Symptoms of E. coli in dogs

This disease mainly occurs in puppies under 1 week old. The occurrence of this disease is closely related to feeding and management.
1. The sick puppies show depression, physical weakness, and loss of appetite. The most obvious symptom is diarrhea, with green, yellow-green or yellow-white stools with uneven consistency and fishy smell. The area around the dog's anus and tail are often contaminated with feces.
2. Puppies often have symptoms of dehydration in the later stages. The mucous membranes can be seen to be white, the hind limbs are weak, the walking is wobbly, and the skin lacks elasticity.
3. The dog’s body temperature drops below normal temperature before death.
4. The mortality rate is high. Some develop neurological symptoms before death.
5. A preliminary diagnosis can usually be made based on the age of onset and characteristics of diarrhea. If necessary, the small intestinal contents of dead dogs should be sent for examination.

Causes of E. coli infection in dogs

The pathogen is E. coli, which is widely found in the intestines, soil, feces, and water of healthy dogs. But not all E. coli are pathogenic. Only some pathogenic strains can cause the disease in puppies under conditions such as poor feeding and management, poor kennel hygiene, insufficient milk, drastic changes in climate, etc.

Prevention and treatment measures for E. coli in dogs

1. If a sick dog is found, it should be treated immediately. Many drugs have good effects on E. coli, but they must be detected and treated early. Commonly used drugs include sulfa drugs, chloramphenicol, garlic tincture, and other anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal drugs.
2. For severe cases, glucose saline and sodium bicarbonate solution can be injected intravenously or intraperitoneally, and sufficient clean drinking water should be ensured to prevent dehydration.
3. Strengthen feeding management and improve environmental sanitation. In particular, the delivery room for female dogs should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. If the female dog’s udder is contaminated, it should be cleaned in time. For puppies in the same litter who are not sick, the above drugs can be used to prevent it.