Stomach Infection With Helicobacter in Dogs

Stomach infection with Helicobacter in dogs is caused by the spiral bacteria known as Helicobacter bacteria, which comes in various forms. This spiral-shaped organism that requires oxygen has four flagella, and is also known to be the cause of stomach ulcerations and gastritis in humans. It lives in the mucus of the gastrointestinal parts of the body, attaches to white blood cells and can penetrate junctions between the cells. There are approximately 38 various Helicobacter species which have been recognized in different animals, and infected animals can have more than one species at a time. Helicobacter pylori do infect humans as well, and is one type of helicobacter bacterium. Dogs are commonly affected by other forms of Helicobacter bacteria, most commonly the gastric Helicobacter felis and the Helicobacter heilmannii.

Stomach infection with helicobacter in dogs is an infection of the stomach caused by the bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori. It is a painful, yet treatable infection that can occur in dogs of all breeds and ages.

Symptoms of a dog that is infected with these bacteria are quite noticeable and need to be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. Symptoms include: 

• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of weight
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Malaise

Types

There are over 38 different types of Helicobacter organisms commonly found in a variety of animals, such as cats, pigs, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, and other primates, such as lemurs.

• Gastric Helicobacter felis
• Helicobacter heilmannii
• Helicobacter rappini
• Helicobacter salomonis

The symptoms of this infection are caused by the presence of Helicobacter Pylori in the gastrointestinal area of the dog. It is still unknown how the bacteria are transmitted, but studies have shown that there is a link between certain bodily matter and water they drink. Dogs that have a significant presence of these bacteria commonly have the following environmental factors:

• Shelter dogs
• Transmission of fecal matter 
• Transmission of vomit or saliva
• Infected water supply from surface water
• Poor sanitary conditions or overcrowded areas

Once your dog is having symptoms of a gastrointestinal disorder, a veterinarian visit is highly recommended. The medical professional will do several tests in addition to a physical exam on your companion. Bloodwork, a urinalysis, possibly a stool sample, and a biochemistry profile will be conducted. The doctor will also ask questions concerning your dog’s symptoms, such as the onset of the symptoms, the severity, and how often your dog is having episodes of vomiting, diarrhea, or other significant ailments. 

The veterinarian will do an endoscopy and will collect samples from the stomach and duodenum. He will then perform a test called brush cytology, which is the insertion of a cytology brush into the curved areas of the gastrointestinal tract. This brush collects more samples from the mucosa and is studied in the lab to check for a significant amount of the bacteria. This is a highly effective testing procedure and will lead the veterinarian to a definitive diagnosis if the spiral bacteria are present. There is also another type of test, known as the rapid urease test, which combines a sample from a biopsy placed in a container with a special dye (or gel) that will turn into a specific color if the bacteria are present.

After the veterinarian makes the diagnosis, he will decide on a treatment plan. The most-effective treatments for H. Pylori are:

Medications

Medications, such as omeprazole, ampicillin, tetracycline, metronidazole, and bismuth are known to be very effective. At times and for different cases, these medications may be combined in various ways, as determined by the medical professional. 

Observations

Once the medication begins to take effect, the veterinarian will retest the dog to see if it is decreasing the number of Helicobacter pylori. He will also ask if the symptoms are subsiding.

After treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections, the dog’s prognosis is generally good. As with any infection, you do not want it to persist and be left untreated. Every dog is unique and so is the response to treatment; however, if the treatment was prompt then your dog will recover just fine. It is important to listen to your veterinarian’s instructions regarding after-care and care within the home. It is also important to give your dog any medication he is receiving on time every day, and to finish the medication. The veterinarian will want to see the dog again so he can do testing and check the presence and amount of the bacteria in the stomach area.