Stomach Infection with Helicobacter in Cats
Key takeaways
Helicobacter is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach of cats, typically causing no symptoms.
- In rare cases, cats may develop vomiting, reduced appetite, diarrhea, or weight loss
- Diagnostic testing aims to confirm Helicobacter as the cause of the symptoms through physical examination, bloodwork, stomach biopsy, or stomach cytology
- Treatment is not indicated for asymptomatic cats
- The efficacy of treatment protocols are not well-established for this infection, but typically a combination of antibiotics and medications that reduce stomach acid production are utilized
- Most cats with Helicobacter infections live their entire lives without showing symptoms
- Those that develop symptoms have a good prognosis, however repeated episodes of symptoms requiring treatment may occur
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A closer look: Stomach Infection with Helicobacter in Cats
Helicobacter bacteria is commonly found in the stomach of mammals, including cats and humans. It rare cases, infection with Helicobacter leads to gastrointestinal inflammation, but the causal relationship between infection and symptoms is not well understood.
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Risk factors
Helicobacter infection is very common in cats, however developing symptoms of infection is very rare. Cats showing symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea require prompt veterinary care to identify the underlying cause and begin treatment.
Since many cats are infected without symptoms, it is difficult to determine which individuals may be at higher risk of developing symptomatic infection. Immunocompromised cats (such as those who are FIV or FeLV positive) may be at higher risk of symptomatic infection. Cats living in dense populations such as breeding operations or kennels may be more prone to infection.
Possible causes
Helicobacter is a bacteria commonly found in the stomachs of healthy cats. The method of transmission between animals is unknown, but most animals show no symptoms of infection. Cats that develop symptoms may be immunosuppressed or have other conditions that increase their susceptibility to the bacteria. Determining a specific causal relationship between helicobacter infection and any gastrointestinal symptoms is difficult.
Main symptoms
Most infections with Helicobacter show no symptoms. Cats with severe infections may show symptoms.
Testing and diagnosis
Since Helicobacter infections typically show no symptoms, diagnosis involves ruling out all other potential causes of the symptoms, and specifically identifying Helicobacter within the affected tissue. Diagnostic tools include:
- Physical examination
- Bloodwork
- Endoscopy of the stomach
- Biopsy of the stomach
- Cytology of the stomach lining
- Exploratory surgery
Steps to Recovery
Treatment is not indicated for asymptomatic cats. The effectiveness of treatment protocols for symptomatic cases is not well-established. “Triple therapy” is one of the most common protocols, utilizing two antibiotics and one antisecretory medication to reduce stomach acid.
Most cases of Helicobacter infection show no symptoms, and a cat may live its entire life without having the infection identified. Cats that develop symptoms have good prognosis for reducing symptoms, however the infection is difficult to eradicate completely. Long-term monitoring and repeated treatment regimens may be required to control symptoms.
Prevention
Helicobacter infection is contagious, but any understanding of preventive strategies is complicated by the fact that infection is widespread and most cases are asymptomatic. Overcrowding and poor sanitation may increase the risk of Helicobacter transmission between animals. Keeping cats in a clean environment with ample space to move may help prevent Helicobacter infection.
Is Stomach Infection with Helicobacter in Cats common?
Helicobacter infection is very common in cats, however developing symptoms of infection is rare.
Typical Treatment
- Benign neglect
- Antibiotics
- Stomach acid reducing medications
