Colitis is the inflammation of the colon (also known as the large or lower intestine). Parasites in the large intestine, stress or diet can cause colitis in dogs.
Symptoms of colitis in dogs
Diarrhea is the chief symptom associated with colitis. If your dog is suffering from colitis, your four-legged friend will show a sense of urgency and or straining when trying to have a bowel movement. Diarrhea associated with colitis will have the following characteristics:
- Evidence of fresh blood in the stool
- Slime or mucus in the stool
- Stool starts normal and finishes loose
- Stool will appear slimy or gummy
Colitis in dogs is classified as sudden colitis or chronic/episodic colitis. Treatment is based on the type of colitis.
Sudden colitis occurs due to stress-related factors such as a change in environment or loud noises such as a thunder storm. It could also be caused due to something the dog ate. In addition, parasites such as whipworms or giardia can cause sudden colitis. Typically, a bland diet and medications such as sulfasalazine or metronidazole are prescribed to treat sudden colitis. This type of colitis should clear up in a couple of days.
Chronic/Episodic colitis if the dog has had the symptoms for one month or longer it is considered chronic. In the case of episodic colitis, the symptoms occur and then go away and then return. Whipworms are usually the cause of chronic colitis. Treatment includes administration of deworming medication. If the colitis persists, a veterinarian will prescribe a change in diet and the following medications: sulfasalazine or metronidazole.
Managing colitis in dogs
If your dog is diagnosed with colitis, the veterinarian will most likely prescribe a treatment plan designed to manage it. Treatment may include a combination of the following: medications, dietary fiber, and probiotics.
Medications for dogs with colitis
Metronidazole
is an antibiotic especially effective against anaerobic infections. Metronidazole has anti-inflammatory properties in the large intestine and is a very effective anti-diarrhea medication. In addition, Metronidazole helps treat giardia and inflammatory bowel disease.
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine brand) is used for the treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of severe ulcerative colitis, for the treatment of Crohn’s disease, and for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
Prednisone is an oral corticosteroid intended for use in dogs and cats. Prednisone treats various conditions such as ulcerative colitis, nephrosis, eczema and dermatitis, allergic reactions such as hives and asthma, inflammatory eye conditions, otitis externa, arthritis and bursitis.
Dietary fiber dogs with colitis
Prescription Diet w/d is especially formulated for weight control, diabetic, and digestive support for dogs. Prescription Diet w/d also helps dogs promote healthy digestions and maintain normal blood glucose levels. In addition, Prescription Diet w/d Canine contains antioxidants to control cell oxidation and promote a healthy immune system.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Fiber Balance Adult Dog Food (formerly DCO Dual Fiber Control) contains high levels of complex carbohydrates, optimal soluble and insoluble fiber and a moderate level of calories, while providing a proper balance of total nutrients for adult dogs.
Probiotics for dogs with colitis
Purina FortiFlora Canine is a unique supplement that contains live active cultures. It is recommended for the dietary management of dogs with diarrhea. Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora dog supplement tastes great and can be easily sprinkled on a dog’s food.
Synacore Digestive Support for Dogs contains 4 probiotic strains, 2 prebiotics, 13 enzymes and 3 vitamins to help promote digestive support. Synacore can help your dog deal with gastrointestinal issues such as micro-flora imbalances, deficiencies in enzymes/vitamins, changes in food, medications, traveling or environmental changes.
In conclusion, colitis in dogs is the inflammation of the large intestine. Colitis can be caused by diet, stress or parasites. The chief symptom of colitis is diarrhea. If your dog is exhibiting signs of colitis, take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Most treatment plans for colitis includes a change in diet, increasing fiber in the dog’s diet, adding probiotics and medications.
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