Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes a group of diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract. IBD affects is characterized by inflamed cells infiltrating the stomach, intestines, or both.
Researchers can’t pinpoint a single cause for all IBD cases. In some instances, veterinarians suspect sensitivity to certain food ingredients, and IBD also affects some dogs who have gastrointestinal infections with such organisms as salmonella or Giardia. But in many cases, the cause is unknown.
Risk factors and detection
Inflammatory bowel disease can appear at any age but usually affects middle-aged dogs. Hereditary factors play a role as certain breeds are predisposed to IBD. Basenjis and Lundehunds suffer from immunoproliferative IBD, French bulldogs and Boxers experience histiocytic colitis, Irish setters are often wheat sensitive, and German shepherds and Shar-Peis experience more immunoglobulin A abnormalities.
Signs of inflammatory bowel disease include:
- intermittent or chronic vomiting or diarrhea
- weight loss
- appetite loss
- loud intestinal sounds and excessive flatulence.
Call your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs. He or she will perform a complete physical examination and may use fecal tests, blood tests, and X-rays to help rule out other causes of gastrointestinal disease, such as obstruction caused by a foreign object.
To diagnose IBD, your veterinarian will take a biopsy of your dog’s gastrointestinal tissues surgically or using an endoscope. Endoscopy is preferred over surgery because it’s noninvasive, which means there’s no surgical opening and your dog will recover faster. During endoscopy, your veterinarian will pass a scope into your dog’s gastrointestinal tract, either through the mouth or rectum. The doctor will anesthetize your dog for her comfort and safety.
Prevention and treatment
You can’t prevent inflammatory bowel disease, but you can manage the condition. Your veterinarian may recommend one or more of the following treatment options based on your dog’s individual needs.
Diet changes. Hypoallergenic and easily digestible diets can eliminate symptoms of food sensitivity or intolerance. It may take several months for your veterinarian to determine the effectiveness of your dog’s new diet. Adding fiber to the diet benefits many dogs who suffer from colitis, or inflammation of the large intestine.
Antibiotics. Veterinarians will prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections or bacterial overgrowth in the intestines. Doctors often opt for the antibiotic tylosin and the antibiotic/anti-inflammatory drug sulfasalazine to treat colitis.
Anti-inflammatory drugs. Doctors often use prednisone to treat IBD. Dogs may experience such undesirable side effects as increased thirst and urination, a weakened immune system, and adrenal gland suppression.
The drug metronidazole has anti-inflammatory properties as well as antibacterial and antiprotozoal activities. These properties make it useful for a number of IBD cases.
Immunotherapy. Veterinarians reserve this treatment, which involves using drugs to alter the immune system, for dogs whose biopsies reveal severe inflammatory disease. They also may prescribe immunosuppressive medications for dogs who don’t respond to other treatment. The most common drugs used are azathioprine and chlorambucil.
Prognosis
With proper treatment, dogs suffering mild inflammatory bowel disease will live long, healthy, and energetic lives. The prognosis for dogs with severe IBD is guarded, as many stop responding to treatment and may become debilitated. Your veterinarian will discuss your dog’s unique condition.
