Intestinal inflammation in dogs

A term for chronic inflammatory diseases of one group that share many common features. Colitis and Crohn's disease can also be called by this name because they are characterized by similar complaints and symptoms. The difference is inflammation in the ileum in Crohn's disease and inflammation of the colonic mucosa in colitis.

Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease include diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, fever, lower abdominal pain, and malaise in the dog.

Inflammatory bowel disease in dog

Genetic predisposition - according to research, it is believed that this disease arises due to a genetic factor.

• Nutrition - food products have hard to digest ingredients in them e.g. corn, soy. It often lacks proper amounts of fiber. In addition, processed foods have low quality products and synthetic ingredients in them. These along with soy or corn can cause inflammation and allergic reactions. Even dry food can cause inflammation in the intestines.
• Poor digestion - This occurs because large pieces of food are not changed into smaller components. The digestive tract cannot properly absorb them and eliminate them in a healthy manner. Such inaccurately digested particles damage and create diseases of the digestive system. A weakened immune system ends up with diarrhea. If it occurs once, the body can cope with it, if very often, it is already a problem.
• Infections - bacteria and viruses, including those found in humans - Epstein-Barr virus and rotavirus.
• Medicines - this may happen for example when the body wants to remove poisonous substances originally contained in medicines or the good microflora has been damaged, as a result of which the growth of Candida albicans may appear. As a result, proper digestion is impaired and toxins are secreted.
• Secondary intestinal disorders - may occur secondary to or after antibiotic therapy and with carbohydrate intolerance.

Conventional treatment

The vet, after talking to and examining the dog, may take a stool sample to test for parasites and blood.
In addition, x-rays, biopsies, ultrasounds and endoscopies may be performed, depending on the dog's condition and length of diarrhea.

Treatment also depends on the results obtained.

The dog may be given Flagyl or Metronidazole even when the cause of the diarrhea is unknown. Too many antibiotics create an imbalance in the body, this can cause the disease to return which will be more difficult to treat.
The vet may also prescribe steroid medication, but this should be small and a one-time thing.

When to see the vet?

You should go to vet when diarrhea is more than 1 day old or when vomiting, bloody stools, fever or weight loss without reason. In case of puppies, we should visit vet immediately after noticing diarrhoea.

Intestinal inflammation in a dog - treatment

I am an advocate of this method. I have been treating my dog naturally for years. I give herbal extracts, probiotics and digestive enzymes. When the health deteriorates, I give homeopathic medicines.

The purpose of such medicine is to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, by giving nutrients to help repair the cells lining the digestive system. In addition, they will help with digestion, rebuild the microflora and allow better absorption of nutrients.

I recommend getting rid of any harmful substances and changing your diet to cooked or raw foods. According to holistic medicine, inflammatory bowel disease is caused by vaccines, poor nutrition and too much medication.

For the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, pharmaceuticals that have side effects are not recommended. They can be administered only if the dog's life is at risk. What is important in the treatment is the diet, which should be supplemented with appropriate herbs, probiotic and plant digestive enzymes. Supplements, however, are to be of organic origin and not those still lying on store shelves.