Song Bird Fever in Cats

Song Bird Fever is a condition caused by ingestion of decayed carcass of a song bird. Ingestion of the spoiled carcass is often contaminated with bacteria and bacterial toxins that can cause severe and even life threatening signs. After ingestion, various bacteria (including Streptococcusspp, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens and/or “Bacillus spp.) are present in the gastrointestinal tract and can produce toxins that are absorbed into the blood stream. These bacteria can produce toxins that cause shock, collapse and death.

Song Bird Toxicosis is most common in indoor/outdoor or outdoor cats that are allowed to roam and hunt. It is most common during the summer months.

It is possible that this condition is Zoonotic – meaning it can be transmitted to people by exposure to the bacteria. It is most common in children, elderly or those with compromised immune systems.

What to Watch For

Signs may begin within 15 minutes of ingestion or within 6 to 8 hours post ingestion.

Diarrhea – can be foul smelling, watery or bloody

Vomiting

Lethargy

Lack of appetite (anorexia)

Fever

Weakness

Abdominal discomfort

Can progress to shock and death

 

Diagnosis of Song Bird Fever in Cats

Diagnosis is often based on history of exposure to a decayed bird carcass, contents of vomitus and clinical signs. Diagnostics should be performed on those pets that are having severe vomiting and diarrhea, are exhibiting other systemic signs of illness, or when the vomitus or stool contains blood. These tests may include:

Complete blood count (CBC)

Biochemical profile

Urinalysis

Abdominal radiographs (X-rays)

Fecal examinations

Treatment of Song Bird Fever in Cats

There are several things your veterinarian might recommend to treat your cat. The recommendations may vary depending on the severity of your cat’s signs. The principal goals of symptomatic therapy are to restore and maintain fluid balance, limit absorption of the bacterial toxins, correct electrolyte imbalances and to completely rest the gastrointestinal tract.

If the garbage ingestion was recent, induction of vomiting may be recommended to empty the stomach.

Fluid and electrolyte therapy is administered intravenously (IV).

Drugs that coat and sooth the GI tract – commonly used drugs include Sucralfate (Carafate®), Famotidine (Pepcid®)and or Ranitidine HCl (Zantac®).

Drugs that symptomatically stop vomiting and diarrhea.

Antibiotics may be administered however there is some concern that antibiotics can change the flora of the GI tract allowing some bacteria to overgrow.

Nothing orally for several hours, with a gradual introduction of water followed by a bland diet.

Prognosis

The prognosis is good early diagnosis and treatment.

Prevention

Do not allow your pets to roam and hunt.

Home Care

Call your veterinarian, and follow all recommendations regarding feeding and medication. This will probably include withholding all food and water. Observe your pet very closely. If clinical signs are not improving over a day or two, and/or your pet is getting worse, have your pet evaluated at once.