Campylobacter

What are Campylobacter?

Campylobacter are aerobic or microaerophilic, gram-negative, spiral-shaped and motile rod-shaped bacteria. They occur as commensals in the oral cavity, genital tract and intestines of many animals, including dogs. However, they can also be found in the environment (e.g. in water or raw meat).

There are different types of Campylobacter that are important in dogs:

• Campylobacter jejuni: This is the most common type that causes intestinal inflammation (enteritis) in dogs.
• Campylobacter upsaliensis: This species is less common, but can also lead to enteritis.
• Campylobacter fetus: This species is rare in dogs, but can lead to severe extraintestinal diseases such as inflammation of the heart, blood vessels or nerves.

How do dogs become infected with Campylobacter?

Dogs can become infected with Campylobacter if they come into contact with the feces of an infected animal or human. This can happen, for example, if they lick or sniff contaminated objects or if they eat infected animals (e.g. birds or worms).

Another possible source of infection is raw or undercooked meat, especially chicken, liver or tripe. Food or water containing milk can also be contaminated with Campylobacter.

What symptoms do dogs with Campylobacter show?

Most dogs do not show any symptoms if they have Campylobacter in their intestines. They are so-called asymptomatic carriers. However, some dogs can become ill, especially young dogs under 6 months of age that do not yet have sufficient antibody protection.

The symptoms of campylobacteriosis are

• Diarrhea: The diarrhea is usually mushy to watery and may contain blood or mucus. It usually occurs acutely and lasts for about 10 days.
• Fever: The body temperature can rise above 39°C.
• Abdominal pain: The abdomen may be tender and appear bloated.
• Vomiting: Some dogs may vomit, which can lead to fluid loss.
• Loss of appetite: The dogs eat less or not at all.
• General malaise: Dogs are listless, tired and listless.

In rare cases, extraintestinal symptoms may also occur, e.g:

• Heart problems: inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis) or the pericardium (pericarditis) can lead to heart murmurs, cardiac arrhythmias or heart failure.
• Nerve problems: Inflammation of the nerve roots (polyradiculoneuritis) can lead to paralysis of the legs or face. This is also known as Guillain-Barré syndrome.
• Joint problems: Inflammation of the joints (arthritis) can lead to swelling, pain and restricted movement.
• Urinary tract problems: Inflammation of the urinary tract (cystitis) can lead to blood in the urine and frequent or painful urination.
• Pancreatic problems: Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain.
• Abortion: Pregnant bitches can lose their puppies.

How is campylobacteriosis diagnosed?

To diagnose campylobacteriosis, the vet must examine a sample of the dog's feces. This can be done in various ways:

• Direct pathogen detection: using a special technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the genetic material of the bacteria can be detected in the feces. This is the fastest and most accurate method.
• Microscopic detection: Using a dark-field or phase-contrast microscope, the vet can identify the typical spiral-shaped bacteria in the fresh fecal smear. This is a simple and inexpensive method, but not very sensitive.
• Culture detection: Using a special culture medium, the vet can isolate and multiply the bacteria from the feces. This is a very sensitive method, but also time-consuming and expensive.

How is campylobacteriosis treated?

Most dogs with campylobacteriosis recover on their own without the need for special treatment. It is important that they drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration. To do this, the vet can give the dog an infusion or administer a special electrolyte drink.

If the dog is very ill or has extraintestinal symptoms, the vet may also give him antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic depends on the type of bacterium and its sensitivity. Commonly used antibiotics include erythromycin, metronidazole or enrofloxacin.

In addition, the vet may also give the dog other medications to relieve the symptoms, such as

• Painkillers: to reduce the abdominal pain, the vet may give the dog a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as carprofen or meloxicam.
• Probiotics: To support the intestinal flora, the vet can give the dog a preparation containing beneficial bacteria such as Enterococcus faecium or Lactobacillus acidophilus.
• Change of food: To protect the intestines, the vet can recommend an easily digestible food with little fat and fiber.

How can campylobacteriosis be prevented?

To reduce the risk of campylobacteriosis, you should observe a few hygiene measures, such as

• Removing feces: you should regularly remove and dispose of your dog's feces from the garden or public places. You should wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
• Check food quality: You should not give your dog raw or spoiled meat, but only high-quality food from trustworthy sources. If you want to give your dog raw meat, you should freeze or boil it beforehand.
• Check thewater quality: You should not give your dog stagnant or dirty water, only fresh and clean water from a clean bowl.
• Avoid contact with infected animals: Care should be taken to ensure that the dog has no contact with infected animals, especially birds or rodents. If the dog has eaten such animals, it should be taken to the vet.