Evaluation of Dogs with Colitis and Ulcerative Colitis Using Radiographic, Electrocardiographic and Laboratory Findings

Authors: RAMAZAN DURGUT, SEFA ÇELİK, SAVAŞ ÖZTÜRK, SELÇUK PEKKAYA

Abstract: Sixteen dogs with suspected colitis and ulcerative colitis were examined by clinical, radiographic, laboratory and electrocardiographic means from a diagnostic perspective. In the history and clinical examination, mild diarrheic feces mixed with uncoagulated blood and mucus were determined in all dogs. Tenesmus after defecation, mild weight loss and anemia were common observations. Abdominal palpation revealed a palpable thickened large intestine. Biochemical analyses of blood serums showed that potassium levels were increased, and sodium and total protein levels were decreased. A contrast radiographic examination showed that colon walls were thickened; stenosis, dilatation and shortening of the colons had occurred; and the normal shape of the colons had changed. In microbiologic investigations, in eight dogs' feces, Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli were isolated. In electrocardiograms, there were typically large peaked T waves in all dogs and flattened P waves in only two dogs. P-R and Q-T intervals were prolonged in four dogs and in only one dog widened QRS and bradycardia were present. In conclusion, it is important to evaluate the clinical signs with radiologic, electrocardiographic and laboratory findings when diagnosing colitis and ulcerative colitis in dogs.

Keywords: Colitis, ulcerative colitis, dog, clinical, radiology, ECG, laboratory

Full Text: PDF