Inflammable Bowel Disease

  Welcome to the forum; There are some members who have dogs with IBD; both willowchow and tzu_mom have dogs with this condition. They should be along to share their experiences with you but you can also send them a private message.

Hello--
I do have a shih tzu with IBD/Colitis.  After much research and consulting with a holistic veterinarian, we have found what works best for my little guy.  First, he cannot tolerate ANY grains at all, and secondly, anything with a dry texture (kibble, biscuit treats) irritate his G-I tract.  Once we switched to a canned diet (we chose Nature's Variety--95% meat, no fillers) we started to see great results--we have since switched to a mostly raw diet, but I also serve canned and homecooked as well.  We also added fish oil to his diet (a great anti-inflammatory), as well as a probiotic and enzyme to help with proper digestion.  In addition, we added L-glutamine, to help heal the lining of the digestive tract.  Slippery Elm Bark can be used for this as well.
Here is some useful information from [linkhttp://www.dogaware.com/]http://www.dogaware.com/[/link]   It helped us tremendously.
 
IBD, IBS, Colitis and other GastroIntestinal DisordersIBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and Colitis (inflammation of the lower bowel) can cause frequent diarrhea and be quite dehabilitating, even to the point of being life-threatening. These conditions can be difficult to manage and get under control. Although there are many causes, one factor that I've seen come up over and over again is an intolerance for grains in the diet. Many dogs that are switched to a grain-free raw diet, consisting of raw meaty bones and pureed veggies, do very well, often better than they have in their entire lives. A grain-free cooked diet would probably also work well, but I have less experience with those. In general, you want to stay away from all grains and other starchy foods that take a long time to digest, such as potatoes and corn, limit the amount of fiber (from vegetables), and avoid dairy.
Some studies have been done that indicate supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids can help with intestinal inflammation. Fish oilis the best source of these and has been found beneficial in human patients with IBD. Give a maximum of 1 gram (1000mg, which generally includes a combined total of 300mg DHA and EPA fatty acids) per 10 pounds of bodyweight. Be sure to also give vitamin E whenever you supplement oils, 200-400mg twice a day for a large dog. There is also anecdotal evidence of [linkhttp://www.pawsandclaws.net/colostrum.html]Bovine Colostrum[/link] being helpful.
Lew Olson , who has a PhD in Natural Health with a dissertation on Canine Nutrition, has a rottweiler named Bud, who was diagnosed with IBD several years ago. Below is her story about Bud. Many of the supplements she mentions are available on her website at [linkhttp://www.b-naturals.com/]http://www.b-naturals.com[/link] and I have added links to them. You will also be able to find many of these products in your local health food store.
[blockquote]Bud cannot tolerate kibble or grains of any kind, or much fiber. This gets his intestines to spasm, so I feed him a raw diet of lots of meat, bone and fat, with some veggie fiber.
Here are the supplements I give Bud, my Rottweiler with IBD:

1,500 mgs [link->http://www.b-naturals.com/product_info.php?products_id=91]l-glutamine[/link]- an amino acid that helps heal the gut

[linkhttp://www.b-naturals.com/product_info.php?products_id=112]Berte's Zyme[/link] - a full spectrum digestive enzyme to help get the food digested properly and quicker

[linkhttp://www.b-naturals.com/product_info.php?products_id=23]Probiotic Powder[/link] -  to add friendly flora and fauna that the IBD in diarrhea flushes out

Note that a new supplement that combines all of the above is now available, see [linkhttp://b-naturals.com/product_info.php?products_id=142]Berte's Digestion Blend[/link]

Pulped broccoli, cabbage, celery, dark leafy greens (for fiber)

