Escherichia coli – or E. coli – is in dogs not a disease in the true sense, but a bacterium.
However, it can lead to a disease – colibacillosis in dogs – if E. coli occur in too high numbers in the canine intestinal tract.
How can you identify Escherichia coli (E. coli) in dogs and what are the causes and treatments? The following guide explains this.
What is Escherichia coli in dogs?
Escherichia coli in dogs are bacteria that Part of a dog’s healthy intestinal flora are.
But why can they lead to colibacillosis in some dogs? In addition to the good E. coli bacteria, there are also bad ones with pathogenic properties.
It is precisely they that can trigger an E. coli infection, especially in dogs with a weakened immune system.
Colibacillose is particularly dangerous for puppies. In the worst case, an E. coli infection can lead to blood poisoning and organ failure.
What are the causes of Escherichia coli in dogs?
The main cause of later E. coli infection in dogs is supposed to be in pregnant and infected bitches.
They pass the bad Escherichia coli bacteria on to the puppies, among other things, via their mother’s milk.
Contaminated water and food can also lead to colibacillosis in dogs. Infected feces is another cause of E. coli infection in dogs.
Furthermore, a weakened immune system is often a favorable factor for E. coli infection in dogs.
Is Escherichia coli contagious in dogs?
Yes, Escherichia coli in dogs is contagious – and not only for other dogs, but also for other pets and people.
Transmission occurs here primarily via contact with the mucous membranes of the infected dog.
In humans, E. coli infection can cause hemorrhagic colitis (HC) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS, especially in children).
Recognizing Escherichia coli in dogs correctly
You can recognize Escherichia coli in dogs by the symptoms, among other things diarrhea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
You can also recognize colibacillosis in dogs by these signs:
- dehydration
- Increased heart rate
- lethargy & weakness
- Bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes
Other diseases can also be hidden behind the symptoms mentioned. A quick clarification by the veterinarian is therefore mandatory.
In bitches, there are additional symptoms, some of which manifest themselves in uterine suppuration (pyometra), inflammation of the teats and urinary tract infections.
IMPORTANT
Please do not hesitate to make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible if your dog is in pain or the symptoms do not go away on their own.
Diagnosis & treatment of Escherichia coli in dogs
Escherichia coli is diagnosed in dogs using a PCR test. A mere examination of the faeces is not sufficient to detect the pathogenic E. coli bacteria.
Treatment
The treatment of colibacillosis in dogs is then carried out with antibiotic therapy. The following antibiotics are given:
In some cases, enrofloxacin is used as a third antibiotic after the two main antibiotics.
The dosages are then usually as follows:
- Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid: 12.5 mg to 20 mg per kg of body weight, 2 to 3 times a day
- Ampicillin: 20 mg per kilogram of body weight, 2 to 3 times a day
Enrofloxacin is administered as an adjunctive antibiotic to amoxicillin + clavulanic acid and/or ampicillin at a dosage of 10 mg per kg body weight once daily.
If there is a urinary tract infection by E. coli, the antibiotics chlortetracycline, cloxacillin and metronidazole can also be part of the antibiotic therapy.
Depending on the severity of the disease, it may also be necessary to support the dog with infusions.
Painkillers can also be used, for example with the active ingredients carprofen for dogs and meloxicam for dogs.
What is the life expectancy of Escherichia coli in dogs?
Has a puppy become infected with pathogenic E. coli bacteria and will If they are not taken to a veterinary clinic on time, this means a very low life expectancy.
Because such an infection with E. coli often leads to organ failure in puppies and thus to the death of the mini fur nose.
On the other hand, if detected and treated in good time, an E. coli infection usually has no lasting effects on the dog’s life expectancy.
However, you should always make sure that his immune system is strengthened after such an infection – and that starts with a healthy intestinal flora.
How to prevent Escherichia coli in dogs?
You can take your dog through, among other things a high level of hygiene protect against Escherichia coli.
In addition, the following things also prevent colibacillosis in dogs:
hygiene
E. coli prevention hygiene doesn’t just extend to your dog’s food and water bowls, which should be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis.
Kitchen hygiene – especially when your dog is fed fresh meat – is essential in preventing Escherichia coli in dogs (and humans).
Also make sure that your furry friend does not eat any other dog’s feces or vomit outside.
You can also help prevent your dog from getting an E. coli infection.
intestinal cleansing
Intestinal cleansing not only contributes to a healthy intestinal flora of the dog. It also supports a strong immune system, which is headquartered in the gut.
You can treat E. coli in dogs naturally with some home remedies such as applesauce or carrots.
You can also treat E. coli in your dog naturally with psyllium husks. Because these and the other two home remedies are suitable for intestinal rehabilitation.
control
Control, in this case, means the meat your dog eats, especially if it’s being barbed.
Pathogenic E. coli strains are often transmitted through infected beef, which can quickly happen with BARF.
Has your dog already had E. coli? What symptoms did he have, what helped? We’d love for you to share his story with us in the comments!