Dogs
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs is a disorder associated with the stomach and the large intestine (colon). IBD occurs when the immune system invades its own digestive organs. In this condition, the dog develops stomach and intestinal inflammation. This happens because certain inflammatory cells (white blood cells), penetrate into the stomach and the large intestine. White blood cells, such as neutrophilis and eosinophilis, that destroy the bacteria are present in inflammation. As a result, these organs are considerably damaged. The disease is normally affected in the middle-aged and old dogs.
Diagnosis
Physical Examination
Dogs affected with IBD may appear thin. Veterinarians may feel thickened intestines due to inflammation.
Biopsy
This is the best way to diagnose this disease. Biopsy will help to find out whether the inflammatory cells have increased in the intestinal wall. A biopsy involves removing a tissue from the body through exploratory surgery and examining it under a microscope. The stomach and the large intestine may not show any abnormalities to the naked eye but microscopic changes can be easily detected using biopsy. Sometimes microscopic examination of stool samples is done to look for parasites, like giardia or eggs of intestinal worms.
Blood tests
Laboratory tests of the blood sample can help to detect the signs of IBD in dogs. Blood tests can confirm the increase in the number of white blood cells (neutrophilis).
Symptoms
Symptoms may differ depending upon the organ in which the white blood cells have infiltrated. Vomiting is commonly observed, if the stomach and small intestine are involved. The dog suffers from diarrhea, when the large intestine is affected. Many times, vomiting and diarrhea may be intermittent. In such a case, the dog will not eat and the condition may worsen. In general, following are the symptoms of canine IBD.
The exact cause of this gastrointestinal disorder is still not clear. Certain factors can increase the risk of developing this condition. This disease may occur due to poor diet, parasitic infections, food allergies or adverse drug reactions.
Treatment
Corticosteroids is an effective way to treat IBD in dogs, as these medications eliminate inflammatory cells that accumulate in the gastrointestinal system. Anti-diarrheal drugs are also given to suppress diarrhea. A change in the dog's food is essential to alleviate the condition. The dog must not be fed on wheat, dairy, animal or corn-based products as long as the symptoms do not subside. A high protein rich diet is suggested by veterinarians. The diet should be free from preservatives, coloring agents and additives.
Intake of natural supplements such as probiotics and glutamine will help to nourish gastrointestinal (GI) tract with healthy bacteria, thereby accelerating the recovery process. Herbs such as licorice and plantain, can also be used as they are effective to reduce inflammation.
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Dogs
Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs (Canine IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs is a disorder associated with the stomach and the large intestine (colon). IBD occurs when the immune system invades its own digestive organs. In this condition, the dog develops stomach and intestinal inflammation. This happens because certain inflammatory cells (white blood cells), penetrate into the stomach and the large intestine. White blood cells, such as neutrophilis and eosinophilis, that destroy the bacteria are present in inflammation. As a result, these organs are considerably damaged. The disease is normally affected in the middle-aged and old dogs.
Diagnosis
Physical Examination
Dogs affected with IBD may appear thin. Veterinarians may feel thickened intestines due to inflammation.
Biopsy
This is the best way to diagnose this disease. Biopsy will help to find out whether the inflammatory cells have increased in the intestinal wall. A biopsy involves removing a tissue from the body through exploratory surgery and examining it under a microscope. The stomach and the large intestine may not show any abnormalities to the naked eye but microscopic changes can be easily detected using biopsy. Sometimes microscopic examination of stool samples is done to look for parasites, like giardia or eggs of intestinal worms.
Blood tests
Laboratory tests of the blood sample can help to detect the signs of IBD in dogs. Blood tests can confirm the increase in the number of white blood cells (neutrophilis).
Symptoms
Symptoms may differ depending upon the organ in which the white blood cells have infiltrated. Vomiting is commonly observed, if the stomach and small intestine are involved. The dog suffers from diarrhea, when the large intestine is affected. Many times, vomiting and diarrhea may be intermittent. In such a case, the dog will not eat and the condition may worsen. In general, following are the symptoms of canine IBD.
- Difficulty in bowel movement
- Mucous in the stool ( feces is watery)
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Depression
- Lack of energy
- Swollen abdomen
The exact cause of this gastrointestinal disorder is still not clear. Certain factors can increase the risk of developing this condition. This disease may occur due to poor diet, parasitic infections, food allergies or adverse drug reactions.
Treatment
Corticosteroids is an effective way to treat IBD in dogs, as these medications eliminate inflammatory cells that accumulate in the gastrointestinal system. Anti-diarrheal drugs are also given to suppress diarrhea. A change in the dog's food is essential to alleviate the condition. The dog must not be fed on wheat, dairy, animal or corn-based products as long as the symptoms do not subside. A high protein rich diet is suggested by veterinarians. The diet should be free from preservatives, coloring agents and additives.
Intake of natural supplements such as probiotics and glutamine will help to nourish gastrointestinal (GI) tract with healthy bacteria, thereby accelerating the recovery process. Herbs such as licorice and plantain, can also be used as they are effective to reduce inflammation.
- Colitis In Dogs
Colitis in dogs is described as the inflammation of the colon that may be caused by a number of factors. The causes of this dog health problem include bacteria, stress, parasites, etc. Colitis may be an acute condition and may have a sudden onset...
- Gastroenteritis In Dogs
Gastroenteritis is a disease in which the dog's intestinal lining and the stomach are inflamed. This is a digestive disorder in which the intestines do not work correctly. This condition is observed in dogs of all age groups. Every dog breed...
- Canine Diarrhea
Canine diarrhea is one of the most common dog health problems. There are numerous causes for this condition and they include change in diet, food intolerance and consumption of table scraps or waste materials from trash. Sometimes, this condition...
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Irritable bowel syndrome in dogs can be described as a dog health problem where the rhythmic contraction of the digestive tract of your pet gets affected. It is believed that it is due to problem in communication between the autonomous nervous system...
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It is normal to observe some amount of mucus in dog stool sometimes. However, one should take note of mucus if observed regularly for a few days. The slimy, white mucus is the substance that lines the intestines. It helps keep the colon moist and...