[linkhttp://www.b-naturals.com/product_info.php?products_id=13]Alfalfa powder[/link], one teaspoon (for vitamin K for large intestine health) Bud reacts strongly to dry kibble, he is now on a raw diet, meat and all, and has been doing very well in weight and bowels for four years. He used to have 8 or 10 very loose bowel movements a day and could not keep on weight. In the beginning, the healing process was slow, it took him about six months to fully normalize in stools. It would seem to go two steps forward, one back, then three steps forward, and one back..., until finally, his weight stabilized, and he even finished his championship.
I also learned in the beginning that if Bud gets diarrhea or vomiting, to withhold food for 24 hours so his digestive tract can heal. Feeding before then is irritating and makes the problem continue.
High fiber and things like rice, pasta and potatoes in the prescription diets do absorb moisture, but they do nothing to help heal the digestive tract and fail to solve the problem in the long run. These complex carbohyrates absorb the moisture so the stool appears normal, but spasming and irritation of the small and large intestine continue. Dogs as carnivores have a more difficult time digesting fiber and grains (due to a short digestive tract) and are much more able to digest animal proteins and fats. What was most helpful for Bud was the raw meaty bones, I don't think anything else works much better for firming the stools in the long run without irritating the digestive tract.
Bud's diet is two meals a day (he weighs 110 pounds):
Meal one

3/4 meat, either raw hamburger, beef heart, canned mackerel or salmon

1/4 pulped vegetables (using a juicer or food processor), mostly cabbage and broccoli, carrots, celery, dark leafy greens (collards, mustard, turnip greens or spinach)

One egg

Two tablespoons of whole milk plain yogurt (when first starting with the new diet, use probiotics rather than yogurt, but it can be added in later)

1,500 mg of [linkhttp://www.b-naturals.com/product_info.php?products_id=80]Vitamin C with bioflavonoids[/link]

400 IU [linkhttp://www.b-naturals.com/product_info.php?products_id=90]Vitamin E[/link]

1/2 tablespoon [linkhttp://www.b-naturals.com/product_info.php?products_id=18]Flax Seed Oil[/link]

1/2 teaspoon [linkhttp://www.b-naturals.com/product_info.php?products_id=15]Berte's Green Blend[/link] (or kelp and alfalfa) and the supplements listed above. Meal two
Four to six chicken necks (raw), or four chicken backs, or five chicken wings. I sprinkle the [link>http://www.provet.co.uk/health/diseases/glutamine.htm]l-glutamine[/link] on this, along with Vitamin C, Probiotic Powder and Flax Seed Oil. I give the Berte's Zyme 1/2 hour before the meal.[/blockquote]
For colitis, and other forms of gastric irritation, here are some other supplements that may help (most are available at [linkhttp://www.b-naturals.com/]B-Naturals[/link] or your local health food store):

• enteric coated [link>http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsHerbs/Peppermintch.html]peppermint[/link], which you can find in a health store. Peppermint helps with the lower bowels, but must be coated to make sure they reach there intact. This is given 15 minutes before a meal. Do not use peppermint in any form if your dog has problems with reflux.
  
• [link>http://www.dairycouncilofca.org/hp/hp_nutr_pbio.htm]Probiotics[/link], which can help replenish the friendly bacteria and eliminate the pathogenic bacteria in the intestines.
  
• Prebiotics help support the beneficial bacteria in the intestines, which may help with digestive disorders. Larch arabinogalactin is one that is frequently used, such as [linkhttp://www.kvvet.com/KVVet/productr.asp?pf%5Fid=40459]Vetri-Science Arabinogalactan Powder[/link] and Arabinogalactin.
  
• [linkhttp://www.lef.org/protocols/abstracts/abstr-132b.html#1]Fish Oil[/link] (body oil, not liver oil), which contains the vital Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid EPA, can help break the inflammatory cycle in colitis as it does in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Evening Primrose Oil or Borage Oil may also be helpful, due to a high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Be sure to also give vitamin E whenever you supplement oils. Note that fish oil may be contra-indicated in dogs with fat intolerance.
  
• Coconut Oil contains [linkhttp://www.purina.ca/images/articles/pdf/MediumChainTriglyceridesIn.pdf]medium-chain triglycerides[/link] (MCTs) that are a form of fat that does not require the same type of digestion as other types of fat, and so can be used for dogs with pancreas problems or fat intolerances. Be sure to use only virgin (unrefined) oil in glass jars. Dosage is 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight daily, but start with less and build up.
  
• [linkhttp://www.allergyresearchgroup.com/proddesc/discuss/NAcetylGlucosaminePDFProductSheet060705.pdf]N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG)[/link] is a form of glucosamine that helps to repair the intestinal lining. It is found in many digestive supplements, including [linkhttp://b-naturals.com/product_info.php?products_id=142]Berte's Digestion Blend[/link], or can be purchased separately at a health food store.
  
