Bacterial Diseases In Cats : Part 2

CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS

This is a spore-forming bacteria that produces a toxin. Because it forms spores that become airborne, this bacteria is more resistant to cleaning and environmental influences. The toxin causes an acute, watery diarrhea. Mucus and blood may be present, and the cat may be seen straining in the litter box. 

Treatment: 

Tylosin, ampicillin, and metronidazole are antibiotics that may be used in treatment, but equally importantly, the cat’s hydration must be maintained. Antibiotics may be needed for weeks in severe cases 

TETANUS

This disease is caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria. It occurs in all warmblooded animals. It is rare in cats because they possess a high natural immunity. Tetanus bacteria are found in soil contaminated by horse and cow manure. They are also present in the intestinal tract of most animals, where it does not cause disease. Bacteria enter the skin via an open wound such as a bite or puncture. A rusty nail is a classic example. But any cut or injury that penetrates the full thickness of the skin can act as a point of entry.

Symptoms appear 2 to 14 days after initial injury. Tetanus bacteria grow best in tissues where the oxygen level is low (anaerobic conditions). The ideal environment is a deep wound that has sealed over or one in which there is devitalized tissue that is heavily contaminated with filth.

The bacteria make a neurotoxin that affects the nervous system. Signs of disease are due to this neurotoxin. In cats, tetanus is often a localized disease, with stiffness and rigidity in one leg—usually one with an obvious wound. This may spread to the other legs. In cats with generalized tetanus, signs include spastic contractions and rigid extension of the legs, difficulty opening the mouth and swallowing, and retraction of the lips and eyeballs. The tail sometimes stands straight out. Muscle spasms are triggered by almost anything that stimulates the cat. Death is caused by dehydration, exhaustion, and difficulty breathing.

Treatment:

Fatalities from tetanus may sometimes be avoided by prompt, early veterinary care. Tetanus antitoxins, antibiotics, sedatives, intravenous fluids, and care of the wound alter the course for the better. Recovery can take four to six weeks, during which time the cat needs to be maintained in a dark, quiet environment to minimize stimulation.  

HELICOBACTER 

Helicobacter pylori is the bacteria associated with gastric ulcers in humans. In cats, this bacteria may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Chronic, low-grade vomiting may be the most common sign, but many cats have this bacteria without any clinical signs. A gastric biopsy, often done via endoscopy, is the best way to definitively diagnose this problem.

 Treatment:

Treatment involves famotidine (Pepcid) to help decrease stomach acid, and an antibiotic such as amoxicillin or metronidazole.

TULAREMIA  

Tularemia is an uncommon disease in cats caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis. It occurs naturally in wild animals, especially rodents and rabbits. Cats (and dogs) usually acquire the disease from the bite of a blood-sucking tick or flea that has fed on an infected host. Direct contact with an infected wild animal or carcass is another route of infection, especially if the cat is allowed outdoors and hunts.

Cats with tularemia exhibit weight loss, fever, apathy and depression, lymph node enlargement, and signs of pneumonia. Oral ulcers may be noted. There may be an ulcerated skin sore at the sight of the insect bite. Some cats will have a discharge from the eyes and the nose and may even have a rash on the skin—most easily seen in the groin area.

Treatment:

Antibiotics are the treatment of choice. Tetracycline, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, and gentamicin are effective. A long course of treatment may be necessary, and relapses can occur.