Pet Doc: Revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment of canine inflammatory bowel disease

KEARNEY, Neb. — There are several methods to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease, one of which is a minimally invasive endoscopy known as a gastroscope. During the procedure, you will be put under anesthesia for a few minutes, typically around 40, while the doctor snakes a tube through to examine the area.

The doctor can also take biopsies during this time, which can provide answers to your condition. In the past, exploratory surgery was required to obtain full-thickness biopsies.

“A little higher risk with those things is not something that we've done routinely, but now again, we can do it minimally invasive,” said Dr. Brandon Beebout of the Beebout Veterinary Medical Center. There's also a blood test to determine if there is IBD. With German Shepherds specifically, they’re known for things like EPI, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Zuma didn't fit completely with that, and IBD is the diagnosis, which she's in the midst of treatment for.

Treatment of IBD

Dr. Beebout uses a multimodal approach when treating IBD. One of the methods he employs is B12. Injectible B12 is necessary for proper absorption, and it is essential to administer it to pets. At BVMC, this is done over a few weeks and then continued monthly for six months. A change in diet is often the most effective treatment for IBD. Over 50% of dogs and cats can recover with a change in their diet alone.

Dr. Beebout said people routinely come in, "I've spent all this money on this diet food" or on this different diet for the IBD or the food allergy. Dr. Beebout said they are very, very picky because they want you to, if you're going to pay a premium on your dog food, they want it to have quality control at the manufacturer. “We don't want that chicken protein to be running on the same conveyor belt as a salmon protein, which I think I've mentioned in other ones. And so we are very, very picky on those brands that we know that we can trust,” Dr. Beebout said.

There are two ways to approach protein consumption. The first is to consume hydrolyzed protein, which involves breaking down chicken or any other protein into short-chain amino acids. The second way is to consume novel protein sources like kangaroo, puma, alligator, venison, duck, or rabbit. However, one needs to be cautious in Nebraska as there are lots of hunting and country dogs around.

"They could be exposed to the proteins found in duck, rabbit, and venison because these animals are present in our fields. So, we must be careful and gather all necessary information to take precautionary measures. The dogs have an immune disease, so they are on immunosuppressive doses of steroids. The dog in question is currently on that medication and handling it well. It is a severe disease with a wide spectrum, and she is among the most severe cases, as indicated by the drop in her albumin levels. Nonetheless, she is a fighter and takes all her meds. Her mum is very responsible and brings her to all appointments. She has already gained some weight and likes her new food, which is great. Hopefully, we can resolve this by getting rid of the inflammatory cells in her gut and gradually reducing the steroid dosage to make her immune system forget what it was doing. We have also reduced the immune response with the diet change, which is not causing any inflammation."

If you have questions for the Pet Docs, Dr. Brandon and Dr. Pao Beebout:

Beebout Veterinary Medical Center

• 4507 1st Ave. Place
• Kearney, NE
• (308) 236-5912

WEBSITE | hilltoppetclinic.com/

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/HPCKearneyNE