Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) usually refers to a chronic inflammatory disease anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Traditionally, IBD has referred to chronic inflammation of the small or large bowel excluding the stomach. The disease is classified by the predominant inflammatory cell found invading the wall of the bowel.

IBD is usually found in younger dogs but can extend to middle aged dogs. IBD does seem to affect some breeds more often than others, however, there is no strong relationship by breed.

Symptoms of IBD depend on the location of the problem. Chronic vomiting and weight loss is often associated with disease in the stomach or upper small intestine. With diseases of the jejuenum, ileum, and colon, symptoms include chronic diarrhea, weight loss and infrequent vomiting. Small bowel diarrhea is often watery with a large volume of feces and the affected dog acts sick. Large bowel diarrhea is associated with straining, some blood, mucus, small volume of feces and frequent attempts to defecate.

Additional Information:

• Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Small Animals – The Merck Veterinary Manual

Note: This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website is intended as a source of information only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional care. Always consult with your Veterinarian about health related matters.