In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of campylobacter, which antibiotics should be used for the condition, and what the best treatment options are for this bacterial infection. We’ll also cover what antibiotics to avoid and how to properly hydrate your dog.
This is a serious condition and you should seek veterinary assistance immediately. In the meantime, read on to learn more about this bacterium and its treatment options.
What is Campylobacter in Dogs?
Campylobacteriosis is an infectious disease that can affect people and dogs alike. The bacteria responsible for the disease, Campylobacter jejuni, are present in the intestines of all animals, including humans.
Most commonly, the bacteria are shed into the feces of dogs and cats. This is how humans become infected with the bacteria. If you have a dog or cat that has been infected with campylobacteriosis, you may want to avoid feeding them raw meat until you know what is causing it.
Humans are at risk for getting this infection because of contaminated food and water. However, dogs can get it through infected feces or through contaminated water. Raw meat, poultry, and pet food are common sources of campylobacteriosis in humans.
Although contaminated water and food can cause bacterial infections, the feces of healthy dogs can contain the bacteria.
Campylobacter Treatment for Dogs
A bacterial infection caused by Campylobacter in dogs results in watery diarrhea. While healthy dogs can carry the infection, the symptoms typically resolve themselves on their own. Affected animals, however, may be more severely affected by the infection.
Most puppies and dogs less than six months old shed the bacteria during the summer and fall months. To ensure your pet’s safety, it is important to practice good personal hygiene to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Although a puppy or dog can be infected with Campylobacteriosis without exhibiting any clinical signs, it’s still important to seek medical attention if it develops any of these symptoms.
Puppies and dogs with extreme diarrhea are more prone to developing intussusception, which is a condition where one part of the bowel slides into another. Intussusception is a potentially fatal condition if not treated in time.
List of Antibiotics to Treat Campylobacter Bacteria in Dog
Liste of antibiotics to treat champylobacterial infection in dogs. The first line of treatment for campylobacter infection in dogs consists of antibiotics.
Erythromycin
Erythromycin is the antibiotic of choice, followed by tetracyclines and flouroquinolones. The side effects of erythromycin include diarrhea and vomiting, and are not suitable for puppies or dogs older than five months old.
Doxycycline
It’s an antibiotic drug that can be used to treat bacterial infections caused by campylobacters bacteria. Inhibits the bacteria growth and kills bacteria.
Convenia (Cefovecin)
Cefovecin injection could also be used to treat these kinda infections. This is a strong antibiotic drug that can help in treating infectious disorders caused by campylobacter bacteria in pets.
Simplicef (Cefpodoxime proxetil)
This is a third-generation cephalosporin antibacterial drug that works against a broad range of bacteria. It can be used to treat infections caused by campylobacter bacteria in dogs.
The CDC found that fewer than fifteen percent of human Campylobacter infections were linked to animal contact. In contrast, human infection due to contact with domestic puppies is less than 5%.
However, the recent outbreak of the disease in the U.S. indicates that the problem is much larger than first thought.
Despite the broader nature of the outbreak, veterinarians and government officials have been able to track the spread of the bacteria from pet stores to humans.
Causes of Campylobacter Infection in Dogs
Campylobacter is a bacterial infection that affects the intestinal tract. Infection is typically asymptomatic in dogs, but severe cases can be life-threatening.
The infection can be spread from human to dog through contaminated food. Puppies less than six months old are most likely to shed campylobacter bacteria, while older dogs may have no symptoms.
The disease can also be transmitted through exposure to raw meat and water, but in most cases, the symptoms of campylobacter infection will be more severe than in humans.
Campylobacteriosis is caused by bacteria that cause diarrhea in dogs and cats. The bacteria responsible for this disease can be found in the feces of healthy dogs and cats.
Approximately 49 percent of dogs carry the bacteria. When infected, dogs have diarrhea lasting five to fifteen days. Diarrhea may be watery, bloody, or mucus-stained. It can also cause leukemia in dogs.
Signs and Symptoms of Campylobacter Infection in Dogs
Campylobacter infections in dogs are relatively common but can have serious consequences. This gram-negative bacteria, which affects the intestinal tract, usually produces watery, bloody, or mucus-stained diarrhea.
Diarrhea may last for 5 to 15 days and maybe bloody or bile-stained. Most dogs shed campylobacter bacteria, so your pet may be carrying the bacteria without you even knowing it.
Treatment is usually based on whether your dog is exhibiting the above signs and symptoms.
The clinical signs of campylobacteriosis in dogs are similar to those of humans. Its symptoms include diarrhea and abdominal cramping, although a more severe illness might require treatment.
Other signs include fever and lethargy. While this disease can be self-limiting and treatable, a veterinarian can make a definitive diagnosis by examining your dog’s feces.
For chronic or severe diarrhea, your veterinarian will likely recommend a fecal culture and sensitivity test.
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