Salmonellosis is an infection caused by bacteria from the genus Salmonella. The infection is usually confined to the intestinal tract resulting in diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramping. This is a zoonotic condition (meaning it can be transmitted to humans).
Salmonella in dogs can spread from the intestines to the blood and then to other organs, leading to severe illness. Although, disease from Salmonella spp is not common in dogs or cats, the disease can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated food and fecal material.
Severity of disease will determine symptoms. Common symptoms associated with salmonellosis include:
Fever
Shock
Lethargy
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Anorexia
Weight loss
Dehydration
Skin disease
Mucus in stool
Abnormally fast heart rate
Swollen lymph nodes
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Miscarriage or spontaneous abortion
Chronic forms of salmonellosis may exhibit some of these same symptoms; however, they will be more severe. These include symptoms:
Fever
Weight loss
Loss of blood
Non-intestinal infections
Diarrhea that comes and goes with no logical explanation, which may last up to three or four weeks, or longer
