a potential source of infection to other animals and humans.

The diagnosis is made by identifying salmonella bacteria in stool cultures when the dog is in the carrier state, or in the feces, blood, and infected tissues of dogs suffering from acute infection.

Treatment:

Mild cases respond well to fluid replacement. Many salmonella species are resistant to common antibiotics. In fact, antibiotics can favor the growth of resistant bacteria and prolong fecal shedding of bacteria. Accordingly, antibiotics are used only for seriously ill dogs. Sulfa drugs and the quinolones are the antibiotics of choice.

CAMPYLOBACTERIOSIS 

Campylobacteriosis is a disease that produces acute infectious diarrhea in puppies. It also occurs in kennel dogs and strays—most of whom are in poor condition and are suffering from other intestinal infections.

The bacteria is acquired by contact with contaminated food, water, uncooked poultry or beef, and animal feces. Campylobacteria can survive for up to five weeks in water or unpasteurized milk.

The incubation period is one to seven days. Signs of acute infection include vomiting and a watery diarrhea that contains mucus and sometimes blood. The disease usually runs its course in five to fifteen days, but may be followed by chronic diarrhea in which bacteria is shed in the feces.

Treatment:

Treat mild diarrhea as described in Diarrhea, Keep the dog warm, dry, and in a stress-free environment. More severely affected dogs will require veterinary management with intravenous fluids to correct dehydration. Antibiotics may be advisable. Erythromycin and ciprofloxin are the drugs of choice.

COLIOBACILLOSIS (E.Coli)

Coliobacillosis is an infectious diarrhea caused by the bacteria E. coli. There are some strains of E. coli that are not part of the normal intestinal flora. When ingested, these strains are capable of producing acute diarrhea. E. coli can be acquired from infected drinking water, food, or fecal matter. This bacterial infection is a risk in dogs fed a raw diet, unless excellent food-handling hygiene is practiced at all times.

E. coli is an important cause of puppy septicemia, and may also cause urinary tract or reproductive tract infections. In dogs of all ages, a concurrent viral infection of the intestinal tract can allow E. coli to become pathogenic and produce a life-threatening illness.

Treatment:

Acutely ill dogs must be hospitalized for intensive veterinary management. Dehydration is a serious concern, as is damage from toxins, especially to the kidneys. It is important to maintain strict sanitary precautions when handling infected stool.