Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disease of humans that involves diarrhea and abdominal cramping of unknown cause. It is not a well-defined disease process in veterinary medicine, but is believed to be associated with some sort of functional disorder of intestinal motility or movement, rather than an infectious, inflammatory, or cancerous problem.

It is a chronic (long term) problem with intermittent clinical signs and is primarily a disorder of dogs. There are no breed or sex predilections. Some authors suggest that stress plays a role in the disease process, because IBS has been noted in high strung dogs and performance and working dogs.

What to Watch For

Intermittent bouts of diarrhea or soft stool

Increased frequency of defecation

Passage of small volumes of stool

Straining to defecate

Abdominal distension/bloating

Excessive gas

Abdominal discomfort

Occasional nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis

History and physical exam

Complete blood count (CBC)

Biochemical profile

Urinalysis

Fecal tests for parasites, protozoa and bacteria

Fecal cytology

Tests for bacterial overgrowth in the intestine

Food trial

Abdominal ultrasound

Endoscopy and intestinal biopsy

Treatment

Dietary modification

Anti-diarrheal drugs

Anti spasmodic/tranquilizer combinations for abdominal bloating and pain

Drugs to minimize gastrointestinal gas

Home Care and Prevention

Give all medications as prescribed by your veterinarian. Careful adherence to dietary recommendations is crucial. Feed only the prescribed diet. Do not feed table scraps or other foods, including natural chew toys (rawhides).

Observe for inappropriate response to treatment or worsening of clinical signs at home. Persistent diarrhea, lack of appetite, abdominal discomfort, and lethargy should prompt a call to your veterinarian.

Because of the possible role that stress may play in this disease process, potential stressors in the home environment should be identified and minimized when possible.