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Your Dog's Diarrhea Might Be Riddled With Superbugs
Your dog's poop might be a dangerous source of bacterial superbugs. In a new study, researchers in China detail evidence that dogs experiencing diarrhea are commonly carrying multi-drug resistant strains of Escherichia coli—around 50%, in their study.
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The research was led by scientists at Sichuan Agricultural University. According to lead author Zhijun Zhong, an increasing number of studies have found that dogs can be a reservoir of E. Coli superbugs, including strains resistant to more than one antibiotic. But there's been relatively little data on how common these multi-drug resistant strains are among dogs in China, particularly within the Sichuan Province, which is known for its major pet-owning population.
To get a better sense of the issue, Zhong and his team studied poop samples taken from more than 100 pet dogs that had been brought to the university's veterinary hospital and diagnosed with diarrhea. About 50% of these samples contained E coli bacteria that had resistance to three or more classes of antibiotics. And when the researchers analyzed the genetic make-up of these strains, they found that the bacteria carried a diverse arrangement of genes that promoted drug resistance and increased virulence (a microbe's ability to cause illness to their host); they also tended to belong to groups of E. Coli that commonly make people sick.
"In short, there was a high risk of antibiotic resistance causing disease in the [multi-drug resistant] E. Coli isolated from dogs with diarrhea," Zhong, a professor at the university's College of Veterinary Medicine, told Gizmodo in an email. The team's findings were published Wednesday in the journal PLOS-One.
The research only looked at dogs from a particular region of China, so the prevalence of these superbugs may differ in other parts of the world. But dogs are plenty popular globally, and studies elsewhere have suggested that companion pets often carry resistant strains of E. Coli and other bacteria that could be dangerous to humans. Even healthy-looking dogs (and cats) can harbor relevant drug-resistant bacteria, and this study can't tell us whether dogs with diarrhea are more likely to have them. But sick dogs might be more likely to have virulent strains that can cause disease in humans, Zhong notes.
There's still more work that has to be done to understand the exact risk that dog-sourced E. Coli and other bacteria pose to people, the authors say. But if nothing else, the current research should emphasize the need for safely scooping your dog's poop, especially when they're sick.
"If our findings are confirmed by further studies, they will provide a reference for the clinical use of antibiotics in pets and remind people to properly handle the feces excreted by dogs with diarrhea to prevent the spread of MDR E. Coli to the environment, humans or other animals," Zhong said.
The team next hopes to follow up on their research by studying more dogs and performing extensive genetic sequencing to better detail the superbugs that can lurk in their poop.
Why Your Dog Is Always Thirsty
Dogs are messy, hit-and-miss drinkers, so it can sometimes be hard to know just how much water they get in a day.
Most need about an ounce of fluids per pound of body weight per day, so a 10-pound dog needs a bit over a cup of clean water daily. If your dog drinks a lot more than that, it may signal a health problem. Read on to learn more.
Many things can affect how much your dog drinks, from weather to activity level to diet.
When your dog pants, it loses water through its tongue. So both hot weather and lots of exercise can cause your dog to need more water than usual. Puppies and female dogs who are nursing also need extra hydration. And pups who eat dry food will likely need more water than those on wet food.
Common sense should be your guide when it comes to whether your dog has excessive thirst. If your canine companion is drinking so much that you're noticing the change, it's probably time to talk to your vet who, with a few tests, can get to the root cause of your dog's increased thirst.
In the meantime, there can be several reasons why your dog is unusually thirsty.
Dehydration, illness, medication, and diet are some things that can cause excessive thirst in dogs. Photo Credit: sanjagrujic / Getty Images
Hot summer days, play, exercise, illness, infection -- all of these can lead to dehydrationin dogs and trigger them to seek water. Older dogs and dogs that are sick, pregnant, or nursing can get dehydrated easily.
Dog dehydration symptoms. Along with increased thirst, signs that your pet may be dehydrated include:
You can use these two ways to quickly check your dog for dehydration, too. If the response isn't normal, it's a sign of possible dehydration:
Dehydration can turn life-threatening fast, so if you think your dog is very dehydrated, take them to a vet right away. If your dog seems mildly dehydrated but is not vomiting, give your pet small amounts of water -- 1 teaspoon for a little dog, 1-2 tablespoons for larger dogs -- every 10 minutes for a few hours.
Don't let your dog have free access to a lot of liquids when they are dehydrated, as drinking too much too fast could cause vomiting.
Many conditions can lead to excessive thirst or dehydration in your dog, including diabetes, Cushing's disease, cancer, diarrhea, fever, infection, kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and liver disease.
Sometimes, however, it may not be the condition itself causing your dog's excessive thirst, but the medication used to treat it. Talk to a vet about your dog's medication and its side effects; if drugs are behind your dog's thirst, the vet may be able to lower the dosage or find an alternative medication.
Just as with people, some drugs can lead to excessive thirst in your dog, including:
A dry food diet -- which may be as little as 5%-10% water -- can also lead to noticeable thirst in your dog. High-sodium foods and certain prescription diets will also cause your dog to drink more.
Large amounts of salt can be poisonous to your pet, so avoid sharing highly salty "people" food with your dog. Signs your dog may have eaten too many sodium-rich treats include tremors, diarrhea, depression, and vomiting.
