Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Triple antimicrobial therapy and acid suppression in dogs with chronic vomiting and gastric Helicobacter spp.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary internal medicine
- Year:
- 2007
- Authors:
- Leib, Michael S et al.
- Affiliation:
- Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In this study, researchers looked at 24 dogs that had been vomiting for a long time and were infected with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter spp., which can cause stomach problems. The dogs received a combination of three antibiotics to try to get rid of the infection, with some also getting a medication to reduce stomach acid. After four weeks, about 75% of the dogs showed no signs of the bacteria, but this dropped to about 43% after six months. While both treatment methods significantly reduced the frequency of vomiting by about 86%, there was no major difference in effectiveness between the two approaches. Overall, the treatment helped many dogs feel better, but there is still a need for more effective options in the future.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is a common cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers in humans. Many dogs, including those with gastritis and chronic vomiting, are infected with Helicobacter spp. HYPOTHESIS: Triple antimicrobial therapy will eradicate Helicobacter infection, improve gastritis, and reduce clinical signs. The addition of acid suppression medication will not improve results. ANIMALS: Twenty-four pet dogs with chronic vomiting and gastric Helicobacter spp. METHODS: Dogs were randomly assigned to triple antimicrobial therapy with or without famotidine. Gastroduodenoscopy was performed 4 weeks and 6 months after therapy. Helicobacter spp status was determined by histologic assessment of gastric mucosal biopsy specimens. RESULTS: Eradication rates for each treatment were not significantly different and combined were 75 and 42.9% at 4 weeks and 6 months, respectively. A greater improvement in gastritis scores occurred in dogs that became Helicobacter spp negative. Overall, the frequency of vomiting was reduced by 86.4%, but there were no differences between treatments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Eradication rates of Helicobacter spp with both treatments were not significantly different. Eradication rates at 6 months were modest, and more effective treatments should be developed. Acid suppression is not a necessary component of treatment protocols for dogs. Eradication of gastric Helicobacter spp was associated with improvement in gastritis scores. Dramatic reduction of the vomiting frequency occurred with both treatment protocols. Gastric Helicobacter spp may cause or contribute to chronic vomiting and gastritis in some dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18196724/