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Helicobacter
Spiral bacteria surviving in stomach acid that can cause ulcers and complicate existing GI disease.
Key Facts
- Discovered as cause of human stomach ulcers in 1980s
- Creates protective bicarbonate layer to survive extreme acidity
- Most dogs and cats harbor Helicobacter without symptoms
- Can complicate inflammatory bowel disease
- In humans, 400% increased risk of stomach cancer (not proven in pets)
- Treatment: 2-3 antibiotics plus acid-reducing medication for 2-3 weeks
- Biopsy is most accurate diagnostic method