chloelogoa

                    Canine Colitis                   

 talalogoa

Colitis is inflamation of the large intestine.  Symptoms include frequent straining for longer than usual to produce soft bowel movements or profuse diarrhoea, often with mucus and blood, which is light rather than dark red.  Despite what can be quite alarming signs of illness, many dogs seem unaffected by the problem.  Their activity level and weight often remain unchanged.  The symptoms can wax and wane for years.  A cure is difficult to find.  Sometimes changing to a diet of chicken, fish, pasta, potato and rice can work.  In many cases, however, tests, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are needed.  Common causes of colitis include scaveging, but inflammatory bowel problems and other diseases can also cause problems.  Certain breeds are more prone suich as golden retrievers and German Shepherd dogs.
Harvey Caruthers
www.shootingtimes.co.uk

Idiopathic Canine Colitis (ICC)
Treating Colitis the Natural Way
Colitis

Idiopathic Canine Colitis (ICC)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) [basically an umbrella term to cover any disease of the digestive system] 
Large Intestinal Diarrhea 

Description or Definition:
Chronic idiopathic colitis (ICC) is one of the most common causes of chronic diarrhea in dogs.  It is a type of colitis that appears to involve an allergy to something in the diet, which causes the colon to become markedly inflamed.  Large intestinal diarrhea is often referred to as colitis, which means inflammation of the colon.  Dogs with large intestinal diarrhea produce small amounts of stool and have increased urgency. These dogs may also have blood and/or mucus in their feces.  In contrast, small intestinal diarrhea is characterized by large volumes of watery stool and can be accompanied by the other signs of illness.  The main functions of the colon are to absorb water and store feces until the animal defecates. In dogs with colitis, water is not effectively absorbed, and the ability of the colon to store feces is impaired. Excessive amounts of mucus, and even blood, are often passed with the feces of dogs affected with colitis because of damage to the protective mucosa lining.

According to Dr. George Padgett, any breed of dog can get ICC, usually around the age of 8, but it is undetermined as to whether ICC is genetic.

Symptoms:
In general, colitis is not difficult to diagnose, because the clinical symptoms are very specific for large bowel inflammation. As mentioned above, those symptoms include straining to defecate, production of scant amounts of watery feces that may contain mucus and/or blood, and increased urgency to defecate.    

Diagnosis:
There are many different causes of canine colitis. Diet, parasites, bacterial infections, and even stress are among the more common causes of colitis in dogs. Fiber-responsive colitis describes large bowel diarrhea that resolves by adding fiber to the diet. In some instances, hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to certain components in the diet can cause a disease called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of the colon.

Dietary Factors:
 Parasites:
 Infection:
 Protein hypersensitivity
 Unabsorbed fats
hydroxy fatty acids
Deconjugated bile acids
 Excess or deficient dietary fibre
Trichuris vulpis
 Goardiases
 Hookworms
 Coccidia

Clostridial Infections
Salmonella
Campylobacter


Genetic:
 Stress:
 Immune Mediated:
Boxers
French bulldogs
German Shepherd
Golden Retrievers
Irritable bowel Syndrome



 Increased permeability
Reduced immune tolerance



Treatment:
 It is very important to ensure that there is no concurrent systemic or small intestinal disease associated with colitis because such cases will fail to respond to treatment for colitis until the underlying cause is addressed. When a specific cause of colitis can be identified as shown above, specific treatment will usually affect a complete cure. However, in the majority of cases, the etiology is not known; thus, treatment remains symptomatic. Such therapy normally involves both drug and dietary management and although it may provide a clinical remission, it will rarely affect a cure. Long-term remission is now possible using diet alone in the majority of cases.  

Dietary Management:
ICC is one of the commonest causes of chronic diarrhea in the dog. In order to reduce the amount of inflammation in the large bowel, your veterinary surgeon may again advise a "hypo-allergenic" diet. These diets reduce the number of potentially allergenic materials reaching the colon and therefore minimize allergenic stimulation.  Food should be withheld for an initial 24-48 hr in animals with acute colitis in an effort to "rest" the bowel. When feeding is begun, the protein source used should be one to which the animal has not previously been exposed.  In particular the value of "novel" protein diets, fermentable fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acids is receiving the most attention.  It is now possible to maintain patients in long-term remission and to modify the severity of colitis by using diet alone.  Your vet will recommend a diet that is unlikely to stimulate an allergenic response.  These diets are highly digestible, so the number of potentially allergenic particles reading the colon is fewer.  They also contain a single meat protein source and a single source of carbohydrate.  What this does is reduce the number of potentially allergenic materials reading the color and minimize the possibility of triggering an allergenic response. 

