Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) occurs when sections of
a dog’s gastrointestinal system have an unusually high number
of inflammatory cells. The inflammation causes changes in the
lining of the digestive tract, which makes the body become less
efficient at absorbing vital nutrients and can inhibit the
normal passage of food through the bowel. This condition can
impact a dog’s overall health and wellness.
The exact cause of IBD is not known; it is thought that
genetics, diet, food allergies,
and immune system abnormalities each play a role in the
disease’s development.
Note: IBD is not the same as Irritable Bowel
Syndrome (IBS), which is triggered by psychological factors
like stress.
What Are the Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs?
The symptoms of canine IBD range in severity and vary depending on the location of inflammation (stomach, large intestine, small intestine, colon, or all of the above). Symptoms include:
- Weight loss
- Lack of energy/interest in play
- Depression
- Chronic vomiting (weekly or more than usual)
- Long-term diarrhea
- Dull, unhealthy coat and skin
- Blood in stool
- Abdominal pain
- Unusual abdominal noises (like gurgling)
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Anemia
What Dog Breeds Are Affected by IBD?
IBD affects dogs of all ages and breeds, but certain breeds and ages seem more predisposed to the disease. German Shepherds, Basenjis, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, and Shar-Peis seem particularly prone. IBD is more commonly diagnosed in middle-aged and older dogs, possibly because early signs are subtle and can go unnoticed.
How Is it Diagnosed?
-
Urinalysis and blood panel: These are often
used as part of a routine health screening to first rule out
problems in your dog’s kidneys
and liver.
-
Parasite testing: Your vet will also rule
out any parasite infections through a stool sample. Several
types of parasites can affect the GI tract: the Giardia
parasite is commonly mistaken for an IBD condition. A broad
spectrum deworming might be recommended.
-
X-ray: An x-ray can help rule out tumors or
abnormal growths. Your vet may recommend using a barium
contrast to enhance the visibility of organs and intestinal
wall thicknesses during the x-ray. The barium can be given
orally.
-
Ultrasound: An ultrasound may help identify
any abnormalities in the intestinal tract.
- Biopsy: A biopsy will be performed only after ruling out other causes for the symptoms with non-invasive procedures. The biopsy is the only way to identify the type of inflammatory cells causing the IBD and their frequency (usually graded as mild, moderate, or severe). A biopsy can usually be done via endoscopy.
How Is IBD Treated?
Although IBD is usually treatable, it cannot be completely
cured. Your veterinarian will create a plan to get the symptoms
under control. Finding the right combination of treatments may
take some time, but will include both dietary modifications and
medications. Medications like corticosteroids, antibiotics with
anti-inflammatory properties (like Metronidazole for dogs), and
immune suppressants may be recommended based on the severity of
the condition.
Many dogs with IBD respond well to a management plan and only
see occasional flare-ups.
Steps To Manage Inflammatory Bowel Disease In Cats
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, refers to a group of chronic gastrointestinal disorders. The disease prevents your pet’s stomach and intestinal tract from functioning properly, causing severe digestive problems. In some cases, IBD can even lead to intestinal cancer or lymphosarcoma. Thankfully, this painful condition can be managed. The key is to know the signs of inflammatory bowel disease in cats, work with your vet to reverse the inflammation, and get your cat back to feeling normal.
What Causes IBD?
Veterinarians and researchers don’t really know what causes this inflammation. However, they do have some well-grounded theories about factors that affect a cat’s risk of IBD, including:
-
Age: Cats can
develop the disease at any point, but it seems most prevalent
in middle-aged and senior felines.
-
Immune
system: Problems with your cat’s immune system
may lead it to attack the “good” intestinal flora
(microorganisms), causing inflamed cells in the digestive
tract.
- Diet: Hypersensitivity or an allergy to certain foods may trigger IBD.
There’s also speculation that the modern diet of domesticated cats puts them at risk for IBD, and that a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet (like that of wild felines) can protect cats from the disease. However, there’s no definitive evidence to support that theory.
What Are IBD Symptoms in Cats?
The buildup of inflammatory cells in the stomach and intestines of felines interferes with normal absorption and the passage of food through the digestive tract. This leads to a range of problems. If your cat regularly suffers from one or more of the following symptoms, talk to your veterinarian about whether the cause is inflammatory bowel disease.
The signs of IBD are very similar to other gastrointestinal conditions so your vet will need to rule out causes such as parasites, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and pancreatitis.
Another Possibility: IBS
IBD symptoms can also be similar to another inflammatory
condition, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is not
considered a gastrointestinal disease, though, and is most
likely caused by miscommunication between the brain and the
intestinal tract.
To definitively diagnose IBD, your vet will perform blood work,
a urinalysis, and a fecal examination. Biopsies of the GI tract
are also needed so your vet can identify the extent and type of
inflammation affecting your pet.
Treating Feline IBD
When treating IBD, the best you can usually hope for is to
control your cat’s symptoms. Once your cat has been diagnosed,
treatment usually follows a two-step approach:
Step 1: Change your cat’s
diet
Since allergies and food sensitivities are common triggers,
your vet may recommend a food trial using a hypoallergenic
diet. During the trial, you’ll introduce a type of protein
(such as rabbit, duck, or venison) and carbohydrate that your
pet hasn’t eaten before while eliminating all foods not
specified by your veterinarian. You may then need to wait
several weeks to see if your cat improves with the new food. It
can take several attempts with different foods to find a
combination that works best for your cat.
If a hypoallergenic diet doesn’t help, your vet may switch your
kitty to a high-fiber, low-fat diet of easy-to-digest food.
Step 2: Use
medication
Along with dietary changes, cats with IBD are usually put
on prednisolone or
another corticosteroid. This anti-inflammatory medication can
suppress an overactive immune system. There are potentially
dangerous side effects, including diabetes, but the usual
course is to have the cat’s dosage lessened over the course of
several weeks while under the close supervision of a vet who
can watch for signs of problems.
If corticosteroid and dietary changes don’t resolve your cat’s
digestive distress, antibiotics (such as Metronidazole for dogs and cats) may be
recommended as well.
Prognosis for Cats with IBD
With proper treatment, IBD symptoms should lessen or disappear. However, ongoing vigilance is needed on the part of pet parents to ensure that cats don’t suffer side effects from the treatment and to ensure that, if symptoms flare up again, a cat’s medication and treatment can be adjusted.
More on Inflammatory Diseases
Your Guide To Dog Arthritis
Medicine
Symptoms Of Addison's
Disease In Dogs
Feline
Infectious Peritontis