Inflammatory Bowel

Crohn's and Colitis Canine or Canine IBD is not a specific disease. The condition occurs when inflammatory cells penetrate the stomach or the intestinal wall. INN normally affects dogs that are middle aged or elderly.

Causes

Unfortunately, there is no known specific cause for canine inflammatory bowel disease. However, certain factors can lead to an increased risk of developing the condition. These factors include genetics, nutrition and immune system deficiencies. Your dog may also be allergic to a protein specific food and develop a case of canine inflammatory bowel disease.

Symptoms

Crohn's and Colitis Canine may affect parts of the gastro-intestinal tract of your dog. If the disease affects the stomach or upper small intestine, the most visible symptom of your dog is vomiting. Crohn's and Colitis Canine affecting the intestine causes chronic diarrhea. Sometimes the mucus or blood in stools appear in your dog.

Both the stomach and intestines may be affected in some cases of canine IBD. This will cause both vomiting and diarrhea. If the condition is too severe, your dog may lose weight, lose appetite, and develop a fever.

Diagnosis

If your dog has chronic episodes with vomiting and diarrhea, your veterinarian may suspect canine inflammatory bowel disease. First, it would eliminate other causes of diarrhea and vomiting. A biopsy is the best way to confirm a case of canine IBD.

Treatment

Crohn's and Colitis Canine is usually most effectively treated with corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are drugs that help to get rid of inflammatory cells in the gastrointestinal tract. You'll also probably need to change your dog's diet to a hypoallergenic diet. If canine inflammatory bowel disease affecting mainly the colon, your dog should receive foods that are rich in fiber.