Home » Diseases » In dogs » Helicobacter Pylori Infection, HP (Bacterial Infection of the Stomach with Helicobacter)

Helicobacter Pylori Infection, HP (Bacterial Infection of the Stomach with Helicobacter) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis

A Helicobacter pylori infection in dogs is a bacterial infection of the stomach caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. This infection can lead to inflammatory conditions in the stomach and impair digestion.

The most important facts at a glance

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that can infect the stomach of dogs and often survives in an acidic environment. This infection is less researched in dogs than in humans, where it is associated with gastritis and stomach ulcers. In dogs, the routes of transmission are still unclear, but contaminated food, water, or contact with infected animals could play a role. A weakened immune system, stress, and an unbalanced diet increase the risk of infection. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. A diagnosis often requires stomach biopsies, breath tests, or PCR tests.

Treatment usually involves antibiotics and medications to reduce stomach acid, often as triple therapy with two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor. The therapy usually lasts 10 to 14 days. Good hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary examinations help with prevention. Current research focuses on the pathogenesis in dogs, genetic analyses of bacterial strains, and the development of better diagnostic tests. New treatment methods, such as probiotics and new antibiotics, are also being investigated. This research could also provide insights for human medicine.

Causes

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium that can colonize the stomach of dogs. It is known for its ability to survive the acidic environment of the stomach, giving it a survival advantage over many other microorganisms. The bacterium’s ability to nest in the gastric mucosa contributes to its pathogenicity.

H. pylori infection is less well studied in dogs than in humans, where it is often associated with the development of gastritis, stomach ulcers, and even stomach cancer. In dogs, the exact route of transmission of the bacterium is still unclear, but it is believed that transmission can occur through contaminated food or water, as well as through direct contact with infected animals.

The causes of an infection can be varied and include both environmental factors and the general health of the dog. A weakened immune system, stress, and an unbalanced diet can increase susceptibility to infection.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

Lethargy

The symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection in dogs can be subtle and non-specific, making diagnosis difficult. The most common symptoms include vomiting, decreased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Some dogs may also show signs of flatulence and discomfort.

In more severe cases or with persistent infection, chronic gastritis can occur, which can significantly affect the dog’s well-being. It is important to note that not all infected dogs show symptoms, which makes it difficult to identify and treat the infection without targeted diagnosis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in dogs requires a combination of clinical examination, anamnesis, and specific diagnostic tests. A definitive diagnosis can often only be made by a stomach biopsy, in which tissue samples are taken from the gastric mucosa and examined for the presence of H. pylori.

In addition, non-invasive tests such as the breath test, in which the dog takes a special substance and the exhaled air metabolism is analyzed, can be used. Serological tests that look for antibodies against the bacterium are also available, but their reliability may vary.

Another approach is the use of PCR tests (polymerase chain reaction), which can detect genetic material from H. pylori in the stomach contents or in biopsy samples. These tests are very sensitive and specific and can help confirm the diagnosis.

Therapy

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in dogs typically consists of a combination of antibiotics and medications to reduce stomach acid production. A commonly used therapy is the so-called triple therapy, which consists of two antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin and clarithromycin) and a proton pump inhibitor (e.g., omeprazole).

The duration of treatment is usually 10 to 14 days, but the exact duration may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the dog’s response to therapy. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure complete eradication of the bacterium and prevent the development of resistant bacterial strains.

In addition to drug treatment, supportive therapy with a special diet can help protect the gastric mucosa and promote healing. Regular follow-up examinations are important to monitor the success of the treatment and detect possible relapses early.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with Helicobacter pylori infection is generally good, especially if the infection is detected and treated early. Most dogs respond well to therapy and show a significant improvement in symptoms after completion of treatment.

In some cases, however, relapses can occur, especially if the therapy was not completed fully or the dog continues to be exposed to risk factors. Regular monitoring and, if necessary, repeated therapy may be required to prevent re-infection.

Prevention

The prevention of Helicobacter pylori infections in dogs focuses on general hygiene measures and reducing the risk of transmission. This includes providing clean, fresh water and high-quality food, as well as avoiding contact with potentially infected animals.

