Determination of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Helicobacter Infected Dogs

Abstract

Many studies demonstrated that Helicobacter infections in humans affects iron metabolism and decreases ferritin level resulting with iron deficiency anemia. The aim of this study is the investigation of a correlation between Helicobacter infection and iron deficiency anemia in dogs. The material of the study consisted of 42 Helicobacter (+) (determined with polymerase chain reaction-PCR-following upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy) dogs (Group I) (n=42) referred with vomiting after feeding, anorexia and epigastric pain in the abdominal palpation, and 21 (Group II) (n=21) dogs negative for Helicobacter with PCR and in the routine clinical examinations. Grup I were given therapy against Helicobacter gastritis for 21 days. Blood specimen were obtained from Group I at 0. and 21. days and Group II at 0. day for blood count and ferritin levels. Iron deficiency anemia was observed in 28 dogs of 42 (66.6%) infected with Helicobacter. In conclusion, iron deficiency anemia can be a probable evidence in frequently diagnosed Helicobacter infections in dogs and must be considered in the diagnostic and therapeutic plan. This is also the first study investigating iron deficiency anemia in Helicobacter infections of dogs as far as our knowledge.