What Are the Treatments for Crohn's Disease in Canines?
Crohn's disease is a term for a specific form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In dogs, this condition occurs when the immune system overreacts, causing an over abundance of certain cells (fibrous tissue and eosinophils) which invade the intestines. This form of IBD is relatively rare in dogs.
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Symptoms
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Common signs of IBD include vomiting, diarrhea, changes in bowel movements, blood in the stool, depression, fever, loss of appetite and accompanying weight loss.
Diagnosis
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For a confirmed diagnosis, the affected dog will need to develop a history of chronic bowel issues that have not responded to treatments for other potential causes, such as infections or parasites.
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Diet
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A dog suffering from Crohn's disease will require a change in diet. Hypoallergenic diets are often ideal, as are other diets that are low in fat, carbohydrates or gluten. Dogs with any type of IBD should avoid oats, rye, barely and wheat.
Medications
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Some dogs may benefit from various medications such as corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive medications, which can help combat the over reaction of the immune system.
Prognosis
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While Crohn's disease cannot be cured, it can be controlled using various treatment methods. Affected dogs should be monitored throughout their life, but for most dogs, this is not a life-threatening condition.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Emery Way
