Diverticulitis in dogs – Causes | Treatments

Diverticulitis in dogs is a relatively common digestive disorder that can also affect people. For this condition occurs – along the wall of the intestine – the formation of small individual bags called diverticula.

Generally, diverticula are formed in the walls of the large intestine, but also in the small intestine. Diverticulitis itself, which corresponds to the outbreaks of the condition, occurs when these diverticula become infected and inflamed..

This is a chronic condition, which means that the outbreaks of inflammation are interspersed with other periods of inactivity, in which your dog feels good and does not suffer discomfort. As a last resort, inflamed diverticula can rupture, which leads to abdominal pain that can vary from mild to acute on the left flank.

Causes of diverticulitis in dogs

Usually, when the stool cannot be removed and stays longer in the colon, it causes painful points in the intestinal mucosa that become bags.

Given the high microbial density of the intestine, These bags or diverticula can easily become infected and break. Diverticulitis causes pain and discomfort to the dog. The intensity of pain varies according to the severity of the disease.

It is important to highlight that, by deriving diverticulitis from continuous constipation, it is indicated as cause to have adopted an insufficient fiber content diet. The condition is not considered hereditary, that is, there is no evidence that it occurs in one breed of dog more than in others.

Complications of diverticulitis

If you do not receive treatment, Diverticulitis can cause serious medical conditions. This includes severe infections, intestinal perforations, peritonitis, bleeding or intestinal blockage.

Additionally, diverticulitis can give rise to the appearance of fistulas. A fistula is an abnormal connection between two parts of the body – in this case the intestine – and another structure, such as the bladder, the skin of the abdomen or another intestinal segment.

Symptoms of diverticulitis in dogs

The symptoms of diverticulitis are similar to those of colitis. In general terms, Dogs suffering from diverticulitis experience pain in the left flank of the abdominal cavity.

Generally, it is associated with cramping and bloating. The severity of pain and cramps will vary depending on the severity of the disease. Abdominal pain can cause spasms. There may be diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Infection of the diverticula can cause fever and chills in your dog. These symptoms are common to other disorders of the intestinal tract, such as colitis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Treatment of diverticulitis in dogs

Usually, The treatment for diverticulitis consists of changes in the diet and administration of antibiotics to fight the infection. If there is intense pain, the veterinarian may also recommend painkillers.

In relation to the diet, liquid or moist foods are indicated that are rich in fibers and can be easily digested. In addition, seeds and other types of food that can irritate the colon should be avoided.

In cases of seriousness, it is possible that surgery is necessary. In these cases, the veterinarian will perform a resection of the part of the affected colon.

There are also alternative treatments, which use herbal remedies for diverticulitis. These treatments are applied by a holistic or homeopathic veterinarian.

Esophageal diverticulitis

When we talk about diverticulitis in dogs, we usually refer to intestinal diverticulitis. Nevertheless, There is another associated condition called esophageal diverticulitis.

In this condition, similar pockets form on the walls of the dog’s esophagus. These bags catch food before they are digested and create many problems.

Symptoms of esophageal diverticulitis include loss of appetite, weight loss and, sometimes, breathing problems. Food trapped in the esophagus is also at risk of being aspirated or inhaled into the lungs, which can cause respiratory infections and, in severe cases, pneumonia.

The acute abdomen in dogs usually causes a lot of pain and is usually associated with diseases such as canine peritonitis. Find out more here!