Imflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a disorder in where one or more sections of the gastrointestinal tract have become invaded with inflammatory cells. Over time, this inflammation causes the intestine to become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from digested food and weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea often result. Early signs are often subtle which allows IBD to go undiagnosed for months to years until the dog begins to develop more serious symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Occasional vomiting and diarrhea that occur over weeks to years are the most common signs of IBD. These  may be responsive to brief changes in diet or short courses of antibiotics, but eventually return. The signs are usually slow to progress but can be severe and sudden in advanced stages of the disease. A combination of symptoms is most common in dogs with IBD as the stomach, small intestine and colon may be involved.

Stomach inflammation (called gastritis) typically causes loss of appetite and vomiting. Vomit may contain undigested food, partially digested food, clear or brownish liquid or even a small amount of blood.

Inflammation of the small intestine (called enteritis) often causes vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. Vomit may be clear liquid, yellow or green bile, foam or food. Diarrhea is usually soft to watery, large volume and occurs one to three times daily.

Colon inflammation (called colitis) most often causes diarrhea. The diarrhea is usually of small volume and very frequent (up to ten or more times per day). Dogs with colitis often strain to defecate and have blood or mucus in the stool. These dogs usually remain active, have a healthy appetite and do not lose weight.  A colon cleanse is helpful to keep this area clear and functioning properly.

What are the treatments for Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Most dogs with true IBD require medication in addition to dietary management to have complete resolution of symptoms. If dietary management alone results in complete improvement a diagnosis of IBD caused by an adverse reaction to food is made.

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Information in this post was taken from:  http://www.halopets.com/pet-education/pet-articles/Inflammatory-Bowel-Disease-in-Dogs.html