This is what I found in my Home Veterinary Handbook:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease:
This is a group of diseases of the small and large intestine characterized by chronic and protracted diarrhea, malabsorption, weight loss, anemia and malnutrition. They are all treatable, but seldom cured. In each case a different type of inflammatory cell is found in large numbers in the lining of the small and/or large intestine. These cells distinguish the specific diseases. Diagnosis is made by endoscopy and biopsy of the bowel wall, or by exploratory surgery.
Lymphocytic-Plasmacytic Enterocolitis:
This is the most common inflammatory bowel disease in dogs. LPE has been associated with giardiasis, food allergy and overgrowth of intestinal bacteria. Lymphocytes and plasma cells are the target cells seen on biopsy. Certain breeds are predisposed, suggesting a genetic influence. They are the Basenji, Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier and Chinese Shar-Pei. In the Basenji, the disease is known to be related to an immune disorder.
LPE produces a small bowel-type diarrhea. Vomiting is common. Involvement of the colon produces signs of colitis.
Hypoallergenic diets cause partial or complete resolution of symptoms in some dogs. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial overgrowth and giardiasis. Immunosuppressant drugs such as azathioprine (Imuran) and/or prednisone are used if other treatments are not successful.
In this book, it goes on to explain these forms of IBD also; Eosinophilic Enterocolitis, Granulomatous (Regional) Enteritis, Neutrophilic Enterocolitis and Histiocytic Ulcerative Colitis, which I will gladly fill those in if anyone wants. |