IBD in Dogs

Inflammatory bowel disease is also known as IBD, and is very unpleasant for any dog to have. It is when a situation occurs that the provocative cells penetrate the intestinal or stomach wall. IBD normally affects old or middle-aged dogs.

The exact causes of IBD in dogs is not definite. Dogs may have inflammatory bowels for a number of reasons, usually down to their own specific set of circumstances. However, certain factors may lead to an augmented risk for creating this condition. These factors comprise of genetics, immune system and diet deficiencies. Your dog also may be allergic to a certain food protein which may also be the cause of inflammatory bowel disease.

Signs of IBD
Inflammatory bowel disease may affect certain portions of the gastrointestinal system of your dog. If the condition distresses the stomach of the dog or the upper part of small intestine, vomiting will be the most noticeable symptom. Inflammatory bowel disease affects the intestines which will cause unceasing diarrhea. Sometimes, blood or mucus will appear in the stool of your dog.

In some situations, both the intestines and stomach of your dog can get infected with IBD. This will result in both diarrhea and vomiting. If the situation becomes too cruel, your dog can lose weight, lose appetite, and show signs of a fever.

Diagnosis of IBD
Your vet may have a first guess of the illness being inflammatory bowel disease if the dog has chronic diarrhea and vomiting. First, your vet will test other causes of vomiting and diarrhea. A biopsy may be the best method to confirm a situation of IBD.

Treatment
Inflammatory bowel illness is usually most efficiently treated with corticosteroids. They are medications that assist the gastrointestinal system to get rid of the provocative cells. You may also be advised to change the food of your dog to a hypoallergenic diet. If it is mainly the colon that is getting affected with IBD, then you may be advised to include more high fibre foods in your dogs diet.

But more importantly, speak to your vet in the fist instance if it looks like your dog is displaying any symptoms of IBD.