Colitis in the dog

Abstract

COLITIS denotes inflammatory bowel disease affecting the large bowel, including the rectum. It accounts for about a third of all cases of chronic diarrhoea in the dog and presents with a number of diagnostically valuable clinical features. Inflammatory bowel disease can also affect the small intestine and both regions may be involved concurrently, resulting in a mixture of signs.

Histiocytic ulcerative colitis in boxer dogs in the UK

“…Since its initial description (Van Kruiningen and others 1965), HUC has been reported worldwide. However, despite mention of the disease in reviews in the UK veterinary literature (Hill 1978, Bush 1985, Simpson and Else 1991, the present authors are not aware of any published case reports from the UK. Six unpublished cases were diagnosed in London between 1979and 1990(Bush 1992, and two cases have been diagnosed at the University of Bristol since 1991 (G. R. Pearson, personal communication).…”

“…The clinical signs of frequency, urgency and tenesmus with dysentery do not distinguish HUC from other canine idiopathic colitides (Bush 1985), although inappetence and weight loss, seen in severe cases of HUC, are unusual signs of colitis. Routine haematology and serum biochemistry analysis are of little value in diagnosis.…”

“…Most cases of idiopathic canine colitis are characterised histologically by a mild non-specific inflammatory response with a mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate and sometimes variable degrees of mucosal ulceration (Bush 1985). The cause of HUC is also unknown, but while the clinical signs resemble those found in other forms of idiopathic canine colitis, HUC has a distinct histopathological appearance (Barker and others 1993).…”

Canine histiocytic ulcerative colitis

“…Combinations of chloramphenicol, tylosin, metronidazole, sulphasalazine and corticosteroid have been advocated. 4,20,24 Recent recommendations have emphasised immunosuppressive therapy (prednisolone, azathioprine) combined with sulphasalazine and controlled diets, often with added fibre. 2,25 Surgical cure (colectomy) was reported in one case, 16 but others have had poor results.…”

Use of a restricted antigen diet in the management of idiopathic canine colitis

“…Canine idiopathic chronic colitis (ICC) is considered to be one of the commonest causes of chronic diarrhoea in the dog (Bush 1985). The condition may affect dogs of all ages and breeds, although animals between six months and four years may be particularly susceptible, as are German shepherd dogs, rough collies and labrador retrievers (Burrows 1986, Simpson and Else 1991).…”