Helicobacter is a type of spiral bacteria that burrows into the stomach's mucus layer and causes inflammation in the stomach tissues. Though many patients experience no symptoms of helicobacter infection, ulcers can result and patients may experience pain, nausea, and vomiting. Helicobacter infection is one of the leading causes of stomach and duodenal ulcers in humans. Further, in humans, helicobacter infection is associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer, though the same association has not been made in pets.
Pets with helicobacter infection may shows signs of intermittent vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, or weight loss. The most accurate way to diagnose helicobacter infection is through biopsy, though the rapid urease test, PCR testing, blood tests and breath testing may also be used. Treatment typically involves some combination of antacids and antibiotics. Medications which may be used can include the following: amoxicillin, tetracycline, peptobismol, flagyl, omeprazole, pepcid AC, and clarythromycin. It's not known if pet can infect people, though there is one common helicobacter species known to infect both cats and humans. |
