Colitis in the dog can causes many symptoms that are both uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening. If these symptoms persist for more than a day, medical attention should be sought, as medication or hospitalization may be needed to cure the dog. In most cases, several medications will be prescribed to treat different effects of the colitis. All prescribed medications should be administered with full compliance to ensure a speedy recovery.
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Colitis
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Colitis is an inflammation of the colon in the dog. This can be caused by infection of the colon lining, which causes the lining to slough off. Some medications given to the dog for another condition can have the side effect of irritating the colon wall, setting it up for an infection and subsequent colitis. The typical symptoms colitis in dogs are diarrhea, dehydration, lethargy and fever. If any of the symptoms are noted, seek medical attention for your dog.
Metronidazole
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Metronidazole is an antibiotic that kills anaerobic bacteria, or bacteria that live in oxygen-poor environments. The colon is such an environment. Colitis often develops secondary to another issue, meaning something weakens the immune system or irritates the lining of the colon, and bacteria then set up shop in the compromised tissue and it becomes infected. Metronidazole can be administered orally or intravenously, and is typically given twice daily of a varying length of treatment.
Omeprazole
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Colitis does not just affect the colon. Once the colon begins acting abnormally, it becomes hyperactive, causing diarrhea. Other parts of the GI tract will often start acting abnormally, as the system as a whole has been disrupted. A common problem is an over-production of stomach acid, which can erode the stomach lining and cause nausea. Omeprazole works to slow the production of these stomach acids and protect the stomach lining.
Carafate
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Carafate is a chalky substance that can be given orally in a liquid suspension. Carafate acts locally to coat the lining of the GI tract. This acts as a buffer between digestive enzymes and stomach acids that can further injure the compromised bowel. This can be given up to four times a day in a dose appropriate for the dog's body weight.
Fluids
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Since the dog's bowel is compromised, it loses its ability to retain water and affects the dog's systemic hydration. The dog becomes dehydrated and often electrolyte-imbalanced. When this occurs, other systems like the heart and kidneys can be affected and the problem can become life-threatening. For sever cases of colitis, the dog may need to be hospitalized and receive intravenous fluids with corrective electrolyte therapy.
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