The genus Clostridium is a group of anaerobic bacteria (they
can thrive in conditions where oxygen is not present) which have been linked to
several important diseases in dogs. Two of the most common clostridial infections
in dogs are caused by Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile.
Some healthy dogs have been found to harbor C. difficile in
their gastrointestinal tract without suffering any infection. However
antibiotic treatment can create a favorable environment for this bacterium to
increase in number and cause a condition called pseudomembranous colitis, a
serious local infection affecting the colon.
Clostridium perfringens is also considered a normal
bacterial flora of the gastrointestinal tract. However when conditions are
favorable for their multiplication and colonization, the infectious agent can
cause Clostridial enterotoxicosis, an abnormal condition of the intestinal
tract which is manifested by diarrhea and abdominal pain. Vomiting and fever
may also be present. There are certain types of Clostridium perfringens that produce
toxins and have been linked to food poisoning in dogs. These are bacteria which
are acquired when dogs eat poorly cooked meat or poultry.
Most dogs suffering from food poisoning often recover from
the gastrointestinal symptoms after a day or two without any serious
complications. However, there are those that develop into clostridial
necrotizing enteritis, an infection which may be fatal for dogs.
There are several predisposing factors that may pave the way
for proliferation and colonization of Clostridium perfringens which includes a
sudden change in diet, deficient antibodies, high intestinal pH, exposure to
sick dogs in a kennel or hospital, and concurrent conditions affecting the
digestive system such as gastroenteritis, parvovirus, and inflammatory bowel
disease.
Diagnosis of Clostridial infections in dogs is based on a
complete history and thorough physical exam. Your veterinarian may also
recommend specific diagnostic tests such as complete blood count, urinalysis,
and biochemical blood profile. Microscopic analysis of a fecal sample is also
indicated. An endoscope can be used to get a clear view of the condition of the
dog's intestines and also to get tissue samples for further examination and
bacterial culture.
The latest state of the art diagnostic tool for Clostridium
perfringens infection is an immunologic test which can identify the presence of
the bacterial toxin in the fecal sample. The test is made more accurate when
combined with the PCR testing to detect the Clostridial gene which has been
linked to enterotoxin production.
Clostridium infection in dogs can be treated with a round of
antibiotics which can be given orally for several weeks. Some of the most
common antibiotics of choice include metronidazole, ampicillin, tylosin,
amoxicillin, and tylosin.
Being able to diagnose the early signs and symptoms that
your dog will develop before that a minor health issue become a major one is a
skill that every dog owner should learn.
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