What is the difference between enteritis and colitis in dogs?

In terms of symptoms, the two have both similarities and key differences. Both enteritis and colitis can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, but vomiting is more common and severe in enteritis. Dogs with enteritis will frequently vomit undigested food or yellow mucus due to inflammation and digestive disorders in the small intestine, which makes it difficult for them to digest the food they eat. The feces of diarrhea are usually watery and smelly, because the food cannot be fully digested and decomposed in the small intestine and is quickly excreted without being absorbed. The typical symptom of colitis is abnormal defecation. Dogs may frequently make defecation postures, but can only excrete a small amount of mucus, blood or soft stool. This feeling of "tenesmus" makes dogs very painful. They will be restless and keep trying to defecate but it is difficult to relieve.

In terms of the causes of the disease, enteritis and colitis also have their own "risk factors". There are many causes of enteritis, among which improper diet is one of the common causes. Sudden changes in dog food, especially when the ingredients of the new and old dog food are very different, the dog's intestinal flora is difficult to adapt quickly, which can easily cause inflammation. Ingestion of spoiled food, sharp foreign objects, or contact with toxic substances can also directly stimulate and damage the small intestinal mucosa, leading to enteritis.

In addition, viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections are also factors that cannot be ignored. Once canine distemper virus and parvovirus invade the intestine, they will cause severe inflammatory reactions. In contrast, colitis is more related to allergies, stress, and intestinal flora imbalance. Some dogs are allergic to specific foods, such as chicken, beef, and dairy products. Long-term consumption of these allergenic foods will trigger an immune response in the colon, leading to inflammation. When dogs experience stressful events such as changes in living environment, long-distance transportation, and changes in owners, the hormone levels in the body will change, affecting the normal function of the intestines and inducing colitis. In addition, the abuse of antibiotics and the long-term use of inferior dog food may destroy the balance of microorganisms in the intestine, causing harmful bacteria to multiply and cause colon inflammation.

In the face of these two intestinal diseases, accurate diagnosis is the prerequisite for effective treatment. Veterinarians usually use a combination of multiple diagnostic methods, inquire in detail about the dog's diet, living habits and symptoms, and conduct a comprehensive physical examination, including auscultation of bowel sounds and palpation of the abdomen, to preliminarily determine the health of the intestine. In order to further clarify the cause of the disease, blood tests will also be performed to check whether indicators such as white blood cells and red blood cells are abnormal, and to determine whether there is infection or anemia.

Stool examination is even more indispensable. By observing parasite eggs, bacteria, viruses and other pathogens in the feces under a microscope, and analyzing the pH and digestion of the feces, it can be determined whether there are infection factors. For cases that are difficult to diagnose, it may be necessary to use X-rays, ultrasound examinations, or even intestinal tissue biopsies to visually observe the intestinal morphology and structure and determine the specific location and severity of inflammation.

In terms of treatment, although both enteritis and colitis have the main goals of anti-inflammatory and restoring intestinal function, the focus is different. For enteritis, the first thing to do is to correct dehydration and electrolyte disorders, and replenish water, glucose and electrolytes through intravenous infusion to maintain the acid-base balance and nutrient supply in the dog's body. At the same time, appropriate treatment drugs are selected according to the cause of the disease. If it is caused by infection, antibiotics or antiviral drugs will be used for targeted treatment; for parasitic infections, corresponding anthelmintics should be selected.

In terms of diet, it is necessary to temporarily fast to allow the intestines to get enough rest, and then gradually transition to easily digestible liquid food or prescription food. The treatment of colitis focuses more on regulating intestinal flora and relieving inflammation. Probiotics will be used to help restore the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestines and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria; for colitis caused by allergies or stress, anti-allergic drugs or anti-stress drugs may be needed. In terms of diet, avoid feeding foods that are prone to allergies, choose low-sensitivity, easily digestible prescription food, and increase dietary fiber intake to promote intestinal peristalsis and feces formation.

Whether it is enteritis or colitis, the recovery of the disease cannot be separated from the careful care of the owner. During the treatment period, the owner should closely observe the dog's mental state, appetite, and defecation, record the number and characteristics of vomiting and diarrhea, and promptly feedback to the veterinarian. Keep the dog's living environment clean and hygienic, change the bedding regularly to avoid bacterial growth. Give your dog enough love and companionship. When they are unwell, gentle caressing and soft comfort can provide great psychological support. After recovery from the disease, you should not take it lightly. You should gradually adjust the diet and follow the principle of eating small meals frequently to help the dog's intestinal function fully recover. Take your dog for regular physical examinations to prevent the recurrence of intestinal diseases in advance.