Health Info
Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine. Histiocytic colitis is one form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and has similarities to human Chron's disease. It is not known if it is inherited but affect Boxers and French Bulldogs. Symptoms are an increased frequency of passing stools though the volume may be normal, straining to defecate and the presence of blood or mucous in the stool. There is usually an increased sense of urgency for the dog and there may be intermittent vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite and weight loss. Sarah was experiencing all of this by the time she reached us.
There are many disorders that cause chronic diarrhea in dogs so diagnosis is not simple. Answers to questions about frequency and appearance of increased stools will help point your veterinarian towards large bowel disease. Blood and fecal tests will be done to test for parasites, bacterial infections and other possible causes. An intestinal biopsy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. This involves surgical removal of small samples of the dog's intestinal wall for examination by a veterinary pathologist.
This disorder is difficult to control. Treatment consists of dietary management and immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the intestinal inflammation. A diet should be free of additives and preservatives and contain an adequate, but not excessive, amount of highly digestible prtein with a supplementation of fiber. We cooked and rinsed lean hamburger and combined it with cook white rice for Sarah. Though she loved the meal the disease was too far progressed for her system to handle it.
Dogs affected should not be bred and until more is known about inheritance, it is wise to avoid breeding their parents and siblings as well.
If at anytime your dog presents a bloody stool, or one with mucous, contact your vet immediately.
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