Question:
I have a 3-year-old female chow mix whom I got from an animal shelter when she was 1 year old. She has a chronic colitis condition. As a result, my veterinarian put her on prescription dog food (Iams) and a probiotic (Proviable capsules) that she takes once a day. If she experiences a diarrhea attack, she gets Proviable-DC paste. Since she has been on the Proviable for more than a year, she seems to have developed a tolerance to the paste. I find that when she gets diarrhea, the paste doesn't work as well as it used to. After she has finished the paste and still has the problem, I give Iams Prostora Max, which does take care of the problem. The probiotic is a one-week regimen. During this time, she doesn't get the Proviable. Before Proviable, I would give her Imodium when she had an attack. This never worked too well. Do you have a suggestion?
A.R., Gaithersburg, Md Jan 10, 2010
Answer:
Inflammatory, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis and other digestive-tract disorders are all too common in dogs, cats and humans. The are many causes, notably the high-gluten content of most manufactured foods; the high-temperature food processing that causes a loss of nutrients; low- or poor-quality fiber content essential for intestinal health; and the health of beneficial gut bacteria. Herbicide residues and foreign proteins, especially from genetically engineered corn and soy ingredients, may harm these bacteria, which play a vital role in food digestion and immune-system functions. There are other sources of probiotics (capsules or pills), containing beneficial bacteria that you should try along with so-called "prebiotics," such as chicory and inulin (not insulin), which provide nutrients for these bacteria. Supplements such as aloe-vera juice, psyllium husks, ginger (in mild cases), licorice, fish oil and L-glutamine may also prove beneficial. Transitioning onto a home-prepared diet based on a single animal protein (duck, venison, fish) with potato or quinoa may be advisable, coupled with multimineral supplements. (See my Web site for listings of pet-food companies that provide good diets for both dogs and cats.)
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