Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

What is IBD?

A variety of gastrointestinal conditions where the normal lining of the gastrointestinal tract is replaced with inflammatory cells leading to associated clinical signs such as chronic vomiting or diarrhea.

How does my dog get IBD?

There are suggested to be multiple causes of IBD: infectious agents, dietary agents, and genetic factors. In all cases, some immune based factor stimulates inflammatory cells to replace the normal mucosal lining.

How do I know if my dog has IBD?

The signs, symptoms, and history of dogs and cats with IBD is similar to many, many diseases: intermittent, chronic vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss in dogs. Additionally, borborygmus, flatulence, anorexia, ravenous appetite, abominal pain, bloody or mucously stools are all reported. Your veterinarian will do an examination to determine if the symptoms are those of IBD or some other GI condition. Blood tests, urinanlysis, specialized blood tests, and radiographs will provide baseline to determine if the signs are compatible with IBD. Intestinal biopsy is the ONLY way to conclusively determine if the condition in question is IBD. Hypoallergenic diets may be tried to see the response to treatment.

What can I do about IBD?

Once diagnosed, treatment focuses on maintaining hydration levels to balance fluid losses, dietary manipulation to find a compatible diet, and a variety of medications to address the symptoms as well as the condition itself. Treatment is lifelong. Cure is unlikely, control is the goal.

Is there anything I can do to prevent my dog from getting IBD?

Without a specific cause, prevention is difficult. Breed selection is suggested.

Are there certain breeds that get IBD more often?

Basenji, Lunderhunds, French Bulldogs, Boxers, Irish Setters all have breed specific conditions. However, any breed, any sex, usually older than two years.