Pets can go through some really tough times when they develop conditions that prevent their bodies from functioning as they normally should. One such condition is the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) which can put your beloved ones through a lot of pain and fatigue.
This article will discuss more regarding this illness, its symptoms, cure, and prevention. We shall also discuss the growing popularity and the use of Cannabidiol (CBD) oil for pets as a treatment for this disease.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the symptoms to look out for
This is a collective term used for conditions that develop in the later half gastrointestinal (GI) tract- i.e. the intestines in animals. It is mainly characterized by the formation of inflamed cells and tissues in the intestines. A few of the main ailments that fall under this term are Gastritis, Enteritis, Colitis, etc.
Gastritis occurs as a result of inflammation of the inner walls of the stomach. This mainly leads to a loss in the appetite and imbalance in diet patterns, thereby leading to the production of gases in the stomach.
Enteritis is a condition developed in the small intestine as a result of inflammation of the inner walls of the small intestine. This may occur due to the growth of parasites such as bacteria and viruses.
Colitis occurs in the large intestine and the colon. It is also characterized by an inflamed colon wall. It may be a result of the growth of bacteria/viruses leading to infections.
All of these conditions of common symptoms such as:
- Loss in appetite
- Abdominal pain- whose severity depends on the severity of the condition
- Diarrhea
Some symptoms are conditional, like:
- Dehydration, vomiting, blood in vomit and stool, tiredness, etc. in case of gastritis
- Fever and blood in stool in case of enteritis
- Watery stools, fever, and an urge to defecate frequently in case of colitis
Reasons why IBD can occur and how it can be diagnosed
There are no specific reasons why IBD related conditions occur in pets. But the common cause narrows down to diet, and everything else your pet eats.
It is definitely a task to monitor everything that goes inside your buddy’s stomach, considering the very nature of their behavior. GI-related ailments mostly develop due to parasites in the tracts.
These parasites may be in the form of bacteria or viruses and enter the system through unregulated food. Read the article in the following link to know more about IBD: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inflammatory_bowel_disease
It is possible that your pet may develop a condition despite you having a strict eye on what goes into their mouths. These could be due to the side effects of vaccinations and medications, or even “healthy” food that may trigger allergic reactions.
Any of the above-mentioned symptoms could potentially mean your pet has a case of IBD. Vets are capable of drawing the conclusion based on correct information (that you must provide) about your pets’ diet and eating habits and examination of stool.
For cases that are chronic and are repetitive even after several courses of medication, the vet may insist on an endoscopy, to determine the exact location of the inflammation and its cause.
CBD oil for inflammatory bowel disease
CBD has gained prominence as a cure and a pain-relieving agent in humans for various diseases. It has also proven to be a worthy candidate for use in animals like our household pets. (augustafreepress.com) Yes, dogs and cats can be given regulated doses of CBD as a medicine for a wide range of diseases. Research has seen positive results of using CBD for IBD in animals, as described in this article.
Cannabidiol is an extracted chemical compound from the hemp plant. Yes, the same plant that is famous for its other recreational uses. And no, CBD is not what gets you “high”. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the chemical in marijuana that gets you high.
CBD does not have any of the psychoactive properties of THC, it is not a neurotoxin, hence it is not capable of getting your pets (or you) high.
Apart from this, CBD acts as an excellent stress reliever, boosts immune response, and promotes a healthy digestive process. All this, without a single side effect. CBD can be bought and used legally as a dietary supplement for pets. It can be bought in the form of oils, treats, or tinctures. You could try this out by researching this yourself.
CBD has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. This property alone makes it a worthy candidate for curing most inflammation-related diseases (like arthritis). CBD is also capable of interacting with the nervous system and can help in reducing the pain caused due to the conditions. Similarly, it can also help in reducing the side effects of medicines.
The only thing to be mindful of is the manufacturer, as non-trustworthy manufacturers can sell you products that have not been produced scientifically, meaning they could have THC in them. Also, it is a great idea to inform your vet about the use of CBD in conjunction with regular treatment and take advice on the right dosage.
