How to Tell if Your Pooch Has Inflammatory Bowel Disease and What You Can Do About it if He Does

sad and sick pug

What can you do to help you doggy with IBD? Find out below.

IBD in Dogs and Cats

Inflammatory bowel diseases are the most common cause of chronic vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. The term IBD is used to describe a group of conditions characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and persistent or recurrent GI signs.

Not a Simple Diagnosis
After a thorough history and physical exam, your veterinarian may recommend blood tests, a urinalysis, a fecal exam and possibly diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or an abdominal ultrasound.

If no other causes for your pet’s GI signs are found, your veterinarian may suggest an intestinal biopsy, which is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of IBD.

Ruling Out Food Allergies

A food trial may be initiated to help determine if the pet has an allergy to the protein in the diet or intolerances to other dietary substances, such as food colorings or preservatives.

Antibiotic Trials

In some pets, GI signs may be associated with an imbalance of the normal bacteria in the digestive tract. An antibiotic trial may be initiated to try to bring the bacterial population back into a normal balance.

Biopsies for a True Diagnosis

Ideally, GI biopsies are obtained to confirm an IBD diagnosis and to rule out cancer that cannot be identified on ultrasound.  During this procedure, a thin tube with a small camera is inserted down the throat into the stomach and small intestine, or through the rectum into the intestine, where small tissue samples can be removed for analysis.

Treatment: Relieving the Inflammation

IBD treatment typically entails immunosuppressive therapy, such as steroids, to decrease and eliminate GI inflammation.

In most cases, IBD is not cured, but the condition can usually be managed. With treatment, many pets will show fewer GI signs, although the signs may wax and wane.

If your pooch is diagnosed with IBD, it is not the end of the world. You and your vet will be able to provide comfort for your pet and make him feel better.

For more information on IBD, visit Care2.



Add Comment