Acute polyradiculoneuritis (APN) is an immune-mediated nerve disorder similar to Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) in humans. The bacteria, Campylobacter is considered to be a major triggering agent. Little information was available concerning the relationship between this bacteria and APN in dogs.

Fecal samples from dogs that had ingested raw chicken within 7 days of onset of clinical signs (weakness, paralysis of muscles) were collected and DNA tests were done to detect Campylobacter. APN cases were 9.4 times more likely to be positive for Campylobacter compared to control dogs. 96% of APN cases compared to 26% of control dogs showed a positive association between clinical signs of APN in dogs that had been fed raw chicken.

**Raw chicken consumption is a risk factor in dogs for the development of APN, which potentially is mediated by infection with Campylobacter spp.


Martinez-Avon L, et al, Investigation of the Role of Campylobacter Infection in Suspected Acute Polyradiculoneuritis in Dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 32, l: Jan/Feb 2018.