What Is Canine Campylobacteriosis

1 Overview

What Is Canine Campylobacteriosis

The main route of transmission is fecal-oral, especially through food and water. Contaminated meat and unpasteurized milk are other common sources.

The severity of the disease caused by the microbe depends on the number ingested and the infected animal’s immune status. Other intestinal pathogens such as canine parvovirus, canine coronavirus, Giardia, and salmonella may act synergistically.

Dogs and cats in kennels, catteries, labs, and shelters are more likely to carry the bacterium than privately kept ones. Also, puppies and kittens are more likely to acquire Campylobacter jejuni and develop diarrhea because lack of prior exposure means they lack protective antibodies.

Dogs can carry the bacterium with no signs of disease; this is common. If clinical signs appear, they most often occur in dogs under 6 months. Stress from illness, hospitalization, pregnancy, or surgery makes animals more susceptible. The main clinical sign is diarrhea, from mild loose stool to watery diarrhea to diarrhea with blood and mucus. Acute diarrhea in puppies (occasionally adults) causes mucus-rich watery diarrhea, usually with reduced appetite and occasional vomiting. Fever may occur. In some cases diarrhea lasts weeks, may be intermittent, or even persist for months.

Three Main Diagnostic Methods for Canine Campylobacteriosis

They are: microscopy, culture analysis, and serological analysis.

1. Microscopy. A rapid presumptive diagnosis can be made by examining fresh fecal samples for characteristically fast-moving curved bacteria, or stained slides for faintly stained ‘gull-wing’ slender bacteria.

2. Biochemical analysis. A swab of fresh feces can be sent to a lab where the organism is isolated and cultured.

3. Serological analysis. In humans, several techniques detect Campylobacter serum antibodies. No studies in dogs and cats yet assess antibody levels as an indicator of infection in diarrheic or non-diarrheic animals.

Treatment of Canine Campylobacteriosis

1. Antibiotics. For some animals with severe diarrhea, antibiotic therapy may be necessary, especially to reduce household exposure to humans and other pets. Fortunately, Campylobacter strains are sensitive to many antibiotics, especially erythromycin and tetracycline.

2. Supportive care. Severely infected animals may need hospitalization and supportive care such as intravenous fluids and a bland or high-fiber diet to resolve diarrhea.

Follow-up Care for Canine Campylobacteriosis

The best treatment combines home care with professional veterinary care. Follow-up is crucial, especially if your pet does not improve quickly. Always medicate as directed by the veterinarian, and notify them promptly if you have any problems.

Avoid stressful situations for your dog, as stress is a triggering factor.

Campylobacter is a major cause of human intestinal disease. Clinical signs can be severe, including fever, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort in dogs. Kittens and puppies recently bought from pet stores or kennels are often considered sources of human infection, yet asymptomatic cats and dogs can also transmit it. The main risk factor for humans is eating raw or undercooked meat, especially chicken.