Clostridium in Dogs
Clostridium is a genus of bacteria that has been known to cause diarrhea and digestive issues in dogs. Depending on which specific type of Clostridium your dog has, the illness can be mild to severe.
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Types
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According to Orange Villa Veterinary, the two most common forms of Clostridium are Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile. C. perfringens is the more common bacteria of the two.
Causes
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Clostridium perfringens lives normally in the large intestine of dogs, but the body's natural balances keep it from causing problems. It can cause issues if a large amount is ingested. Clostridium difficile is transferred the same way, but can also be food borne.
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Symptoms
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The most common symptom for both types of bacteria is diarrhea and can vary from mild to extremely severe and life threatening. Other possible symptoms, according to AquaticCommunity.com, include vomiting and stomach cramps.
Diagnosis
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Fecal smears under a microscope are the best way to determine if Clostridium is present. To pinpoint which strain is causing the illness, a test for toxins is required.
Treatment
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The recommended treatment, according to Orange Villa Veterinary, is oral antibiotics and general supportive treatments for diarrhea, such as withholding food. For Clostridium difficile, metronidazole is recommended.
Prevention
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The best prevention for Clostridium infections is to monitor dog food for contamination and ensure your dog is not eating feces.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Image Library (PHIL), with identification number #2995
