COLITIS/IBS AND DIGESTION PROBLEMS

Colitis is when the large intestine (colon) becomes inflamed which causes diarrhoea that often contains blood and mucus. Treatment for colitis depends how severely and how often your dog suffers from it. Most dogs recover from colitis within a few days and have no further issues, but some need ongoing treatment for a form of Colitis that comes and goes throughout life.

Symptoms

  • Diarrhoea containing blood or mucus (or both)
  • Straining to poo
  • Vomiting
  • A painful abdomen (tummy) - your dog may stand with a hunched back or sit in a “prayer position”.

Colitis can be caused by:

  • Stress
  • Eating something unusual that causes gut irritation
  • A gut infection, worms or other parasites.

Some dogs have a form of colitis that comes and goes throughout life (chronic colitis). The causes of chronic colitis include:

  • Food allergies
  • Immune-mediated disease
  • An ongoing gut infection, usually bacteria or parasites.

The specific cause of Colitis will dictate the appropriate treatment.

Non-specific treatment includes fasting for 24 hours, feeding a low fat or hypoallergenic diet, increasing dietary fibre content, adding fibre such as psyllium and beet pulp and a good pro biotic - see two recommendations I have used myself PROTECT and FORTIFLORA.


Anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive drugs may be used in cases of inflammatory or immune-mediated colitis.

For most dogs diagnosed with Colitis, the prognosis is excellent for a speedy recovery. Stress Colitis is one of the leading causes of Colitis in dogs. Treatment with a simple change in diet and medication to resolve the inflammation or infection in the colon is often all that is required.

The majority of dogs experiencing stress colitis are back to normal within three to five days. Chronic, severe, or recurrent cases should have further diagnostic tests performed to determine the exact cause and proper treatment. For many dogs with chronic colitis, strict dietary control and judiciously used medications keep the condition under control.

Aloe Vera Juice is an excellent herbal home remedy for a number of inflammatory bowel conditions including colitis, and IBS. Use only 100% pure food grade Aloe Vera Juice intended for internal consumption by humans; Do not give to pregnant or lactating dog or cats; Do not give to puppies 6 months of age or younger; Do not use aloe latex as an ingested treatment for dogs or cats.

Aloe Vera contains nutrient compounds that help in the healing and soothing of: The digestive tract... Helps enable healing and repair of ulcers in both the stomach and the intestines, decreases inflammation resulting from: Asthma, Arthritis, Colitis, Diabetes, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other inflammatory GI tract conditions. Will also treat the side effects of some radiation treatments.

Add to food once a day; Medium size dogs - 1/8 cup Large size dogs - 1/4 cup X-Large dogs - 1/3 to 1/2 cup - this will generally need to given carefully with a syringe as Aloe Vera Juice can be bitter and dogs will not take it on their food

 

 

Sources
Veterinary Centers of America
American College of Veterinary Surgeons
UC Davis
Washington State University
American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Petmd.com
vetinfo.com
vetnutrition.edu
vetnutrition.tufts.edu
prime.vetmed.wsu.edu
noahcommpendium.co.uk
Dogs Naturally
Dr Conor Brady

This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the advice provided by your veterinarian.

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