INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD) The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are the most common causes
of chronic vomiting and diarrhea
in dogs, and refer to a group
of idiopathic, chronic gastrointestinal tract disorders, characterized by infiltration
of the lamina propria by lymphocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, macrophages, neutrophils, or combinations
of these cells.12 The
diagnosis of IBD requires the comprehensive exclusion
of potential causes
of gastrointestinal inflammation, including intestinal parasites, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, bacterial enterocolitis, dietary intolerances or
allergies, and neoplasia.12 Failure to eliminate known causes
of gastrointestinal inflammation which can mimic IBD can result
in frustration for the owner and clinician due to poor responsiveness
of the animal to dietary or pharmacologic therapy.