Colitis Treatment for Dogs
Colitis is an inflammation of the colon, and it is one of the many conditions that can strike both humans and their dogs. Colitis may be either chronic, with episodes lasting two to three weeks and may recur, or acute, a condition that sets in quickly and lasts for only a short time. Among the numerous causes are bacteria, viruses or dietary allergies. Treatment options are numerous as well, depending on each dog's symptoms and underlying causes.
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Dietary Changes
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If your veterinarian determines that your dog's colitis was caused by a dietary problem, he will most likely recommend changing either what the dog eats or simply his eating habits. If your dog suffers from chronic colitis, adding more fiber to his diet may help. A commercial or homemade diet that includes a protein source that is new to your dog may be beneficial as well. In the case of acute colitis, a 24- to 48-hour fasting period followed by a bland diet may be all that is needed to alleviate symptoms. Then your dog's normal food may be gradually reintroduced.
De-worming Drugs
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Parasites such as whipworms are common causes in inflammation of the colon. In fact, parasites are the leading cause of this condition among canines. If this is your dog's diagnosis, your veterinarian most likely will suggest the use of a de-worming drug. This type of medication works by filtering the parasites from your dog's body through his stool. De-worming drugs are available over the counter, but you still need to be cautious and follow the dosing instructions carefully. As with any medicine, there may be side effects. In the case of a dog with parasitic colitis, it is probably best to leave the de-worming to your veterinarian.
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Antibiotics
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Antibiotics, of course, will be prescribed if your dog suffers from bacteria-related colitis. However, this type of drug also may be useful if a diagnosis of bacterial colitis has not been confirmed. Tylosin, sulfasalazine and metronidazole are commonly given to treat bacterial colitis, either alone or in combination with each other. They also may be prescribed in combination with other drugs. Antibiotic treatment may be either a short-term or a long-term treatment option, depending on your dog's type of colitis.
Other Drugs
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Immunosuppressive drugs, or those that slow the immune system's response, are another treatment option for colitis in dogs. Other possibilities include anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids. Usually, these treatments are necessary only after your dog has undergone a colonoscopy, including a biopsy of the tissue. Then, a microscopic examination is performed. If your veterinarian strongly believes your dog's colitis is related to his immune system, these types of drugs may come into play. While they can be extremely effective in treating colitis, most veterinarians use caution with these drugs and monitor their canine patients closely because of the possibility of adverse side effects.
Prevention
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Colitis in dogs cannot be prevented in every case. But there are things you can do to help lessen your dog's chances of suffering from this condition. The simplest and most effective is to carefully monitor his diet. Choose high-quality foods with ingredients that are easy for your dog to digest. Some owners have had success with high-protein diets low in carbohydrates and free of grain products. Whatever diet you choose, monitor your dog's eating and eliminating habits. If he has difficulty defecating, consider gradually switching him to another food until you find one that he can digest.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit dog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.com
