Inflammatory Bowel Disease In Dogs
If your dog has been having diarrhea or has been vomiting a lot, he could
have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The operative word here is
"could," because it’s also possible that his condition may be
caused by a food allergy or a different type of digestion-related
issue. However, if your dog’s condition is chronic and other
maladies have been ruled out, your veterinarian may decide to take a
biopsy of your dog’s intestinal wall. This is the only truly
accurate way of determining if his condition is, indeed, IBD.
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
IBD is the general name given for gastrointestinal (GI)
disorders in which the stomach, small intestine and/or colon is
infiltrated by white blood cells that cause inflammation. These
invading cells are responsible for the persistent diarrhea and/or
vomiting associated with IBD. If the stomach and upper part of the
small intestine are affected, the dog is more likely to exhibit chronic
vomiting as a symptom. If the colon is inflamed, diarrhea is the more
common symptom. In some extreme cases, the inflammatory cells may cause scar tissue in the dog’s GI tract.
What causes IDB?
Despite the fact that IBD is fairly common, we still don’t know
exactly why the inflammation-producing white blood cells invade the GI
tracts of some dogs. Since the white blood cells that cause
inflammation are associated with the immune system, it’s possible
that an abnormality in this system is to blame. However, other factors,
such as the dog’s specific genetic makeup and his diet may be
contributing factors.
Though IBD may afflict dogs of all ages, it is more common in mature
dogs and in German Shepherds, Boxers, Wheaton Terriers, and
Rottweilers.
Treating IBD
Though there is no real cure for IBD, in many cases the symptoms
can be lessened through the use of diet and medication. If your dog has
IBD—and other ailments have been ruled out—your vet will
work with you to find an optimal diet for your pet. Hypoallergenic and
high-fiber foods have been known to help many dogs. In addition,
low-fat diets are generally tolerated better by dogs with IBD. Foods
rich in omega-3 fatty acids are also recommended by many veterinarians.
As you can see, there are many dietary variables involved in finding
the optimum diet for your dog, so patience is needed. Your vet may also
prescribe medications to help alleviate your dog’s symptoms if
diet alone is not effective.
If your dog has been suffering from chronic diarrhea and/or
vomiting, take him to the vet for an examination. The sooner your vet
makes a definitive diagnosis, the sooner he can recommend effective
treatments—and the sooner your dog can begin to feel better.
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