• [linkhttp://www.mpsmarketing.com/Yucca.htm]Yucca Intensive[/link] also helps with colitis (and other gastric upsets) as it stops inflammation in the gut. It may be best used 4 days on and 3 days off. Other natural inflammatories like [linkhttp://www.naturalrearing.com/J_In_Learning/NutritionSupplements/QUERCETIN.html]Quercetin[/link] (bioflavonoid) and Bromelain (enzyme) may have similar effects.
  
• [link>http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag99/sep99-report3.html]L-glutamine[/link] and [linkhttp://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?PageType=article&ID=1460]Slippery Elm Bark[/link] can also help soothe the digestive tract and relieve inflammation. L-glutamine in particular helps to repair the mucosal lining of the digestive tract.
  
• Digestive enzymes, especially pancreatin and pancrelipase, also ox bile extract and bromelain. Most dogs with colitis need help with digestion of the nutrients for best assimilation.
  
• It is also important to avoid grains, as these slow down digestion and can cause more spasms in the bowl.
  
• [linkroduct_Code=phyto&Category_Code=Apaw]Phytomucil[/link]>http://www.cart4sites.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=animalessentials&roduct_Code=phyto&Category_Code=Apaw]Phytomucil[/link] is an herbal supplement that can help with IBD and other digestive problems.

For acute or chronic diarrhea, one product I have seen recommended, which contains a number of excellent ingredients including many of those referenced above, is [linkhttp://www.thorne.com/veterinary/detail.lasso?id=V946]Gastriplex[/link] from Thorne Research. It is available thru your veterinarian, or you can purchase it from [linkhttp://www.wellvet.com/gastriplex.html]Wellvet[/link].
See the human-oriented article on [linkhttp://www.vitalnutrients.net/hq_handouts2.asp?VitaminName=Gastrointestinal%20Repair%20Nutrients]Gastrointestinal Repair Nutrients[/link] for some additional information on supplements used to help heal the digestive tract.

Oops, I forgot to add--my traditional vets were not too well versed on this condition, they were pretty convinced he was allergic to most all meat protein sources, and wanted to treat with steroids and vet. prescription diets.  I was not convinced, and did not like the ingredients in the prescription diets.  This is when I started to research the problem, found the dogaware website, and my eyes were opened.  I then consulted a holistc vet and we have had such good results.
 
Good luck.

Thanks for the welcome jessies_mom! I've been reading the forum for months but just got up the nerve to post, lol. 

ORIGINAL: tzu_mom
 We also added fish oil to his diet (a great anti-inflammatory), as well as a probiotic and enzyme to help with proper digestion.  In addition, we added L-glutamine, to help heal the lining of the digestive tract.  Slippery Elm Bark can be used for this as well.

 
Wowie! Does that answer a TON of questions! The specialist wanted us to try either rabbit and potato or duck and potato. The articles I've found online said to stay away from starch big time so I found it odd that those diets were rec'd to me, other than they are vet diets for like $48 for 20# and $43 for a case of cans. I dontmind the money so much as why waste it on something that won't work.  I've found nature's variety around here so I can try that, or what about the EVO canned diets?
 
Oh, I haven't had a moment to research what you posted yet, that's my next thing right after I get done typing this ... but the L-glutamine and Slippery ELm Bark, do you find that locally or order online? I've honestly never heard of either.
 
Do you find a difference between the fish oil liquid or the caplets?? Last question for now, I promise. GOsh thank you SO much for all the "food for thought" - what an awesome board!!
 

for the record.
 
oh.my.gosh.
 
 
How cute is that last picture....[][]

I've found nature's variety around here so I can try that, or what about the EVO canned diets?

 
Yes , the EVO canned diets would be fine.  At the time, they were not available to me.  My guy is not real wild about them, though--he much prefers the NV.
 
 

Oh, I haven't had a moment to research what you posted yet, that's my next thing right after I get done typing this ... but the L-glutamine and Slippery ELm Bark, do you find that locally or order online? I've honestly never heard of either.[color=#000000]
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You can usually find both locally at a health food store.  I buy mine at the local Whole Foods.
 

Do you find a difference between the fish oil liquid or the caplets??

 
Nope, it's just personal preference.
 
