Campylobacter Infection in Dogs

What is campylobacteriosis infection?

Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial intestinal infection (enteritis) caused by Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter upsaliensis. It is a major cause of human bacterial enteritis, although it is considered a normal bacterium in the intestinal tract of many animals and birds.

Poultry and meat products are the main sources of human Campylobacter infection. Humans usually acquire an infection by consuming contaminated raw milk, undercooked chicken or poultry, or other food that has been contaminated during preparation. Dogs tend to become infected with Campylobacter by ingesting or encountering infected feces or infected food, such as raw meat or contaminated water.

Can my dog get campylobacteriosis?

Research has shown that Campylobacter can be isolated from both healthy and sick dogs, which suggests that the organism is not a primary cause of illness in the dog. Since campylobacteriosis occurs in dogs and has a zoonotic potential (ability to cause disease in people), it should be considered a possible source of infection for humans.

"The most common source of infection in humans is contaminated poultry and meat products, but pet ownership increases the risk of campylobacteriosis."

If you are concerned about campylobacteriosis, consult your veterinarian or your medical doctor. The most common source of infection in humans is contaminated poultry and meat products, but pet ownership increases the risk of campylobacteriosis.

What are the clinical signs of Campylobacter infection?

In dogs, typical symptoms include watery to mucoid diarrhea, straining, abdominal cramping or pain, lethargy, and fever. The diarrhea may last a week or more and often relapses suddenly after the dog appears to have recovered. Many dogs appear unaffected by campylobacteriosis, and the condition is often self-limiting, requiring no medical intervention.

How is campylobacteriosis diagnosed?

Campylobacter infection is usually diagnosed by laboratory examination of a fecal sample. Microscopic examination and DNA (PCR) testing of feces can demonstrate the presence of Campylobacter, but a fecal culture and sensitivity test is normally required to make a definitive diagnosis, because healthy dogs can carry the bacteria without being sick. This test is often performed in chronic, persistent, or severe cases of diarrhea that have not responded to conventional treatments.

How is campylobacteriosis treated?

The two most common bacteria that cause campylobacteriosis, Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter upsaliensis, are resistant to many antibiotics. As many infections are mild and self-limiting, treatment with antibiotics may not be warranted. In patients that are very ill, or where human exposure is a risk, erythromycin or tylosin are the antibiotics of choice. Your veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate antibiotic treatment for your dog based on fecal culture and sensitivity results. Other treatments, such as anti-nauseants and pain medications, may be used based on your dog’s condition.

Although antibiotics may not shorten the duration of illness, they will reduce the number of bacteria excreted in the stool, thereby reducing the risk of infection to other pets or members of the household.

In addition to medical treatment, it is important that your dog stays well hydrated. Fluid and electrolyte loss due to diarrhea can be severe. You may need to add water to the food, feed canned food or, in severe cases, provide IV fluid therapy. A highly digestible food given in small, frequent meals will aid digestion. Probiotics (beneficial bacteria) may also be recommended by your veterinarian to help restore normal bacterial balance to the gut.

What can I do to prevent the spread of Campylobacter if my dog has been diagnosed?

The best prevention is good hygienic practices, such as removing feces from your yard on a regular basis, cleaning any soiled areas in your house, and laundering your dog's bedding frequently. It is essential to wash your hands thoroughly after handling an infected dog. Discourage an infected dog from licking people's faces, particularly those of young children.

The best prevention is to discourage your dog from consuming raw meat, feces, or scavenging dead animals.