A good rule of thumb: Make sure your dog gets at least 1 ounce of water daily for each pound they weigh. That means a 20-pound dog needs at least 20 ounces of water every day. That's more than 2 cups, or as much as in some bottles of water or soda.
Leave the water bowl where your dog can get to it easily. Since dogs can knock over the bowl while they're drinking, use one that's made to not tip and spill.
Clean the bowl daily. Refill often so the water supply stays fresh.
Whenever you and your dog are playing outdoors -- especially when it's hot -- bring cool water with you for them to drink. If your dog stays outside on hot days, add ice to the water bowl.
Some dogs are happy to drink from the toilet. But that isn't a clean source of water! Keep the toilet lid closed so your dog stays out.
It's easier to notice changes in your dog's thirst or drinking behavior if you develop a water bowl routine.
Water is critical to your dog's health and well-being. Never deprive your dog of water. If you're worried your dog is drinking too much (or not enough), don't wait: Give your vet a call.
Portosystemic Shunt In Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
Portosystemic shunt (PSS) — also known as a liver shunt — in dogs is a medical condition that affects the normal flow of blood through the liver. Under typical circumstances, blood from the intestine, spleen, and pancreas travels through the portal vein to the liver, where it gets cleansed of toxins, supplied with nutrients, and stabilized in terms of sugar balance. However, in dogs with PSS, this blood bypasses the liver due to an abnormal connection — shunt — between the portal vein — or one of its branches — and another vein, leading directly to the general circulation. This abnormality means the liver is sidestepped, preventing blood detoxification and nutrient regulation.
PSS can pose significant risks to your dog's health if not properly addressed. Here's what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for portosystemic shunt in dogs.
Symptoms of Portosystemic Shunt (PSS) in dogs(Photo Credit: Monty RakusenGetty Images)
The symptoms of PSS in dogs can vary widely, often depending on the severity and type of shunt. Some dogs may display only mild signs, while others can have severe clinical symptoms. Key symptoms include:
These symptoms often become apparent or worsen after eating due to the increased toxins entering the bloodstream from the digestive tract. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, especially in combination, it's crucial to consult your veterinarian as these signs can also be indicative of other serious health issues.
Causes of Portosystemic Shunt (PSS) in dogsThere are two main types of portosystemic shunts in dogs: congenital and acquired. Congenital shunts are present at birth and are typically the result of genetic factors. As a result, certain breeds are more susceptible to this condition. Congenital shunts can be further categorized into intrahepatic and extrahepatic shunts, depending on their location. Intrahepatic shunts are often found in larger dog breeds and involve a shunt within the liver. Extrahepatic shunts are typically seen in smaller breeds and involve a shunt outside the liver.
Breeds at a higher risk of congenital PSS include:
Acquired shunts, on the other hand, develop later in life and are often secondary to liver disease, such as cirrhosis, which increases pressure in the portal vein and causes blood to be rerouted around the liver. Although acquired shunts can occur in any breed, they are generally seen in older dogs.
Diagnosing PSS in dogs can be challenging, as the symptoms can be vague and similar to other conditions. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and run various tests to determine if your dog has PSS. These tests may include:
Bloodwork: Your veterinarian will perform a complete blood count (CBC) and a serum chemistry panel to evaluate your dog's liver function and assess the levels of various substances in the blood.
Urinalysis: This test can help identify any abnormalities in your dog's urine, such as high levels of protein or blood.
Imaging: Your veterinarian may also recommend an ultrasound or a CT scan to look for abnormalities in the liver and blood vessels.
If PSS is suspected, your veterinarian may conduct additional tests, such as a bile acids test or a shunt study, to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatments for Portosystemic Shunt (PSS) in dogsTreatment for PSS in dogs varies based on the severity of the condition and whether the shunt is congenital or acquired.
Surgical treatment: The most definitive treatment for a congenital portosystemic shunt is surgical ligation or gradual closure of the abnormal vessel. This surgery aims to redirect blood flow through the liver, allowing for proper metabolism and detoxification. The success of this surgery can be high, but it depends on various factors, including your dog's overall health and the complexity of the liver shunt.
Medical management: In cases where surgery isn't an option or as a pre/post-operative measure, your veterinarian may recommend a medical approach to manage your dog's PSS. This often involves a special diet that is lower in proteins and easier for your dog's liver to process. Alongside diet, your vet may also prescribe medications to decrease the absorption of ammonia from the gut, such as lactulose, and antibiotics to reduce the production of ammonia by gut bacteria. Remember, while medical management can improve symptoms, it does not cure PSS, but it is particularly valuable for dogs not deemed good surgical candidates.
Interventional radiology: For some dogs, a minimally invasive procedure called interventional radiology might be available. This technique involves using imaging guidance to place coils or other devices to gradually close the shunt internally. This option presents fewer risks than traditional surgery and typically offers a quicker recovery period. However, it's not suitable for all types of shunts or available in all veterinary practices.
Regardless of whether your dog undergoes surgery, long-term management is often necessary. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure any adjustments to treatment can be made as needed. In some cases, dogs may need to continue on medications indefinitely.
The post Portosystemic Shunt in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments appeared first on DogTime.
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