Colibacillosis (Bacterial Intestinal Infection with Escherichia Coli) in cats
- Occurrence: common
- Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis
Colibacillosis is a bacterial intestinal infection in cats caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), which causes gastrointestinal discomfort.
The most important facts at a glance
Colibacillosis is a bacterial intestinal infection in cats caused by pathogenic strains of the Escherichia coli bacterium. These bacteria are normally harmless and part of the natural intestinal flora, but can cause disease in certain forms. Kittens and older cats are particularly at risk because they have a weaker immune system. The infection usually occurs via the fecal-oral route through contaminated surfaces or food. Poor hygiene conditions and high population densities promote the spread.
Symptoms include Vomiting, Diarrhea, Apathy, and loss of appetite. Rarer signs are dehydration and a lowered body temperature. Diagnosis is made by clinical examination and laboratory tests, including stool and blood tests. Treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms and fighting the infection with fluid therapy and antibiotics. Probiotics and special diets can also help support recovery.
The prognosis varies depending on the severity of the infection and the cat’s general health, but early treatment usually leads to a good recovery. Preventive measures include good hygiene, fresh food, regular veterinary visits, and vaccinations. If there are several cats in the household, separate food and water bowls should be used to avoid cross-contamination.
Causes
Escherichia coli is a gram-negative bacterium that naturally occurs in the intestines of animals and humans. Most strains are harmless and play an important role in digestion. However, there are pathogenic strains that can cause disease in animals. In cats, the enterotoxigenic and enteropathogenic strains are particularly important.
These pathogenic strains produce toxins that damage the intestinal lining and can lead to inflammatory conditions. These inflammatory conditions disrupt the normal absorption of nutrients and fluids, leading to Diarrhea and dehydration. Kittens and older cats are particularly susceptible to infections with pathogenic E. coli strains due to their weaker immune systems.
The bacterium is usually transmitted via the fecal-oral route, either through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Poor hygiene conditions and high population density, such as can occur in animal shelters or breeding facilities, promote the spread of the infection.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Colibacillosis in cats can vary, depending on the severity of the infection and the strain involved. Common symptoms include Diarrhea, which may be watery or bloody, and Vomiting. These symptoms often lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss, which can be life-threatening if they persist.
Affected cats often also show loss of appetite, Weight loss, and general weakness. In severe cases, Fever and Abdominal pain may occur. In kittens, the disease can be particularly severe and lead to a high mortality rate if treatment is not given in time.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Colibacillosis is usually made through a combination of clinical examination and laboratory tests. The veterinarian will first take a thorough history and assess the cat’s symptoms. A stool sample can be taken to detect the presence of E. coli and identify the specific strain.
In some cases, a blood test may be necessary to assess the cat’s general health and rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. A culture of the bacteria from the stool makes it possible to determine the exact serotype and test the sensitivity to various antibiotics, which is crucial for choosing the appropriate treatment.
Therapy
The treatment of Colibacillosis in cats focuses on relieving the symptoms and fighting the infection. Aggressive fluid therapy is often necessary to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This can be done through intravenous or subcutaneous fluid administration, depending on the severity of the dehydration.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to combat the bacterial infection, especially if a culture and sensitivity test has been performed to determine the most effective antibiotic. It is important to complete the entire antibiotic therapy as prescribed, even if the symptoms improve, to avoid the development of resistance.
In addition, supportive measures such as the administration of probiotics to restore healthy intestinal flora and special diets to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms can be used. In severe cases, inpatient treatment may be necessary to comprehensively monitor and treat the cat.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for cats with Colibacillosis depends on several factors, including the severity of the infection, the speed of response to treatment, and the cat’s general health. In most cases, cats recover well if the disease is detected and treated early.
Kittens and cats with weakened immune systems may have a poorer prognosis and require more intensive care. Rapid and appropriate treatment significantly improves the outlook and can prevent complications such as chronic digestive problems.
Prevention
To minimize the risk of Colibacillosis infection in cats, it is important to ensure good hygiene in the cat’s environment. Regularly cleaning the cat’s food bowls, water fountains, and sleeping and toilet areas can help prevent the spread of bacteria. Make sure the cat food is fresh and avoid contact with potentially contaminated food or water sources.
A balanced diet strengthens the cat’s immune system and can help prevent infections. Make sure your cat receives a high-quality diet that is tailored to its specific needs. Regular veterinary visits and vaccinations are also crucial to monitor the cat’s general health and detect potential problems early.
If several cats live in the household, it is important that they have separate food and water bowls to avoid cross-contamination. Also, make sure that cats newly introduced into the household are healthy and possibly undergo a quarantine period to ensure that they do not bring any pathogens with them.
By taking these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of Colibacillosis infection in your cat and contribute to its general health and well-being.
An interesting overview of gastrointestinal problems in cats, supplemented by information on the intestinal microbiome and the importance of probiotics, can be found here: https://petsvetcheck.de/fachbeitrag/magen-darm-probleme-bei-katzen/