Introduction

Helicobacter is a genus of bacteria that can cause inflammation, irritation and degeneration in the glandular tissue of the stomach in dogs, cats and even people. These microorganisms range from spherical to curved to spiral in shape and are ubiquitous – or commonly found – in the environment. A definitive diagnosis of Helicobacter infection must be made by excluding other causes of gastric distress. People infected with Helicobacter report suffering from gastritis, peptic ulcers and sometimes gastric neoplasia (cancer in the stomach). Presumably, dogs and cats suffer similar discomfort.

Causes of Helicobacter Infection

The exact reason why some dogs suffer clinical signs from Helicobacter infection, while others do not, remains a mystery. The infection is clinically seen most often in young dogs, although infection with no accompanying signs is common. When symptoms do occur, they include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, anorexia and weight loss. Affected animals may become dehydrated from loss of fluid and electrolytes from vomiting or diarrhea. Some forms of the bacteria have been isolated from the stool of dogs, but the exact route of infection is unclear. Helicobacter infection in dogs can also accompany and exacerbate other underlying gastric disorders. Animals with weakened immune systems may be poorly prepared to fight off clinical disease. Whatever the case, it appears that some dogs are simply more susceptible to developing symptomatic Helicobacter infections.

The cause-and-effect between Helicobacter organisms and gastric disease remains unclear and can cause frustration among owners of clinically affected dogs. Fortunately, your veterinarian has a number of tests to help confirm a dianosis of infection with Helicobacter, and the infection usually can be treated successfully with antibiotic medications.