Chronic inflammatory bowel disease in dogs

What is it?

The wall of the intestine is permanently invaded by inflammatory cells. It thickens and absorbs nutrients less well.

It is not an infection: the immune system of the intestine reacts excessively and persistently to elements usually well tolerated, such as components of the diet or normal bacteria of the digestive tract.

The disease progresses in flare-ups, over months or years. We also speak of chronic enteropathy, a term which brings together several forms distinguished by their response to treatment.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Causes and risk factors

The cause is not unique: the disease results from the encounter between a genetic background, the intestinal flora and elements of the diet.

The intestinal immune system loses its tolerance and maintains permanent inflammation.

Triggering factors are often found: long-standing infectious or parasitic episode, repeated antibiotic treatments, chronic stress.

Before making this diagnosis, identifiable causes of chronic diarrhea must be ruled out: parasites, infections, pancreatic insufficiency, liver or kidney disease, digestive tumor.

Certain breeds are more often affected: German Shepherd, Boxer, Yorkshire Terrier, Shar-Pei, Rottweiler, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Young to middle-aged adults most often.

History of repeated digestive disorders since young age.

Repeated use of antibiotics, which permanently unbalances the intestinal flora.

Stressful environment or frequent changes in pace of life.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

Treatment

The approach is progressive, from the simplest treatment to the most difficult.

First step: a strict diet, based on a new protein source for the dog or proteins cut into very small fragments, given alone for several weeks. No treats, no table scraps, no other food: a single deviation distorts the test.

Second step: when bacterial proliferation is suspected, a trial antibiotic treatment may be prescribed by the veterinarian.

Third step: if the signs persist, drugs that slow down the immune reaction are used, starting with corticosteroids, alone or combined with another immunomodulator.

Vitamin B12 supplementation is common.

Supplements promoting the balance of intestinal flora are often combined.

Treatment is then reduced to the minimum effective dose, under veterinary supervision, and never by decision of the owner.

Prevention

Possible complications

Leakage of proteins through the intestine, with accumulation of fluid in the stomach or swelling of the limbs: this is the most serious form.

Severe weight loss and muscle wasting.

Vitamin deficiencies, especially B12.

Increased risk of clot formation in forms with protein loss.

Adverse effects of prolonged treatments, which require regular monitoring.

Possible progression to a digestive tumor in rare cases, which biopsies help to monitor.

When to see a veterinarian

Prognosis

Many dogs are kept under control over the long term, often through diet alone, with a good quality of life.

The disease can be controlled rather than cured: flare-ups can occur, particularly after a dietary deviation.

The prognosis is more guarded in forms with significant protein leakage and in dogs that respond poorly to immunomodulatory treatments.

The owner's regularity in following the diet is one of the main factors of success.

Frequently asked questions

References

MSD Veterinary Manual

WSAVA — World Small Animal Veterinary Association

Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 09 September 2026