Your dog's gastrointestinal tract can be partially or completely affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This condition can also be difficult for vets to diagnose. Today, we share some symptoms of IBD in dogs, in addition to some of the recommended foods for dogs with IBD.
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
IBD or inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammation of your dog's gastrointestinal (GI) tract that's characterized by the presence of inflammatory cells that are not related to another underlying health condition.
Once these inflammatory cells get to your dog's stomach and GI tract, they change the intestinal tract's lining. This means the normal absorption and passing of food is impaired.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are often easily confused because their symptoms are similar. However, these conditions have very different causes. Irritable bowel syndrome is most often due to psychological stress, while inflammatory bowel disease stems from a physical abnormality.
What causes IBD in dogs?
It's unclear what causes inflammatory bowel disease in dogs. Whether this condition is a defensive response to other conditions or a disease in itself is yet to be settled. Food allergies, an abnormal immune system, parasites, bacteria and genetics are just some factors that may contribute to food allergies.
Vets may face challenges diagnosing the underlying cause of IBD in a specific pet, meaning that treatment can be a matter of trial and error as your vet closely tracks your pet's responses to various treatments.
While any breed of dog can be diagnosed with IBD, numerous breeds seem to be especially susceptible, including Boxers, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, Norwegian Lundehunds, English Bulldogs, Irish Setters, Shar Peis, Basenjis, German Shepherds and Rottweilers.
What are the signs of IBD in dogs?
Have you noticed that your dog is experiencing the symptoms listed below? These may indicate that your pup is suffering from inflammatory bowel disease:
- Fever
- Picky eating
- Loss of appetite
- Chronic vomiting
- Constipation
- Chronic or bloody diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
Keep in mind that symptoms of IBD can come and go and vary in severity. If your dog is experiencing symptoms of this disease, contact your veterinarian to schedule an examination for your four-legged friend. You should also remember that while these symptoms can be signs of IBD, they may also be related to a variety of other serious health conditions in dogs.
How is IBD diagnosed in dogs?
If your dog is experiencing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, your veterinarian might recommend diagnostic testing to help determine the underlying cause of your pup's symptoms. Ultrasound, complete blood cell count, radiographs (x-rays), serum chemistry screen and fecal exams are some of the most common tests used in diagnosing IBD in dogs.
If your veterinarian concludes that IBD is the most likely cause of your dog's symptoms a biopsy may be performed in order to provide a definitive diagnosis.
A biopsy will typically only be performed after other conditions that could be causing your dog’s symptoms (such as organ diseases or parasites), have been ruled out. Results from your pup's biopsy will establish the type and quantity of inflammatory cells in your dog's intestinal wall and help your vet to determine the best treatment for your pet.
How is IBD in dogs treated?
Currently, there is no cure for IBD in dogs but your vet will likely prescribe medications and dietary modifications to help manage the condition. Treating IBD is definitely not an exact science, so, be prepared for a potentially lengthy period of trial-and-error when treatment for your dog's inflammatory bowel disease first begins. Just like people, every dog is different. Finding the right combination of food and medications to manage your pup's IBD is likely to take some time.
Your veterinarian will work closely with you to ensure that the changes to your dog's routine can be made safely and offer your dog the best possible results. Once the condition is well under control many dogs are able to stop taking medicine on a daily basis and may only need it when they experience symptom flare-ups.
What food should I give my dog with IBD?
Many dogs with inflammatory bowel disease respond well to dietary changes. Although there is no specific food that’s ideal for every case of inflammatory bowel disease, your vet may recommend one of the following diets for your pup:
Highly Digestible
- In dogs and people alike, some foods are more easily digested than others - particularly if your dog’s GI tract is inflamed. Fiber and fat can be more difficult for dogs with IBD to digest. In contrast, foods that are high in moisture (canned foods) may be easier for your pup to digest.
Minimal Additives
- Feeding your furry friend a diet with simple ingredients and minimal additives may help to reduce your dog's IBD symptoms. In some dogs, additives have been found to cause an immune reaction so these should be avoided wherever possible.
A Novel Protein Based Diet
- Proteins in dairy, chicken, wheat and beef can sometimes lead to an immune system reaction in dogs. Part of the approach to treating your dog's inflammatory bowel disease may be choosing foods without common food allergens that could aggravate the condition. The logic is that when a dog eats a protein they have never had before, the immune system won’t be triggered to respond.
With a modified diet and treatment, the prognosis for dogs with inflammatory bowel disease is generally good. Your dog may need to remain on a modified diet for life, but once the IBD is being managed successfully, you may be able to reduce your pet's medications (with veterinary supervision) or only use meds when symptoms flare up.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.