Overview of Colitis
It is an inflammation or irritation of the colons or the large intestines, and it commonly causes diarrhea to our canine friends. Colitis can be either acute or chronic in nature.
Causes
There can be several different causes for this condition.These are:
1.Common intestinal organisms such as whipworms, roundworms, giardia, and hookworms.
2.A reaction to any drug(s) such as antibiotics.
3.Onset of sudden stress.
4.Pancreatitis with dietary intolerance or allergies.
5.Indiscretion in diet, such as eating grass or garbage.
6.Sudden bacterial or viral infection.
7.Irritable Bowel Disease or IBD
Canines with this condition often have blood stains their stools or in the urine. Now, in some significant cases, the dog may also show symptoms of constipation, and pain while stooling. In acute colitis, the dog may not any other signs other than diarrhea. In chronic colitis, the owner may notice symptoms like a sudden onset of weight , poor appetite, and laziness.
Diagnosis
It is because, there are several notable causes of this condition, the vet may first check the pet’s health history. This investigation will include things like:
1.Travel history of the pet
2.Contact with other dogs
3.If the pet has an unsupervised roaming session in the yard area
4.If the owner unleashes the dog while they are outside
5.If the owner has changed the diet of the dog recently
If the vet senses Colitis, he may again investigate for the underlying causes for this condition. To do this, the vet may suggest few tests, which are:
1.A chemical test to see the health of the kidney, liver, pancreas as well as the sugar level.
2.A complete blood count test to evaluate any inflammation, infection, anemia or any other blood disorders.
3.An electrolyte test to see if the dog is suffering from dehydration or the loss of electrolytes.
4.An X-ray examination to find out the presence of any foreign body in the intestinal tract.
5.An ultrasound test to see the health of the digestive tract.
6.An endoscopy to investigate the health of the intestinal tract.
7.Some other tests to overrule the presence of any other virus.
8.A pancreatic test to confirm of rejecting the existence of pancreatic.
9.A special fecal test such as PCR testing or a culture.
Treatment
The cause of the condition will pave the way for treatments. The nonmedical intervention will include things like a fast for the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours. The owner can feed the dog a hypoallergenic diet comprising stuffs like high fiber, and fermentable fibers such as beet pulp, psyllium, fructooligosaccharides. Some dogs will do good with a low fiber diet. The vet may also indicate an antimicrobial drug. Immunosuppressive drugs or anti-inflammatory drugs are also an option. The vet can also give drugs to motile the colon.
Can it get severe?
Depending on the type and intensity of this condition, the dog may be hospitalized to give the better care of the situation. Later, the vet will provide some medications and instructions to the owner which he has to abide the home to reduce the chances of diarrhea from returning.
Prevention
The best way to keep the dog fit and healthy will be to ensure the food it has is hygienic and branded. The owner can give the dog preventives per month to ensure that the dog stays parasites free. Alongside provide the vet with the fecal samples of the animal frequently for testing. The owner will also have to make sure that the dog gets its vaccine on a daily basis. The restriction is needed from trash and unfamiliar objects.
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