Enteritis in dogs consists of an intestinal inflammation that can appear acutely or become chronic. Diarrhea is its characteristic symptom and it can originate in the small or large intestine.
In this article on our site we are going to review the types of enteritis that can be found in dogs, as well as their symptoms and treatment options. Any diarrhea that lasts several weeks is a reason for veterinary consultation, so keep reading to find out all about enteritis in dogs
Diarrhea, the main symptom of enteritis in dogs
As we have said, diarrhea is the most common sign of intestinal problems. For us to be able to talk about diarrhoea, the stools must be formless or liquid and present numerous times a day. This is because food makes a rapid transit through the intestine, so there is no absorption of substances or water, so they reach the rectum in a liquid state. The common causes of diarrhea are as follows:
- Changes in diet and intake of irritating substances such as grass, garbage, wood, plastic, etc.
- Food intolerances.
- Intestinal parasites.
- Medications that cause diarrhea as a side effect, especially anti-inflammatories and antibiotics.
- Emotional situations such as fear or excitement.
As we have said, diarrhea can be acute, starting suddenly and ending in a short period of time, or chronic, lasting for weeks or recurring episodically. Acute canine enteritis can resolve spontaneously, but chronic enteritis in dogs requires veterinary assistance.
Inflammatory bowel diseases in dogs
When enteritis in dogs becomes chronic, symptoms such as malabsorption, weight loss, anemia or malnutrition appear, in addition to diarrhoea. These inflammatory diseases in dogs are treatable but hardly curable.
Different inflammatory cells appear in the intestines that will produce different symptoms of enteritis or enterocolitis, as we will see in the following sections. Diagnosis requires endoscopy, biopsy, or surgery.
Lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis in dogs
It is the most common inflammatory bowel disease. It has been linked to giardiasis or food allergies, although it is also true that there are some prone breeds such as the shar pei.
In addition to diarrhoea, dogs with lymphoplasmacytic enteritis will vomit Regarding the treatment of this type of enteritis, some dogs improve their symptoms or even resolve them by following a hypoallergenic diet Antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs may also be needed, so the best treatment should be prescribed by the veterinarian.
Eosinophilic enteritis in dogs
This type of inflammatory disease in dogs is rare. Eosinophils are cells of the immune system that rise in situations of parasites or allergies. In this enteritis in dogs they can be elevated in blood, which we can see when performing an analysis. This data allows this disease to be related to food allergies or intestinal parasites Corticosteroids are used for its treatment. A hypoallergenic diet is also recommended.
Granulomatous enteritis in dogs
This enteritis in dogs is considered a rare disease, similar to Crohn's in humans Thickening and narrowing are located at the end of the large intestine. The diarrhea that the dog will suffer from contains mucus and blood. It is treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs, with the aim of reducing inflammation. In some cases, antibiotics are also used. Areas of the intestine that have been narrowed may require surgery.
Acute infectious enteritis in dogs
Although we have said that acute enteritis can resolve spontaneously, sometimes, when it has an infectious origin, it will require veterinary care. If our dog shows diarrhea, vomiting, which may contain blood,fever or apathy , we will suspect this type of enteritis. Due to the loss of fluids that occurs, the animal can become dehydrated, hence the importance of going to the vet soon, especially if it is a puppy or an elderly person, since dehydration in them can be fatal.
Among the causes of this enteritis is canine parvovirus, but can also be caused by bacteria such as E.coli. Likewise, poisoning from ingesting garbage or poison triggers a similar picture. Treatment will depend on the cause and, in any case, fluid replacement is essential
