Common names or abbreviations:Canine SprueDescription or definition:Sprue is a generalized term that refers to any sort of chronic, severe diarrhea. Often it is accompanied by weight loss.
Chronic diarrhea and weight loss are nonspecific signs common to a variety of different systemic and metabolic conditions. The successful management of chronic diarrhea is based on establishing a definitive diagnosis. Therefore, a consultation and examination with a licensed veterinarian is necessary to rule out dietary, parasitic, and infectious causes. Keeping track of your dog’s individual history (when the problem first appeared, specific symptoms, what you were feeding him or her at the time, etc.) is particularly important because it may help your veterinarian identify whether the dog has a malabsorbtion disorder or a specific dietary intolerance, indiscretion, or sensitivity.
Celiac sprue (celiac disease): A chronic disorder of the small intestine resulting from gluten intolerance. Treatment generally involves switching to a completely gluten free diet.
Tropical sprue: A malabsorption syndrome occurring in the tropics and subtropics. Malabsorption usually leads to protein malnutrition. Anemia due to folic acid deficiency is common. Treatment generally involves administration of antibiotics and folic acid supplementation
Other conditions associated with chronic diarrhea: IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Colitis (inflammation of the lower bowel), SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency), intestinal obstruction, and parasites.
Links to sites about this disease:http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00127.htm
http://www.vetdigest.com/NIP/diarrhoea/
http://www.provet.co.uk/health/signs/diarrhoea.htm
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/190305.htm
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/25200.htm
http://www.gsdhelpline.com/boweldis.htm
Chronic diarrhea and weight loss are nonspecific signs common to a variety of different systemic and metabolic conditions. The successful management of chronic diarrhea is based on establishing a definitive diagnosis. Therefore, a consultation and examination with a licensed veterinarian is necessary to rule out dietary, parasitic, and infectious causes. Keeping track of your dog’s individual history (when the problem first appeared, specific symptoms, what you were feeding him or her at the time, etc.) is particularly important because it may help your veterinarian identify whether the dog has a malabsorbtion disorder or a specific dietary intolerance, indiscretion, or sensitivity.
Celiac sprue (celiac disease): A chronic disorder of the small intestine resulting from gluten intolerance. Treatment generally involves switching to a completely gluten free diet.
Tropical sprue: A malabsorption syndrome occurring in the tropics and subtropics. Malabsorption usually leads to protein malnutrition. Anemia due to folic acid deficiency is common. Treatment generally involves administration of antibiotics and folic acid supplementation
Other conditions associated with chronic diarrhea: IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Colitis (inflammation of the lower bowel), SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency), intestinal obstruction, and parasites.
Links to sites about this disease:http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00127.htm
http://www.vetdigest.com/NIP/diarrhoea/
http://www.provet.co.uk/health/signs/diarrhoea.htm
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/190305.htm
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/25200.htm
http://www.gsdhelpline.com/boweldis.htm