Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a frustrating chronic disease of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract.

It can occur in both dogs and cats.

In most cases, the primary lesions are seen in the intestine, resulting in diarrhea. However, some cases affect the stomach and result in chronic vomiting. Both the stomach and intestine may be affected in the same dog.

Symptoms Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

Clinical signs are usually vomiting and/or diarrhea. Most affected dogs do not lose a significant amount of weight. Most eat well and otherwise appear normal.

An allergic response is the usual cause of the problem. The actual cause of the allergic response is unknown. The lining of the affected portion of the GI tract becomes infiltrated with inflammatory cells that interfere with the dog’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients. Food allergy is sometimes thought to be the cause, but most cases result from an unidentifiable reason.

Diagnosis Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

A diagnosis is often suspected from the medical history and physical examination results.

A blood screen and urinalysis will be necessary to rule out other disease processes which may cause similar symptoms.

Radiographs (x-rays) of the abdomen may be recommended to rule out growths or tumors within the abdomen. An ultrasound study of the abdomen may also be helpful.

Endoscopic examination (examination of the inside of the intestinal tract with a long slender tube that has a camera attached) and biopsies of the inner lining of the intestinal tract may be required in order to accurately diagnose inflammatory bowel disease.

Alternatively, surgical exploration of the abdominal cavity may be recommended. Surgical exploration will allow examination not only of the intestinal tract, but also of other structures within the abdominal cavity.

Sometimes the diagnosis is confirmed by trial treatment with drugs for this particular condition. Metronidazole (Flagyl) and metoclopramide (Reglan) are frequently used to provide symptomatic relief.

Treatment Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

The main goal of therapy for inflammatory bowel disease is to decrease the inflammation present in the intestinal tract. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is frequently used for this purpose, taking advantage of its immuno-modulator properties.

Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication which is frequently used to decrease inflammation as well. Generally, it is recommended that a definitive diagnosis of inflammatory disease be achieved before starting treatment with prednisone. In the event that inflammatory bowel disease proves not be the cause of the symptoms, prednisone may cause difficulties in obtaining an accurate diagnosis.

Other anti-inflammatory medications which may be considered if the condition is not responsive to prednisone are cyclosporine and/or aziothioprine.

The particular drugs needed may vary for each dog, requiring a trial series of several drugs to determine what will be appropriate for your dog.

Dietary management may also be a factor in controlling inflammatory bowel disease. Diets high in fiber may be recommended. Hypo-allergenic diets (diets unlikely to result in an allergic reaction) may also be recommended.

There is no cure for this condition. However it can be controlled in most cases. Drug therapy may be required for the remainder of your dog’s lifetime. Drug protocols may require alterations if the condition returns while on a particular therapeutic regimen.