The
diagnosis of canine irritable syndrome will involve the usual full
physical examination - your vet will also look at your dogs medical
history as it might be recurring problem. Your vet will also need to
rule out any other cause that might have similar symptoms.
One method used by vets to diagnose IBS is for a biopsy to be taken of
your dog's intestinal wall - however more simple tests can be done
prior to this rather intrusive intervention. Sometimes tests are
completed to determine whether or not your dog only has IBS as opposed
to something more serious affecting the intestine, liver and/or
pancreas. If your dog has IBS then the blood tests will come back clear
- however if the surrounding organs have become affected i.e. the
intestines, liver and pancreas then the blood tests might show
increased levels of amylase and liver enzymes - this is because the
intestines, liver and pancreas have become inflamed.
As previously mentioned your vet will also want to rule out any other
problems that may have caused the symptoms that your dog is displaying
- one of the best ways to do this is often through an old fashioned
stool sample. By examining your dog's stool the vet will be able to
spot any other culprit such as worms or other parasites.
In some cases the vet may ask for an X-ray to be undertaken this may
show excess gas or a thickening of the Intestines.
Canine
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Prevention
and Treatment...
One of the best ways to treat and even prevent your dog from getting
IBS is to make sure you are feeding him the best diet. Below is a list
of some of the best ingredients (high in fiber and low in fat).
- Chicken and Turkey are
great for dogs
- Wheat is considered
good for prevention of IBS
- Omega 3 (fatty oils)
- Fish
- Nuts and pumpkin (the
latter is a fantastic food for dogs especially when a dog is
constipated or experiencing diarrhea).
If your vet has recommended a change of diet and this has nor worked
then prescription medication maybe used including prescribing
Antispasmodic meds. This will help to stop the stomach and intestines
from continually contracting. Having said this - a vet will not always
choose to use medication to treat the condition as it can have a bad
effect on your dog's digestive tract.
It is important to mention that Canine Irritable Bowel Syndrome is very
different from Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease. IBD is caused when
the immune system starts to attack a dog's own organs (the digestive
organs). This will cause the bowel to become thicker which will then
cause problems with the bowel finding it more difficult to contract and
then its ability to maneuver food. In short inflammatory cells start to
attack the the digestive organs (cells include Plasmacytes and
Lymphocytes), these cells will start to build and cause problems in the
large instestine, small intestine and stomach leading to a varity of
symptoms.
