Salmonella enteritidis is a bacterium that is transmitted through food products. Salmonellosis, the gastrointestinal infection caused by the bacterium, is treatable in dogs if diagnosed early.
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Causes
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Dogs usually get salmonellosis from eating foods, including dog food, with contaminated chicken, beef, eggs or poultry.
Symptoms
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Dogs with salmonellosis have symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, bloody vomiting, a loss of appetite, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, lethargy and/or a fever. They may also refuse to eat foods and drink fluids. Symptoms usually appear one to three days after a dog is infected.
Risks
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Dogs can die from salmonella because it can cause them to become dehydrated. The salmonella bacterium can also cause gastroenteritis, miscarriage and septicemia in dogs.
Pet Owners
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It is possible for dogs with salmonellosis to transmit the salmonella bacterium to humans through feces. Pet owners should wash their hands after handling dog feces.
Diagnosis
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During physical examinations, veterinarians try to rule out other potential conditions, such as allergies, food intolerances or diseases caused by E. coli or other bacteria. Often veterinarians will collect urine and feces samples, which are sent to a laboratory to be examined for traces of the salmonella bacterium.
Treatment
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Dehydrated pets often need intravenous fluid injections and/or nutritional supplements from a veterinarian to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Some dogs will need plasma or blood transfusions to replace lost serum albumin. Glucocorticoids are sometimes used to minimize shock in dogs with salmonellosis.
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