subject: Dog Inflammatory Bowel Disease [print this page] Dog Inflammatory Bowel Disease Dog Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Dog Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a group of related gastrointestinal disorders characterized by cellular inflammation of unknown origin and symptoms such as diarrhea. While it is sometimes referred to as canine Crohn's disease, it is more accurate to say that Crohn's disease is but one of a number of distinct IBDs, each distinguished by the particular cells involved and the location on the body affected. Though there is no cure for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in dogs, it is believed that an allergic reaction to food, bacteria or parasites is involved, so treatments aimed at these underlying causes have proven at least partially effective in stabilizing it.
Symptoms of Dog Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Since Inflammatory Bowel Disease affects the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea is the most common symptom. Other common symptoms include:
Vomiting
Weight loss
In more extreme cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in dogs, the following symptoms might also be observed:
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Melena Passing of digested blood in the feces
Because Inflammatory Bowel Disease affects absorption of nutrients, dogs suffering from the condition can also appear weak and listless. Breeds especially prone to the condition include Australian Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Siberian Huskies and Wheaten Terriers.
Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs
While no cure exists for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, there are a number of treatments that can address at least some of its causes and others that can alleviate its symptoms. Your veterinarian might prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections, anti-fungal drugs for fungal infections and anti-parasitic drugs for parasites thought to contribute to dog Inflammatory Bowel Disease. A corticosteroid such as Prednisone might also be prescribed to decrease inflammation while medications such as Imodium or Lomotil might be used to reduce diarrhea. A diet high in fiber could also be instituted in fact some veterinarians believe that a high fiber diet can be used as a preventative against dog Inflammatory Bowel Disease, especially in breeds that are susceptible. There are a number number of dog foods that are rich in fiber, including Hill's Prescription W/D and Royal Canine Veterinary Diet Canine Calorie Control CC High Fiber Canned Dog Food.
