Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) In Dogs
Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation anywhere in your dog's gastrointestinal system, with the large and small bowel being most commonly affected. Although the cause of IBD is not known, it's thought an environmental or genetic trigger may cause the immune system to overreact, which can result in inflammation.
Some breeds, including Irish setters and French bulldogs, seem to be at greater risk of developing IBD, but the disease can affect any dog. Here's what you need to know about IBD in dogs:
Symptoms
Common symptoms of IBD include:
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Vomiting
- Flatulence and abdominal rumbling
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blood in stools
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, have them examined by your vet as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
Your vet will take a detailed account of your dog's symptoms and combine this information with diagnostic testing to form a complete picture of your dog's health. The following tests can be used to diagnose IBD in dogs:
Complete Blood Count - This test can detect inflammation and anaemia, which can affect your dog if their intestines have been bleeding.
Urinalysis - This test is useful for identifying bacterial infections and dehydration, which can result if you're dog's had chronic diarrhoea.
Faecal Examination - Examining your dog's faeces can rule out parasites as the cause of their symptoms. It's also a useful test for detecting inflammation and intestinal bleeding.
Barium Contrast - Your dog will be given a drink containing barium sulphate, which enables their intestines to be seen more clearly when x-rayed. The test is useful for identifying areas of the bowel that have narrowed due to inflammation or areas of bowel wall that have thickened, which indicates disease activity.
Treatment
IBD cannot be cured, so the aim of treatment is to control the disease and ease your dog's symptoms. Immunosuppressive medications are often used to bring your dog's overactive immune system back within the normal range. Your dog will need regular bloodwork while on this type of medication to ensure they are receiving the optimum dose. Antibiotics will be prescribed if your dog's bowel is overrun with bad bacteria, which can happen during periods of disease activity.
Your dog will be given intravenous fluids if they are dehydrated. Additionally, you will be given advice on how to manage their diet as they may be limited to food that's easy to digest. Intestinal inflammation can make it difficult for your dog to absorb some vitamins and minerals, so your vet will give you advice on supplementation.
Your dog can maintain a good quality of life after diagnosis as long as you adhere to their medication schedule and the dietary advice offered by your vet. If you're concerned about your dog's intestinal health, schedule an appointment with your vet such as Baw Baw Paws Vet Clinic and have them checked over.
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