Diagnosis and management of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and cats

Abstract

INFLAMMATORY bowel disease is a common cause of gastrointestinal (GI) signs in dogs and cats. Weight loss, despite an often normal to increased appetite, is a prominent feature. Inflammatory bowel disease is not a specific diagnosis but describes a pathological change that primarily affects the lamina propria (mucosal surface) of the intestinal tract. In approximately 75 per cent of cases no underlying cause of the intestinal inflammation is evident. These animals are deemed to have idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IIBD) that is thought to be associated with a loss of tolerance to luminal antigens (food and/or bacteria). The inflammatory infiltrate is usually lymphoplasmacytic, but eosinophilic, granulomatous and suppurative forms are described. This article sets out a diagnostic route for dogs and cats presenting with historical signs suggestive of IIBD, and reviews various protocols that are available for the management of the condition.

Chronic Diarrhea in Dogs – Retrospective Study in 136 Cases

“…The major problems for missing final diagnoses were poor owner or dog compliance, which are important factors affecting diagnostic and therapeutic success of many forms of chronic enteropathies. 32,33 However, findings of the present study are in line with recent observations suggesting that the impact of excluded cases might only be marginal. e,f, 13 Underlying diseases such as systemic protothecosis and leishmaniosis as well as mechanical disorders, endocrinopathies, and diseases of the liver, kidney, and the cardiovascular system were uncommon causes of chronic diarrhea with frequencies less 1% in the present study.…”

“…Some dogs were lost to follow‐up as they were presented only once for an initial detailed work‐up and were then treated by their general practitioner. The major problems for missing final diagnoses were poor owner or dog compliance, which are important factors affecting diagnostic and therapeutic success of many forms of chronic enteropathies . However, findings of the present study are in line with recent observations suggesting that the impact of excluded cases might only be marginal ,…”

Risk Factors for Dehiscence of Stapled Functional End‐to‐End Intestinal Anastomoses in Dogs: 53 Cases (2001–2012)

“…29–31 Current therapy revolves around some combination of dietary modification, prebiotics, antimicrobials, and immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids that aim to decrease intestinal mucosal inflammation and reduce clinical signs. 32,33 …”

“…[29][30][31] Current therapy revolves around some combination of dietary modification, prebiotics, antimicrobials, and immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids that aim to decrease intestinal mucosal inflammation and reduce clinical signs. 32,33 Several possible explanations exist for the observed increased risk of dehiscence associated with IBD, including small sample size. Only 4 cases with IBD were identified in our study, with 3 of those cases resulting in dehiscence of the stapled repair.…”

The role of Campylobacter spp. in chronic enteropathy in dogs

“…The most common signs of CE include weight loss, recurrent vomiting, or diarrhoea (Kleinschmidt et al 2007). Other clinical signs can be ascites (in relation to hypoalbuminaemia) or mucous paleness in the case of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (German et al 2003;Sturgess 2005).…”