I know this is a lot of information, and each dog has it's own set of "triggers", but for us, he had the exact symptoms of the case mentioned in the dogaware site, along with colitis.  We have been grain free (he also cannot have white potatoes), and have eliminated all dry products for 2+ years (he's 3) and he has done so well--it's amazing how exited you can get about normal, firm stools.  Better yet, no more gurgly tummy every day. 
 
 
 
 


 

He is a photogenic lil turd, First pic was my wild crazy 6 month old pup, 2nd was last Christmas at a year old, helping me decorate the tree Thanks for the nice message, just don't let him know, he already thinks he's too cute.

Hello and welcome
You have gotten some great advice from Tzu mom already, I agree with the fish oil, lactobacillus.  The one thing I would add is that IBD necessitates higher fiber then you will get with the average kibble.  The EVO is quite low so you may want to supplement with some fiber.  My cat has IBD (UC to be exact) and tends to have problems with fiber less then about 8%.  Most books will tell you to shoot for closer to 10%. 
 
I know you aren't exceited about the steroids, but they are sometimes useful along with abx and sulfasalazine with acute flare ups.  I had to use them on max for his first flare up when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, but he hasn't need them since (five years now) with some good dietary prevention.

tzu_mom ... Been researching today and thought of another question. Do you think it specifically matters which NV we should try?  Chicken seems to irritate him that his ears blow up with infections... so that leaves venison, lamb, rabbit and duck. Do you find any preference one over the other or just try one and see how he does? He's currently on a lamb based diet.
 
Also, found this on b-natural site: [linkhttp://b-naturals.com/product_info.php?products_id=142]http://b-naturals.com/product_info.php?products_id=142[/link]  Digestion Blend:
Product Details







Description

Digestion Blend contains beneficial bacteria, pancreatic enzymes, amino acids and medicinal herbs in a convenient powder form. Designed to help heal the entire gastrointestinal system, this formula is beneficial for dogs suffering from Irritable Bowel Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colitis, GI disorders and chronic diarrhea. $39.95









Recommendation

Mix with food in these amounts:
• Toy breeds - 1/3 teaspoon
• Up to 30 pounds - 1/2 teaspoon
• 30 to 60 pounds - 1 teaspoon
• 60 to 90 pounds - 2 teaspoons
• Over 90 pounds - 2 to 3 teaspoons

Ingredients

One tablespoon contains:
L-Glutamine (500 mg), Lactobacillus Acidophilus 100 Million CFU (100 mg), Lactobacillus Bulgaricus 100 Million CFU (75 mg), Streptococcus Themophilus 75 Million CFU (75 mg), Ginger Root (10 mg), N-Acetyl-Glucosamine (50 mg), L-Glycine (32 mg), Papain (50 mg), Pepsin (100 mg), Pancreatin 4x (100 mg), Pancrelipase (50 mg), Ox Bile Extract (60 mg), Bromelain (40 mg), Amylase (30 mg), Trypsin (25 mg) and Betaine (30 mg).
Other Ingredients: Beef Liver Powder(defatted), BSE Free, Whey. Do not feed to cattle or other ruminants.

Additional Information

Although Bertes Digestion Blend contains digestive enzymes, it can be used in conjunction with Bertes Zyme for severe conditions, such as EPI (pancreatic insufficiency) or acute cases of IBD or colitis.
 
Would that be something to try? Seems like it has a lot of good things in it. Sorry for all the questions, I've been so frustrated, seems like my colleagues in the vet world offer nothing but veterinary diets and lifetime medications. Flagyl really doesnt help him and I know there is help out there for my little boy.
 
Does your tzu get depressed? Or rather, did he before you got the IBD regulated? Chip has at least one evening a week where he is depressed, lethargic and vey velcroed to me, more than usual. Our specialist said this is normal, since he probably is just feeling like crap.  He had a mild case of anemia several months ago that came out of no where and passed in a few weeks and has not resurfaced since.
 
Oh and ottoluv: Thank you for your reply I wouldn't have a problem with the steroids if we were being offered other options besides those. It's like we're getting the cold shoulder when I suggest anything "natural" -fish oil, emzymes, etc. I always try to be very open on these things and well look at glucosamine, relatively harmless supplement that many humans and dogs alike are MUCh better being on daily. No side effects etc. I wouldn't mind a short round of pred or something, but if I can find something else to reduce the inflammation without the side effects of pred, I would prefer to try that one first. If that makes sense.
 
