INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is becoming more frequently diagnosed in the Siberian Husky. The classic clinical signs include intermittent or chronic diarrhea with or without vomiting. A veterinarian can only make the diagnosis of IBD. Multiple diseases can mimic IBD including parasitism, Giardia, bacterial overgrowth, pancreatic deficiencies, dietary sensitivities, and neoplasia. Multiple lab tests are needed to rule out the above causes of diarrhea before a diagnosis of IBD is made.

This disorder can affect any age of dog including puppies, but it is more common in dogs over 2 years of age. Both sexes are equally affected. Besides diarrhea, dogs may exhibit flatulence, ravenous or depressed appetite, increased stomach noise, mucoid stools, vomiting, poor hair coat, and possible weight loss. In humans, IBD is associated with inherited chromosomal abnormalities and changes in major histocompatibility genes. In dogs, IBD may be due to genetic susceptibility especially in the German Shepherd, Basenji, Boxer, and the Shar Peis. Other causes of IBD may include dietary sensitivity to food additives, proteins, artificial colorings, preservatives, glutens, and milk. Young animals with IBD may have a weak immune system and care should be given regarding vaccinations and breeding.

IBD is an abnormal immune response to certain stimulants that causes an infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lining of the intestinal tract. These cell types include lymphocytes and/or plasma cells. Both the stomach and the small intestine may be affected. There is no surgery available to treat this disease. The final diagnosis in IBD is made by aspirates and biopsies of the gastrointestinal tract.

The most common method of treating IBD is through a dietary change. A hypoallergenic diet is tried to determine if dietary sensitivity is the underlying cause of IBD. A highly digestible diet with limited food ingredients is tried first such as Science Diet Z/D or I/D, Eukanuba Low Residue, IVD Venison/Potato, IVD Rabbit/Potato, and Duck/Potato. Homemade diets may include lamb, rabbit, duck, fish, venison and a novel carbohydrate source. Initially the dog should be fed multiple small meals per day and the meal size increased with time. All other sources of food should be eliminated including treats, snacks, table food, vitamin supplements, and flavored medications (per veterinarian only). Clinical signs should improve within the first three weeks of strict dietary management. In most cases, medications also need to be given with the dietary change. These medications may include metrondiazole and/or prednisone. Other medications used in refractory cases include tetracycline, tylosin, azathioprine and budesonide. These medications are usually required long term since IBD can be controlled but rarely cured.

Omega 3 fatty acids obtained from deep sea fish oils have a beneficial effect in controlling mucosal inflammation in IBD. Also, it is interesting to note that zinc deficiency in humans is a recognized complication of IBD.

IBD is a difficult disease to manage and care must be given to avoid stress factors in the environment. Consult your veterinarian concerning a vaccine protocol for your dog. If giving vaccinations, be sure to separate the vaccines and give them at different times in order not to stress the immune system. Educate the family on proper feeding methods and the importance of limiting junk food and snacks. Dogs with confirmed IBD should not be used in a breeding program since genetic transmission may be occurring.

Kathleen Stryeski, DVM

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