Campylobacter Infection In Dogs
There are many diseases that we can catch from pets, so we must inform ourselves very well about them. In the following article we inform you about the Campylobacter infection that is present in dogs and can cause diarrhea, among other consequences.
What to know about Campylobacter infection
One of the main causes of diarrhea is Campylobacter infection , which is one of the most frequent food poisonings. It can affect millions of people each year, especially babies, adolescents and young adults who live in poor hygiene and cleanliness.
The Campylobacter genus is made up of various bacteria (such as Jejuni , Coli, and Fetus ) and is common in farm animals or pets. These microorganisms, which are elongated, require low levels of oxygen to survive and do not move on their own, they lodge in the intestines and are then eliminated through the feces.
The contagion is produced by the ingestion of water or food contaminated with these bacteria. Another way to become infected is to be in contact with the fecal remains of a sick person, such as a mother when cleaning her baby.
What are the symptoms of a Campylobacter infection ?
The main symptoms of a Campylobacter infection begin two days after the bacteria enter the body. We can differentiate the diseases caused by it into two large groups:
1. Enteric diseases
They are caused by two Campylobacter bacteria : Coli and Jejuni . They heal in approximately 10 days. The best known symptom of this infection is diarrhea. It also causes inflammation in the intestine, fever, abdominal pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and general malaise.
2. Extraintestinal diseases
They are mainly caused by Campylobacter fetus and are less common, although more serious. It can affect the heart and blood vessels, causing endocarditis and pericarditis. Extraintestinal diseases also cause a neurological disorder known as Guillain Barré Syndrome, urinary infections, pancreatitis and arthritis.
Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Campylobacter infection
When some of the symptoms indicated above are identified, and we are aware of contact with a dog or a farm animal – and more specifically its feces – we must quickly go to the doctor.
Some professionals order a blood test to determine if there are alterations in the white blood cell count or in the blood pH. A microscopic examination of the stool or a blood (blood) culture may also be done.
Once Campylobacter infection has been diagnosed , the next step is to adhere to the appropriate treatment. As diarrhea causes dehydration, it is essential to drink water and sports drinks that return the lost fluid and electrolytes to the body.
A solid diet is not advised for the first four days. From that moment on, it is advisable to eat astringent foods – potatoes, toast, rice, chicken or grilled fish – in small quantities.
In very advanced cases, treatment with antibiotics or antimicrobials such as azithromycin and erythromycin may be indicated.
The prognosis for Campylobacter infection is good in most patients, who recover within 10 days at most. It must be taken into account that children under two years of age, the elderly and the immunosuppressed are the risk groups for this type of bacteria.
Can an infection of these characteristics be prevented by keeping pets at home? Of course yes. Hygiene is essential, so it is recommended to wash your hands well after playing with the dog or cleaning the stool.
It is also necessary to disinfect those objects that may be contaminated by infected feces from our pets, wash the food we eat well, do not drink water from rivers or streams if we are on vacation and avoid the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products.
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