They may become quite ill as a result of Campylobacter bacterial illness, but with the proper medications and care, they will quickly recover.
If your dog or cat has a case of Campylobacter, you'll know it. This bacterial infection can make them very sick, but with the right pet medicines and treatment and lots of love, they'll be better in no time. Here are some symptoms to look out for:
Poor Appetite
The most common sign of poor appetite in dogs and cats is a decrease in their food intake. If you notice your pet isn't eating as much, keep an eye on them for a few days to see if this decrease in appetite is typical behavior or if it's cause for concern.
If you've noticed a sudden change in your dog or cat's food intake over several days or weeks (for example, they're suddenly not eating at all), please take them to the clinic right away so they can examine them and rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the problem.
Vomiting
Vomiting is a common sign of Campylobacter infection. It may be mild and last for several days. Vomiting may be accompanied by diarrhea and fever, and it can even occur without other signs of illness like diarrhea or fever. Vomiting can also be accompanied by lethargy (a general lack of energy).
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a sign of infection, and not all types of diarrhea are caused by Campylobacter. However, if you have diarrhea that lasts for more than three days or that is accompanied by fever, abdominal pain or blood in stools (poop), it's possible that you may have an infection from this bacteria.
Diarrhea can be mild to severe. The most common form is watery stool (at least six to eight bowel movements per day) with cramps and bloating. If the diarrhea worsens over time or causes weakness or dehydration, see your doctor as soon as possible.
High Fever
High fever is a sign of inflammation, which is the body's natural response to foreign invaders. Fever can be a symptom of many diseases, including Campylobacter. Typically, it will decrease or go away in about 2 days with the right pet meds.
It's important to take your pet's temperature rectally or vaginally because an oral thermometer doesn't give accurate readings and may take longer than 2 days for your pet’s temperature to return to normal. If you don't have access to a rectal or vaginal thermometer, use one placed under the armpit instead. You'll want to monitor your pet closely as he recovers from infection as well as keep him isolated from other animals until after his symptoms disappear and he has been tested negative for Campylobacter again (about 10 days).
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of Campylobacter infection. The pain varies from mild to severe, and may be intermittent or constant. It may be localized to your stomach area (abdominal), or generalized throughout your body (belly). You might also feel abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting
Bloody Stool
Bloody stool in a puppy or kitten is not normal. If you notice blood in the stool, this could be a sign of many things, including Campylobacter infection. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see bloody stools in your pet.
Arthritis
If your cat has arthritic symptoms, it's important to check with your vet to rule out other conditions. Arthritis can be caused by a number of factors, including infection. Your vet will examine your cat and perform bloodwork and x-rays to determine the root cause of the joint pain and get the right joint supplements for dogs.
Conclusion
The best thing to do if you think your dog is infected with Campylobacter is to get him or her to the vet as soon as possible. This can be a tricky infection to identify, since it looks like other diseases, so it's important to get a proper diagnosis. Once at the vet, they will probably administer antibiotics for dogs and cats and fluids (if necessary), or even give you a prescription for antibiotics for cats and dogs that you can fill at any pet pharmacy. If your dog is experiencing symptoms of Campylobacter infection but didn't eat raw chicken within the last week or so, they may still need treatment depending on how bad things have gotten by then.