Ok, long story. Since we got Murphy (Nov 2013)he`s been fed on Skinners and looks well on it. In June 2014 we started him on a partially raw diet with chicken necks/wings plus raw veg and the occaisional egg for 3 days per week. He was fine, glossy coat etc etc. Back in January this year he had a bout of runny poos and we went thru` various options eliminating different foods until we ended up changing his kibble to a lower protein version (Skinners Field & Trial at 25% to Skinners Maintenance at 18%) and the issue seemed to disappear. We then started re-introducing the raw element over 2 months with no issues. Three weeks ago the problem was back with a vengence!! Very runny/watery poos and he lost 2 kgs in a week!! So back to the vets and square one with the diet. So far he`s been tested for food poisoning, worms and the latest tests for B12?? Plus he`s been prescribed antibiotics. The vet seems to think he`s sensitized to something and has prescribed a different food (I don`t know what it is yet as I`m collecting it later). So my questions are; If you experienced colitis in a dog how long did it last? Whats the best method of controlling it? Will it eventually disappear/does the dog grow out of it? Thanks, Steve.
Poor Murphy, hope he's feeling better soon. I can't offer much advice as I haven't had a dog with colitis but have had a look through google. From what I've read it looks as if your vet has been vey conscientious in eliminating possible causes and therefore the best treatment, which if it is due to a reaction o a certain food/s is through diet. http://www.netvet.co.uk/dogs/digestive/colitis.htm This is one of the articles I read and thought it may help. Let us know how Murphy gets on with the new diet and that he's much better soon.
Hi sorry I've only just seen this. My old lab, who coincidentally was also murphy, had colitis all his life from the age of four. It coincided with him eating roast beef. At that time I fed him eukanuba chicken and rice. He would have a bout of colitis every so often. It was food related and I found he couldn't tolerate any human protein except chicken and white fish. When he was about 11 it also became stress related. Colitis is like irritable bowel so stress can trigger it. He'd also become intolerant to chicken. I changed his food to royal canin sensitivity control dry which at that time was fish it is now duck. The vet also suggested a pro/pre biotic supplement. He went from having diarrhoea every couple of weeks and being given antibiotics and anti inflammatories to never having an upset stomach again !!! He lived to 15. From my experience I would say if you find a diet your dog tolerates well stick with it and be careful what treats you use. A single protein source is important when controlling colitis and a unique protein something not usually fed like fish, duck, venison. Good luck. I hope your murphy feels better very soon.
