Definition of Helicobacter Infection
Helicobacter is a class of bacteria commonly found in the digestive tract of dogs, cats and people. It only becomes problematic when it causes symptomatic disease.
How Helicobacter Infection Affects Dogs
Most of the time, infection by this microorganism does not cause clinical illness. When symptoms do develop, they involve inflammation and glandular deterioration of tissues lining the stomach. Affected animals develop varying degrees of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, anorexia and weight loss. They typically become dehydrated as well.
Causes of Helicobacter Infection
Helicobacter microorganisms are ubiquitous in the environment, and it is not clear why certain dogs develop clinical disease and others do not. Certainly the health of a given animal’s immunologic defenses plays some part. Helicobacter can accompany and exacerbate other gastric disorders. This bacterial organism is unique in its ability to survive and thrive in the harsh acidic environment of the stomach.
Preventing Helicobacter Infection
Because the cause-and-effect relationship between Helicobacter and symptomatic gastric disease is not well understood, prevention is not realistic. General good dietary and overall health practices can boost immune system strength.
Special Notes
Gastric symptoms caused by Helicobacter are frustrating for owners of affected dogs. Fortunately, a number of tests are available to diagnose infection with Helicobacter, and the infection usually can be treated successfully with a combination of antibiotics and antisecretory drugs.