The specific nature of an appropriate diet for ICC has been the subject to considerable debate.  Some researchers have reported minimal success with any diet, others have had some success with highly digestible, relatively hypoallergenic diets and other have seen promising effects with predominately meat based, fiber-supplemented diets. 

Drug Therapy:
Anti-inflammatory medication is often required, at least in the early stages of the disease to quickly decrease the inflammation and improve the clinical signs. In certain types of colitis, such as ICC, dietary management can reduce the necessity of long-term anti-inflammatory medication.

Prevention:
The origin of colitis is not known, but there is a general agreement that an immune-mediated response to an antigen is involved in the majority of cases and/or that diet is considered to play an important role.  An antigen is any substance that when introduced into the body stimulates the production of an antibody. Antigens include toxins, bacteria, foreign blood cells, and the cells of transplanted organs.  In working dogs, this condition is frequently associated with some stress factor, although highly nervous and excitable dogs may also exhibit similar clinical signs. 

Recent studies have placed considerable importance on the value of diet in the prevention, immediate and long-term therapy of colitis in dogs.

This summary provided by:
 Ellen F Lennen    Southern Highlands Shilohs  
To Contact the Webmaster please e-mail dpknatz@optonline.net
Copyright © 1998 - 2004. Shiloh Shepherd Dog™ Club of America.
All rights reserved. Revised: April 03, 2004

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darleen

  Treating Colitis Naturally

   by Darleen Rudnick, Pet Nutritionist
 www.purelypets.com

Colitis refers to inflammation of the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal bloating and increased intestinal gas.  Colitis can be caused by a primary disease, irritation of the bowel, antibiotic use, parasite infestation or ulceration.
Two Major types of Colitis are Ulcerative Colitis and Ischemic Colitis.

Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the colon, the large intestine, which is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the innermost lining of the colon. Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon.

Research has shown that in ulcerative colitis, the body's defenses are operating against some substances in the body, perhaps in the digestive tract, which the body recognizes as foreign. These foreign substances (antigens) may themselves cause the inflammation to begin or to stimulate the inflammatory process to continue without control.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
The first symptom of ulcerative colitis is normally a progressive loosening of the stool. The stool is generally bloody and can be associated with crampy abdominal pain and severe urgency to have a bowel movement. The diarrhea may begin slowly or quite suddenly. In addition there may be skin lesions, pain in the joints and failure to grow properly.

Ischemic Colitis
An inflammation caused by interference with the blood flow to the large intestine.

Symptoms:
Severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, bright red blood in the stool, diarrhea and muscle pain.

Treatment for Colitis
Because Colitis can be similar to Irritable Bowel Disease and can be triggered by many factors, it is important to have a thorough examine done by a veterinarian. If you decide to seek natural methods, Purely Pets recommends a consultation with our on-staff nutritionist.

A consultation will include a personalized diet and holistic program suggestions, all custom-tailored to your pet's personal needs. This is particularly imperative with pets suffering from Colitis.

The nutritional program and other recommendations outlined in this article are designed for pets that have been diagnosed with Colitis, but does not apply to every pet.

Feed What is Right for Your Pet
Good nutrition is essential in any chronic disease but especially in this illness, which is characterized by diarrhea and rectal bleeding that can rob the body of fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients. Maintaining proper nutrition is important in the management of colitis.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a food for your pet is to choose a food that is right for YOUR pet, not what other people think is right. Raw diets are great, and home cooking is wonderful, but if your pet doesn't do well on it, don't feel guilty.

Some pets suffering from Colitis do very well on a BARF (raw) diet, others do well on a home cooked diet and others only do well on dry or canned food. Every case is different, so it is a matter of experimenting and sticking to what works best. There IS NOT one diet that works for every pet.

However, when choosing a dry food avoid synthetic preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate, propylene glycol and ethoxyquin. Avoid animal fats (found in many pet foods), high fat treats, processed foods, spicy foods, sugar and diary products. These foods may aggravate the problem.

Eating the wrong combination of foods can trigger symptoms. For example, when proteins and grains are eaten together, the grains start to ferment and cause gas. Also, as the combination slows the process down, proteins start to putrefy and cause toxins to be released into the system. Therefore, you may need to eliminate grains.

In many cases, feeding a very simple diet helps. Diets that seem to be beneficial are chicken and one vegetable, or ground meat and one vegetable. Some pets only do well when brown or white rice is added to the diet. In other cases a dry food containing beet pulp is beneficial because it hardens the stool.

Structure Meal Times
Feed small, frequent meals instead of one large one. Offer all food at room temperature for best digestion.

Recommended feeding schedule:

 Breakfast: High quality pet food, raw or homemade food.