Fiber ,,, I do give him Libby's canned pumpkin with each meal [2x daily] to help increase the fiber. I havent noticed it really helping but a diet change is surely needed so I cant say for sure a big diff with the pumpkin. I'm told you can give too much fiber, but how much is too much?
 
Sorry for all the questions, I just have so many and cant seem to find any answers from my locally available sources. Thank you all SO much for your time and patience with me. 

Fiber ,,, I do give him Libby's canned pumpkin with each meal [2x daily] to help increase the fiber. I havent noticed it really helping but a diet change is surely needed so I cant say for sure a big diff with the pumpkin. I'm told you can give too much fiber, but how much is too much?

 
I'm not exactly sure to be honest how much fiber would be in a spoonfull of pumpkin, the can I have is not revealing   You can't realy OD on fiber, the problem is that you also need to drink sufficient amounts of water with it or it actually can CAUSE digestive problems.  Also, although pumpkin has some great nutrients like vit A, you don't want to replace too much of the regular diet with it.  I personally feel more comfortable using a food or supplement where I know how much fiber he's getting and it is a small volume (my dog is dinky), but if you know how much is in the pumpkin that would be fine too.

ORIGINAL: ottoluv
  Also, although pumpkin has some great nutrients like vit A, you don't want to replace too much of the regular diet with it.  I personally feel more comfortable using a food or supplement where I know how much fiber he's getting and it is a small volume (my dog is dinky), but if you know how much is in the pumpkin that would be fine too.

 
I think I'd rather give a supplement too, than the actual pumpkin... Would make things easier when the hubby feeds "the boy" when I work late or something.  Also, when Chip has a diarrhea accident or vomits in the house, the orange staining is HORRIBLE to try and get out of this cheap apartment carpet.
 
We've got about 2 weeks worth of the Nutro L&R so I think I'll try the NV and start mixing this week. I've heard a lot of good about the EVo but the NV has a single meat source so I think it might be safer to start with.

Thank you for the link to dogaware.com. That is an excellent site and was very useful to me with a different problem.

 
 

Do you think it specifically matters which NV we should try? 

 
 
I would go with a protein source he has not yet tried.  Since you already know chicken is a trigger , and he is currently in a lamb based diet,( which could also be a trigger) I would try the venison.  We actually started Oscar on the venison, he loved it and did great on it.  He actually does his best on beef and venison.  Strangely, lamb is the one meat protein source he cannot tolerate .
 

Also, found this on b-natural site: [linkhttp://b-naturals.com/product_info.php?products_id=142]http://b-naturals.com/product_info.php?products_id=142[/link]  Digestion Blend Would that be something to try?

 
Most definitely.  We used this product--it has everything you need--probiotics, enzymes, and l-glutamine.  As I mentioned we also added  daily fish oil.  I really like the products from B-Naturals.  I do keep this around and use it in times of stress or in case he has a flare-up.
 

  Does your tzu get depressed? Or rather, did he before you got the IBD regulated? Chip has at least one evening a week where he is depressed, lethargic and vey velcroed to me, more than usual.
 
He didn't seem so much depressed, but he used to isolate himself to a room where we were not.  I always know when he's not feeling well as he will practice this behavior.  It sounds like Chip becomes clingy when he's not feeling well--perfectly normal.  I will say that Oscar has way more "focused" energy, now that he is healthy.
 

Fiber ,,, I do give him Libby's canned pumpkin with each meal [2x daily] to help increase the fiber. I havent noticed it really helping but a diet change is surely needed so I cant say for sure a big diff with the pumpkin. I'm told you can give too much fiber, but how much is too much?

 
This always stymies me.  We were told to add fiber to Oscar's diet as well, BUT when we did, we always got pudding poop and mucous--yuck. The Nature's Variety canned foods had enough fiber for our particular situation.  Only now, 2+ years later can he tolerate any extra fiber in his diet ( he likes pumpkin, mashed sweet potato, and green beans) BUT only in the smallest amounts--any more than a teaspoon a day and we have bowel problems.
 
Do not apologize for asking so many questions--you want to what is best for your little guy.  I hope that my experiences can be helpful for you, but every situation is different.  I elected not to go with steroids/meds simply because I believed in my heart that this could be controlled through diet, and we have.
 
By the way, Chip is super cute!