Infections of the gastrointestinal tract

Gastrointestinal diseases are some of the most common ailments in cats and dogs. The digestive organs are susceptible to stale food, water and environmental influences. The greatest danger for animals is pathologies of viral and bacterial nature. They develop rapidly, affect internal organs, often lead to the death of young animals or individuals with weak immunity.

Infections of the gastrointestinal tract, features and types

Infectious pathologies differ from non-infectious pathologies in that they are provoked by specific agents (bacteria, viruses or fungi). Pathogens get into the gastrointestinal tract of the animal, begin to multiply rapidly, disrupt the intestine, internal organs, lead to serious complications, death of the pet.
In cats, the most common viral infections of the GI tract are panleukopenia and coronavirus enteritis. Intestinal symptomatology in cats is rarely accompanied by infection with rotavirus.

Dogs are often ill:

carnivore plague;

parvovirus and coronavirus enteritis;

infectious hepatitis.

Attention: viral infections are most dangerous for young animals. They lead to death of kittens or puppies within 2-3 days.

Cats and dogs are also diagnosed with protozoal infections of the GI tract caused by protozoan microorganisms (such as giardiasis, trichomonosis and others), as well as bacterial (e.g., clostridiosis, salmonellosis).

Harmful microorganisms remain viable in the environment for long periods of time and spread easily among animals.

Methods of transmission

Viruses, bacteria are transmitted not only by direct contact between healthy pets and infected pets, but also:

by airborne droplets;

sharing bowls, beds, toys and other grooming items;

during joint grooming (when cats lick each other);

faecal-oral transmission (by sniffing or eating the faeces of other cats).

Pathogens spread especially quickly when dogs or cats are crowded together, in catteries, shelters, and at shows. Additional risk factors are:

self-walking;

non-observance of hygienic rules of keeping animals;

improper nutrition, leading to weakening of the organism.

The ability of cats to resist pathogens is affected by stressful conditions (e.g. moving, new family member, change of owner). Severe anxiety reduces immunity, making the pet vulnerable to foreign invasion.

Symptoms

The manifestations of GI infections in animals are similar. The main signs of diseases are:
refusal to eat;

vomiting;

diarrhoea, possibly with blood or mucus;

rise in body temperature to critical values;

lethargy;

pain in the peritoneum (the pet is aggressive or "cries" when trying to touch the abdomen);

flatulence;

increased salivation;

abdominal bloating;

constant belching;

stinky odour from the mouth.

If the dog is not helped, it quickly shows signs of dehydration and exhaustion. The severity of symptoms depends on the type of infectious agent and the severity of the disease.

The earlier you see a veterinarian, the greater the likelihood of your pet's full recovery.

Diagnosis

In the clinic, the doctor will conduct an examination, palpation of the abdominal cavity, will ask the owners in detail about the course of the disease, the time of appearance of alarming symptoms. Further it will be necessary to conduct a number of laboratory, apparatus examinations for the animal.
If there is a suspicion of infection of the GI tract, such methods of differential diagnosis are used, such as:

blood, urine, faecal analyses;

colonoscopy;

gastroscopy;

ULTRASOUND;

PCR - a fast, informative method;

enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Only after establishing the pathogen, the veterinarian prescribes complex therapy to the furry patient.

Treatment of the disease in pets

Treatment of infectious pathologies of the GI tract is carried out in several directions:

Activation of the immune defence of the body, 

revention of secondary infection;

relieving the main signs of the disease;

destruction of the pathogen;

restoration of disturbed functions of internal organs.

In symptomatic therapy, drugs of the following pharmaceutical groups are used:

anti-inflammatory;

adsorbents;

antispasmodics;

sedatives;

analgesics;

gastroprotectants;

antiemetics.

To prevent dehydration, subcutaneous injections of isotonic solutions (when the fluid loss does not exceed 5%) or drips are used.

To destroy the causative agent, the cat is prescribed antibacterial or antimicrobial agents, depending on its type.

With concomitant worm infestations, preparations from the company Apicenna work well:

Helmimax - a new antihelminthic agent with the widest spectrum of action.

Prazitsid suspension Plus - acts including on protozoa.

Dirofen suspension and paste - contains pumpkin seed oil, accelerating the restoration of damaged intestinal walls.

Attention: treatment of infectious lesions of the GI tract should be under constant supervision of a veterinarian with the possibility of adjusting the course.

With any diseases of the digestive tract, a dog or cat is prescribed a special diet. Usually the animal is transferred to a light, semi-liquid food that facilitates the work of the GI tract. In some cases, the consumption of dry food from therapeutic ranges is required. Any changes in nutrition should be coordinated with the attending physician.

Infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in cats, dogs - a common phenomenon. The prognosis of recovery in such pathologies directly depends on the speed of treatment of owners for veterinary help. Without a full-fledged diagnosis, competent therapy to cure the pet will not work. Self-treatment not only complicates the recovery of the pet, but can also cause its death.