 Lunch: High quality pet food, raw or homemade food.

 Midday: Light Snack.

 Dinner: High quality pet food, raw or homemade food.

 Before bed: Light snack.

Use Bottled Water
Toxic metals such as lead, copper, mercury, and aluminum are often found in drinking water and some pets are very sensitive to these metals.

Rule out a Parasite Infestation
A parasite infestation is a very common problem with dogs and cats. Symptoms of an infestation are -- vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, inability to absorb nutrients, bad breath, skin problems, chronic ear infections, yeast infections, foul odor to the stool, and many other minor and major ailments.

GIARDIA does lead to Colitis and many other illnesses! Giardia is a gastrointestinal infection caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia lamblia. This is a common parasite causing gastrointestinal illness. It is found in the stools of many animals, including rodents, dogs, cats, cattle, and wild animals.

A Giardia infection can be acquired when your pet ingests food or water that has been contaminated with the parasite. It then multiplies in the small intestine. The infection can also be spread person-to-person when hands, which are contaminated with an infected person's stool, are brought in contact with the mouth. Swallowing as few as ten parasites can cause the infection.

Symptoms of Giardia are diarrhea, foul, greasy stools, abdominal cramps, bloating, increased gas, weakness, and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to Colitis, so it is essential that your pet be tested for this parasite. This test is normally not done by your veterinarian, so you need to request it. This simple and inexpensive test can save you hundreds of dollars and invasive testing.

Giardia is usually diagnosed through a laboratory examination of a stool sample. Your veterinarian will forward the stool sample to a laboratory that will use a microscope to look for the parasite. Several stool samples need to be examined to detect the parasite.

If your pet is diagnosed with Giardia, always thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before meals, before preparing food, after having a bowel movement, after changing diapers, and after playing with your pet.

Eliminate Toxins in the House, Yard and on your Pet
Because Colitis can be triggered by stress, it is important to put as little stress on the body as possible by avoiding toxins that may deplete the immune system.

Avoid the following:

 Carpet powders

 Air fresheners

 Plastic bowls - All plastics release some undetectable fumes, especially when heated. This out-gassing means the fumes can pass into the foods that are served or stored in the bowl or container. Stainless steel or glass bowls are recommended.

 Cheap ceramic bowls - Cause the same problem as described above.

 Fumes from all bathroom cleaners.

 Fumes from bleach.

 Fumes from dusting products.

 Toxic flea products - If the product states "Hazardous To Humans And Domestic Animals", it is hazardous to your pet.

 Toxic shampoos

 Toxic flea collars

 Paint fumes

 Paint chips from lead based paint.

 Rawhides - Many are dipped in a solution of salt and bleach

 Cheap painted pet toys

 Red food dye

 Ethoxyquin

Supplements
Purely Pets does not recommend discontinuing traditional medications cold turkey or discontinuing them at all. This is YOUR decision based on how the following program works. We highly recommend you work closely with your veterinarian.

Although medications can be very effective, some may cause side effects that can eventually lead to other symptoms. Many pet owners are now looking into other methods for treating Colitis. A more natural approach is outlined below.

Supplement Recommendations:

Giardia & Parasitic Cleanse
Provides an excellent compound containing bitter principles which activate digestive secretions. Can be used safely to clean out the colon, when parasites are suspected as a trigger.

Digest Zymez
Since Colitis can be triggered by an inadequate amount of digestive enzymes, adding them to your pet's diet cannot be stressed enough. A lack of enzymes can lead to decreased energy, excessive gas, allergies, poor skin condition, loose stool, consumption of their own stool, foul breath and/or body odor. Without digestive enzymes even the most nutritious foods will not be of any use to the body.

Digest Zymez are capsulated enzymes which can be fed orally or opened and mixed directly into the food. This product reduces intestinal gas and cramping and is very helpful in treating Colitis.

Yucca Intensive
Yucca is a natural steroidal supplement containing steroid saponins which are nature's most powerful anti-inflammatory agents. This product reduces pain without gastric side effects and is effective for arthritis, bone and joint problems, soft tissue swelling and digestive and bowel problems.

Mega Pet Daily
This is our most outstanding multiple nutritional supplement. Higher potency, easy to feed gel cap provides daily support of important vitamins and minerals, including the A's, B's, Selenium, Chromium, Zinc, and Choline, all the vital nutrients for optimum immunity and health.

Exercise Your Pet Daily
Exercise increases the efficiency of the immune system and helps with muscle development, digestion and overall health. A well-conditioned body will work and perform better and increase the ability to carry blood and oxygen to muscles. Exercising burns fat and increases your pet's metabolism.

