Helicobacter bacteria can be found living in the digestive tracts of cats, dogs, ferrets, pigs, some wild animals and even people. Normally, these bacteria will not harm your pet; however, in some cases, it can make your dog or cat sick. It is thought to be transmitted orally, through feces or by way of various insects.
How Heliobacter Infection Affects Your Pet
As stated above, helicobacter does not usually pose a health threat to your pet. There are some pets that can get sick from it though. If your dog or cat develops a helicobacter infection, it may experience stomach upsets, intestinal upsets, abdominal pain, gastric ulceration and/or dehydration. Although extremely rare, sudden death can occur in such pets that are old, very young or ill with another disease.
Common Symptoms of Heliobacter Infection
If your pett develops helicobacter infection, it may display various symptoms that typically involve the stomach and/or intestines. While the symptoms in affected pets may vary, some common warning signs are listed here. Common Symptoms of Helicobacter Infection in Pets: Upset Stomach, Vomiting and/or Diarrhea, Varying Degrees of Abdominal Pain, Loss of Appetite/Anorexia, Weight Loss, Generalized Weakness, Dehydration, Gastric Ulceration and Lethargy or Tires Easily.
Treatments for Heliobacter Infection
If your pet is diagnosed with helicobacter infection and is displaying symptoms of distress, antibiotics such as amoxicillin, doxycycline, metronidazole or clarithromycin will be prescribed. Antacids such as famotidine or omeprazole can relieve some of the symptoms as well. If the above medications do not eradicate the infection from your pet, your veterinarian may prescribe steroid treatments to calm the symptoms. It is essential to note that even when helicobacter infection is treated properly, the chance of it recurring is high.
Breeds Affected
To date, it is not clear as to why some pets develop Helicobacter Infection while others do not. However, there are some theories. Researchers think that the following conditions may encourage the development of the condition. Animals most vulnerable to helicobacter infection: animals kept in cramped or crowded quarters, compromised immune systems, shelter animals and animals kept in unclean environments.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