A regular veterinary examination can help to detect early signs of infection and treat them in time. It is also important to minimize stress for the dog and support a healthy immune system through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Although there is currently no vaccine against Helicobacter pylori in dogs, future research in this area could offer new prevention strategies. Until then, maintaining good general health and hygiene remains the best approach to prevention.

Outlook on current research

Helicobacter pylori infection in dogs is a topic that is becoming increasingly important in veterinary medical research. While Helicobacter pylori is well studied in humans and mainly associated with stomach ulcers and gastritis, the understanding of this infection in dogs is still developing. Researchers are focusing on understanding the pathogenesis of the infection in dogs to better determine how the bacterium behaves in the animals’ gastrointestinal tract and what specific health problems it can cause.

Another area of current research is dedicated to the genetic analysis of Helicobacter strains found in dogs. It is being investigated whether these strains have unique properties that distinguish them from the human variants. This could mean that dogs may show different symptoms or disease courses than humans. Such findings could help to develop more targeted treatment methods.

In addition, researchers are interested in better understanding the transmission routes of the bacterium between dogs and between dogs and humans. While there is evidence that zoonotic transmission is possible, the exact mechanisms are still unclear. Studies focusing on the environmental factors and living conditions of dogs could provide new insights into the prevention of infection.

Another aspect of the research is the development and improvement of diagnostic tests that enable early and accurate detection of the infection in dogs. Traditional methods such as endoscopy are invasive and often require sedation. Therefore, work is being done on non-invasive tests, such as breath or stool tests, which could represent a more comfortable alternative.

Regarding treatment, new antibiotic regimens and probiotics are being investigated to increase the effectiveness of the therapy while minimizing side effects. Since antibiotic resistance is also proving to be a problem in animal patients, this area of research is of crucial importance.

In conclusion, it should be mentioned that the research on Helicobacter pylori infection in dogs could also allow conclusions to be drawn for human medicine, especially with regard to the development of vaccines and the research on host-microbe interactions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What causes Helicobacter pylori infection in dogs? Helicobacter pylori infections in dogs are caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium can colonize the gastric mucosa and lead to inflammatory conditions. How exactly dogs become infected is still the subject of research, but it is believed that transmission occurs through contaminated food, water, or direct contact.
What symptoms does a dog show with a Helicobacter pylori infection? The symptoms can vary, but common signs are vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and abdominal pain. However, some dogs show no obvious symptoms, which can make diagnosis difficult.
How is Helicobacter pylori infection diagnosed in dogs? The diagnosis is usually made through a combination of clinical symptoms, endoscopy, biopsy, and microbiological tests. Research is also being conducted on non-invasive tests that could enable easier diagnosis in the future.
Can humans be infected by infected dogs? There is evidence that zoonotic transmission is possible, but the exact mechanisms are still unclear. Research on this is ongoing, and dog owners should pay attention to hygiene and precautions to minimize the risk.
How is Helicobacter pylori infection treated in dogs? Treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics, often combined with medications that reduce stomach acid production. In some cases, probiotics may be recommended to support gastrointestinal health.
Can the disease become chronic in dogs? Yes, if the infection is not treated properly, it can become chronic and lead to long-term health problems, such as chronic gastritis or stomach ulcers.
Is there a prevention against Helicobacter pylori infections in dogs? There is currently no specific prevention. However, general hygiene measures, such as avoiding contaminated food and water, as well as regular veterinary examinations, can help to reduce the risk of infection.
Does diet affect the risk of infection? A balanced and hygienic diet can help reduce the risk of infection. Avoid giving your dog raw meat or contaminated water, as these can be potential sources of infection.
Are certain dog breeds more susceptible to Helicobacter pylori infections? Currently, there is no clear evidence that certain breeds are more susceptible. However, susceptibility may depend on individual factors such as the immune system and general health.
What is the prognosis for dogs with Helicobacter pylori infection? The prognosis is usually good if the infection is diagnosed and treated early. However, chronic or untreated cases can lead to complications that can impair the dog’s quality of life.

You can find an interesting overview of gastrointestinal problems in dogs, supplemented with information on the intestinal microbiome and the importance of probiotics, here: https://petsvetcheck.de/fachbeitrag/magen-darm-probleme-beim-hund/