Be sure your pet gets at least an hour of exercise everyday. However, age, health and weather should be taken into consideration when exercising. Do NOT over exercise older pets, or pets suffering from hypoglycemia, epilepsy, heart problems, during bouts of diarrhea, etc. Pets suffer from exhaustion just as humans do.

Conclusion and Tips for Treating Colitis

1. Feed what is right for your pet.

2. During bouts of diarrhea, Pedialyte and baby food may help. Plain yogurt replenishes the intestinal tract with friendly bacteria and does help in some cases. Rice can be helpful for bouts of diarrhea, but this is not true in all cases.

3. Large breeds that eat off the floor from a bowl are forced to gulp down their food and this may cause bloating and slow down digestion. Raising the food bowl for them eases the digestive process and causes less discomfort.

4. Feed small, simple meals throughout the day.

5. Test for Giardia and other parasites at least 3-4 times.

6. Eliminate any food or supplement which seems to upset the digestive tract or aggravate the symptoms.

7. Exercise your pet regularly as this helps with digestion.

8. Give supplements to strengthen the immune system and most importantly give digestive enzymes before or during each meal.

9. Avoid using toxins on or around your pet.

10. Offer only bottled water.

11. Last, it is important to keep a positive attitude, as your problems and your stress level will affect your pet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Purely Pets!
Pet Nutritionist: darleen@purelypets.com with questions about your pet or our products.
copyright © 1997~2007 Purely Pets. All rights reserved.
reprinted with kind permission from Darleen Rudnick

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Colitis

TEXTBOOK OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE
Client Information Series
Albert E. Jergens

Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon (e.g., large intestine) with any of a variety of causes. Colitis is a rela-tively common problem in pets and may be caused by reactions to food, gastrointestinal parasites, bacterial or fun- gal infections, benign infiltrative diseases (such as inflam-matory bowel disease), and even neoplasia (cancer). The most common symptoms of colitis include straining to defe-cate, bright red blood on the stool, fecal mucus, and in-creased frequency of defecation. Most animals are alert, active, and have normal appetites in spite of having colitis. Occasionally, they have diseases affecting both the small intestine and colon, which may cause vomiting, alterations in appetite, and/or weight loss.

Diagnosis of colitis is based on the patient's history and findings of the physical examination by your veterinarian and selected diagnostic tests. Puppies and kittens are particu-larly prone to acute colitis caused by dietary indiscretion (eating garbage), parasites, and bacterial infections, which may be spread from animal to animal. Most of these disor-ders cause abrupt symptoms prompting veterinary attention. Parasites are easily diagnosed by your veterinarian, who can do so by examining fecal material under a microscope. Rectal swabs for cytologic examination or bacterial fecal cultures may also be recommended. Other diseases, such as fungal infections (e.g., histoplasmosis), inflammatory bowel disease, and neopla-sia, occur mostly in adult animals and are characterized by symptoms that have been present for several weeks to months. These animals usually require hospitalization and a more in- depth diagnostic evaluation to confirm a diagnosis. Careful rectal examination is performed in all animals and may provide important clues to the cause of inflammation.

Therapeutic trials in animals suspected of having parasitic or dietary causes of colitis are reasonable. Some parasites (such as whipworm infestation in dogs) are difficult to detect. Your veterinarian may treat your pet with medication to kill this or other suspected parasites. If bacterial infection caused by Clostridium perfringens is suspected, treatment with an antibiotic is often useful. Pets that have dietary causes of colitis usually respond favorably to being fed "bland" or hypoallergenic diets. These nutritionally complete diets are highly digestible and reduce the workload of the gut. Fiber supplementation is also beneficial in promoting healing and repair of colonic tissue. A variety of prescription foods or recipes for homemade diets that are appropriate for your pet are available from your veterinarian.

Animals that fail to respond to symptomatic therapy and those having chronic symptoms require additional diagnostic testing. These tests may include blood work, urinalysis, radiographic imaging procedures, and tissue biopsy. Endoscopic examination of the colon (e.g., colonoscopy, which is an examination of the inside of the colon with a scope and light) with mucosal biopsy provides the most definitive diagnosis in most cases. Your pet may require hospitalization before the procedure for bowel cleansing. The colonoscopy is performed while your pet is anesthetized or sedated. The results of endoscopic biopsy will guide treatment recommen-dations by your veterinarian and provide useful information about the likelihood of cure or recurrence. Regardless of the cause, dietary modification with a hypoallergenic diet and fiber supplementation are beneficial for most dogs and cats with chronic colitis.
reprinted with kind permission from Roger Ross
http://animalpetdoctor.homestead.com

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Caring for Pets with Cronic Diarrhoea


chloebutton  talabutton  

The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.