- Proteus vulgaris
- Proteus spp.
In Waterfowl:
- Proteus spp. have been isolated associated with arthritis, salpingitis and from 'sick ducklings'. (B32.14.w21)
In Hedgehogs:
- Proteus spp. are widely distributed in nature and commonly found in low numbers in animal faeces (particularly pigs and dogs). Their numbers are most likely to rise if the normal intestinal flora is disturbed. (B47)
- Oiled birds (see Oiling) may develop either localised or generalised Proteus infection. (P4.1990.w1)
- Antimicrobial sensitivity notes: Proteus mirabilis is usually sensitive to ampicillin, cephalosporins, chloramphenicol, kanamycin, penicillins and streptomycin but Proteus vulgaris is often resistant to both penicillins and cephalosporins. Many strains of these organisms carry plasmid-encoded resistance to other antibiotics such as tetracycline and both species are naturally resistant to bacitracin, colistin and polymyxin B. Testing for antibiotic sensitivity is recommended. (B47)
In Waterfowl:
- Lesions of arthritis (caused by various pathogens, including two cases of Proteus vulgaris) in ducks were described as enlarged joint, periarticular tissue inflammation, cloudy, fibrino-purulent and sometimes sanguineous joint exudate or dryish yellow-grey exudate, degeneration and necrosis of articular surfaces and variable extension to involve subchondral bone. (J6.10.w3)
- Proteus isolated from "sick ducklings" failed to cause disease on inoculation. (B32.14.w21)
In Hedgehogs:
- Susceptibility:
- May be seen in young hoglets, also in underweight hedgehogs being overwintered. (D66)
- Intestinal bacterial infections are commonly seen associated with intestinal parasitic infections. (D107) [see: Acanthocephala (Thorny-headed Worm) Infection of Hedgehogs, Hedgehog Intestinal Nematode Infection, Hedgehog Intestinal Fluke Infection, Hedgehog Tapeworm Infection]
- Differential diagnosis:
- Very similar signs may be seen with diarrhoea due to colibacillosis (See: Colibacillosis (with special reference to Waterfowl and Hedgehogs)). (B284.6.w6)
- Similar signs may be seen with intestinal coccidiosis (See: Hedgehog Intestinal Coccidiosis). (D66)
- Treatment:
- Framycetin, 0.5ml of 5% solution, diluted in 4.5 ml of boiled water, orally daily for three days. (D66)
- Potentiated sulphonamides (e.g. Tribrissen 24% (Schering-Plough Animal Health), 30 mg/kg once daily intramuscularly or subcutaneously, for five to eight days, or Zaquilan (Schering-Plough Animal Health) 20-40 mg/kg orally once daily), or Amoxycillin / Clavulanic acid (30-50 mg/kg twice daily orally, subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or Enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg twice daily subcutaneously, intramuscularly or orally). (D107)
- Supportive treatment: Fluid therapy is essential. Buscopan (Boehringer Ingelheim Limited) is recommended (0.1-0.2 ml/kg no more frequently than every eight hours, not for prolonged use) if squeals indicate that the hedgehog is suffering from intestinal cramping. Probiotics, digestive enzymes, vitamins and Kaolin may also be useful. (D107)
- Physical Examination of Birds - General
- Physical Examination of Mammals
- Necropsy of Birds - General
- Necropsy of Mammals
- Fluid Therapy for Hedgehogs
- Subcutaneous Injection of Hedgehogs
- Intramuscular Injection of Hedgehogs
- Treatment and Care - General
- Preventative Medicine for Birds - General
- Chapter 2 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen Collection and Preservation
- Chapter 3 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen shipment
- Appendix A - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Sample specimen history form
- Swarming Proteus recovered from ducks with salpingitis noted at slaughter in Denmark (J6.24.w1).
- Proteus vulgaris recovered from two cases of arthritis in ducks in Denmark (J6.10.w3).
- Proteus isolated from "sick ducklings" (B32.14.w21).
In hedgehogs:
- Reported as a cause of diarrhoea in hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus - West European Hedgehog. (D66, B284.6.w6)
- Recorded in 3/410 hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus presented for post mortem examination in Germany. (J138.61.w1)
(List does not contain all other species groups affected by this infectious agent)