Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Dogs

Category
Digestive
Breeds documented
1
Published sources
2

Overview

Too many bacteria in the small intestine can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption. This has traditionally been called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO. Modern veterinary guidance places it within dysbiosis, meaning an imbalance in the gut's normal microbes. It can occur alongside problems such as poor pancreatic enzyme production or other intestinal disease.

Signs to watch for

  • Diarrhea that keeps returning
  • Weight loss
  • Failure to gain weight normally
  • Vomiting in some dogs

The condition is often noticed in young dogs.

When to get help Book a vet visit for recurring diarrhea or unexplained weight loss.

Diagnosis and tests

There is no simple stand-alone test for SIBO. The vet investigates other causes of diarrhea with blood and stool tests and may use imaging. Blood measurements of folate and vitamin B12 can provide clues, but other digestive diseases can also change these results.

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. cidd.discoveryspace.ca
  2. merckvetmanual.com