IBD (INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE)
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IBD
Why are so many dogs and cats getting IBD and what’s the best way to treat it?
by Autumn Drouin, DVM

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How is IBD diagnosed?
Various tests may be necessary to rule out other causes of vomiting and diarrhea, such as kidney failure, pancreatitis, digestive enzyme deficiency and Addison’s disease. Other gastrointestinal disorders to consider are parasites, infections, cancer, hairballs in cats, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS causes similar digestive symptoms, but is not considered inflammatory or immune-mediated, and biopsy shows no pathology in the lining of the GI tract.

Physical examination, ultrasound, radiographs and blood tests can be useful diagnostic tools, but the gold standard in confirming a diagnosis of IBD is intestinal biopsy. This procedure involves the microscopic examination of small pieces of intestinal lining, usually collected through a scope under general anesthesia. Many clients refuse biopsy because of risks, discomfort or cost.

What are the treatment options?
Conventional therapy aims at controlling symptoms with hypoallergenic diets, cortisone or other immune suppressing drugs, antibiotics, and anti-diarrheal medications. Because some of these drugs can aggravate other conditions and/or cause serious long-term side effects, a diagnosis confirmed by biopsy is necessary.

Holistic medicine offers various treatment alternatives. As with any serious condition, animals with IBD are best treated by a qualified veterinarian. Expertly selected natural remedies generally have few or no side effects and can be safely used in suspected cases without the need for a biopsy.

IBD is a multi-factorial disease and requires a multifaceted approach individually tailored to each patient. Severe cases may still require short-term use of conventional medication IBD alongside natural therapies. The root cause of IBD can be addressed by disciplines like homotoxicology, homeopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture.

The most urgent treatment step is to halt the inflammation and prevent further gut irritation. Although true deep healing will be achieved by the above modalities, various nutritional supplements can help support this goal. Natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances can include Traumeel (HEEL), Curcumin, licorice, aloe vera gel, N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), Lipoic acid, Glutathione precursors, marine fish oil, cat’s claw, MSM, Boswella, marshmallow, slippery elm, Mexican yam and Vitamins E and A.

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Published in the August/September 2005 issue of Animal Wellness