subject: All You Need To Know Regarding Colitis [print this page] When the colon becomes inflamed, your dog will develop a condition known as colitis. If your dog suffers from irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, then he can easily develop it. The disease can easily reduce your dog's quality of life if it isn't managed correctly, and it can't be cured entirely. Colitis is a condition that affects certain dog breeds much more often. Boxers frequently have problems with this condition.
Colitis can very easily develop whenever dogs suffer from an inflammatory bowel disease. Whipworms and other parasites may be the problem too. Some dogs develop the condition as a result of bacterial or fungal infections. It is also common for dogs to develop the condition as a result of allergies, diet issues, and experiencing too much stress.
By far the most common sign of canine colitis is recurring diarrhea. It's very common for dogs to have a hard time passing their stool. If you watch your dog when he's trying to pass stool, he will most likely be straining. Stool that is passed may have mucus or blood in it. Excessive gas is also common.
Biopsy of the colon can be useful when it comes to diagnosing colitis. It's also necessary for stool samples to be tested for parasites and fungi. Some dogs that develop the condition will do so for an unknown reason. It may be necessary for your dog to go on a strict diet in order to eliminate all possibilities. It's vital that you monitor your dog's consumption if he's placed on this special diet.
If the underlying cause of canine colitis can successfully be pinned down, then a treatment regimen can be planned. Inflammatory bowel disease is usually to blame, so dogs would need to increase the amount of fiber they received in their diet. Diet change alone may be all that's necessary to manage the disease effectively.
If a bacterial infection is the problem, then your dog will need to take antibiotics. Colitis in dogs also causes inflammation. It's usually required that your dog take anti-inflammatory medication. The condition may also be managed through the use of immunosuppressive medications.
