Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon (large intestine). It results in the classic signs of large bowel diarrhea: urgency, straining, frequent small stools, and fresh red blood or mucus in the feces. Causes range from stress and diet to parasites.
This condition requires veterinary attention.
If your animal shows the Key or Common signs listed, please visit a clinic immediately.
Report Case / Get HelpColitis itself is a symptom/condition. Infectious causes like Whipworms or Giardia are transmissible, but "Stress Colitis" or dietary intolerance is not.
Acute colitis appears suddenly, often after a stressful event or dietary indiscretion. Chronic colitis persists for weeks and requires diagnostic workup to find the underlying immune or physical cause.
Diagnosis involves fecal exams for parasites, rectal exam, and history taking. Chronic cases may require colonoscopy and biopsy to differentiate from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Acute cases often respond to a bland diet, fiber supplementation (psyllium), deworming, and sometimes anti-inflammatory antibiotics like metronidazole or tylosin.
Feeding a consistent high-quality diet, regular parasite control, and minimizing stress can prevent many episodes.
Excellent for acute cases. Chronic cases (like Histiocytic Ulcerative Colitis) require lifelong management but generally have a fair to good prognosis.
Medical DisclaimerThis information is for education only and does not replace examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified veterinarian.