Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs

Category
Digestive
Breeds documented
1
Published sources
3

Overview

Long-lasting inflammation in the digestive tract can cause repeated vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Inflammatory bowel disease, often shortened to IBD, is a group of disorders involving this inflammation. The cause is not fully understood; genes, an unusual immune response, and changes in gut bacteria may contribute. Signs may improve and return, so the underlying problem can persist even when symptoms are intermittent.

Signs to watch for

  • Repeated or ongoing diarrhea
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Eating less or more than usual
  • Passing more gas

Most often recognized in middle age, but signs can begin at other ages.

When to get help Arrange a vet visit for recurring vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets first investigate other causes with blood, urine, and stool tests, sometimes supported by abdominal imaging. A biopsy, a small tissue sample obtained through a camera examination or surgery, can identify the type of inflammation and distinguish it from lymphoma, a type of cancer.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size
  • 1 Small

Inheritance

  • Not yet known

    None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.

Sources

  1. OMIA: Inflammatory bowel disease: omia.org
  2. Cornell Riney Canine Health Center: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): vet.cornell.edu
  3. merckvetmanual.com