Antibiotic Responsive Diarrhoea (SIBO) - Page 1

My 2yr old bitch has just been diagnosed with this condition, also known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.  Has anybody else had experiences with this illness?

Some breeders should be able to tell you about this.

I haven't had it here, but have a friend who has dealt with it.  Antibiotics will take care of it rather quickly, but they tend to also kill off the beneficial flora (good bacteria they need for digestion), so while she is on the antibiotics it is a good idea to give her yogurt to replace the beneficial flora.

SIBO and EPI (from dogaware.com)

Diarrhea and other stool problems can also be caused by diseases such as SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth) and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency). SIBO can be related to IBD.

Symptoms of SIBO include loud stomach noises, lots of gas, increase in stools, often mushy, and many times, DECREASED appetite and loss of weight. SIBO may be linked to a Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) deficiency, which occurs due to problems absorbing this vitamin, not due to dietary deficiency. It is treated with B12 injections, and usually with Tylan (tylosin), an antibiotic powder, or Oxytetracycline. Antibiotics must be given for 4 to 6 weeks to be effective. Tylan is very bitter, so is best given in capsule form. It is expensive, but you can find it cheaper in bulk and just put it into capsules yourself using an inexpensive capsule maker (apparently the 00 size capsule holds 1/4 teaspoon). Additional treatment should include probiotics, and may involve feeding a low fat diet and/or a novel protein diet, if food sensitivities are suspected. L-glutamine might also be helpful in repairing the intestinal mucosa (give 500 mg per 25 lbs of body weight). In German Shepherd Dogs, SIBO may be a primary condition, but in other breeds, it is considered secondary to other gastrointestinal conditions, such as IBD, EPI, delayed intestinal transit due to partial obstruction or other causes, food sensitivities, etc., so it is important to find and treat the primary condition, and not just the SIBO. The most common test for SIBO is a blood test sent to the GI Lab at Texas A&M. It is a Cobalamin (B12) & Folate test (dogs with SIBO usually, though not always, have low Cobalamin and/or high Folate). If you run these tests, it makes sense to also run a TLI (for EPI) because if the results of the B12 or folate are off they are going to tell you to first rule out EPI. Go to http://www.cvm.tamu.edu/gilab/assays.asp to read about these tests (they are the first two listed).  Dogs are required to be fasted 12 to 18 hours before the test. Note that B12 injections are colored red and may cause the urine to be a reddish color. See Bacterial Overgrowth in Dogs-More Common Than You Think for more info.

Hi Lily, is this the same young girl you've beein having problems with? How is she doing otherwise? Sounds like this will respond to meds and/or a prescription diet. I've never had a dog with this condition, but I think some on my breed board have. I will ask about it and get back to you if any have any good recommendations for  you.  It's another breed, but I have a number of members who are interested in health issues and who have formed an ad hoc health committee to study several different conditions/diseases. I think SIBO is one of them. Take care, hope you are well.

Lily, here's a suggestion from one of my list members......google  - S.I. Bacterial Overgrowth - She says there is a very informative article there that might be of some help to you.

http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WSAVA2002&PID=2580&Category=414

http://www.upei.ca/cidd/Diseases/GI%20disorders/small%20intestinal%20bacterial%20overgrowth.htm

http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/courses_vm546/Content_Links/DfDx/Dog%20Case%203/small_intestinal_bacterial_overg.htm

http://www.walthamusa.com/articles/cgismintes.pdf

My dog was diagnosed with SIBO at 8.5 months. She was put on 30 days of metranidazole and changed to Eukanuba Low Residue dry food. I hate the indgredients but she has had normal, consistent stools since being put on that food. Any deviation and she has problems again. I so wish I could put her on some of the higher quality kibble but they run right through her (sorry if that's TMI!)

http://us.iams.com/iams/en_US/jsp/IAMS_Page.jsp?pageID=PL&productID=24

JenM66, someone on my breed board also said her dog needed metranidazole for a month to treat SIBO. In fact I think she had to give 2 rounds of treatment. Not sure what she's feeding, I'll ask her and let you know if you want.  Others have told me they recommend digestive enzymes like Prozyme.

I use Tylan (can order it from KV VET) for my EPI girl who gets an occasional flair up of SIBO.  It works wonderfully.  May have to use it for up to a month, but it is very safe to use for that amount on time.  Some dogs are on it for months.  I give 1/8 teaspoon 2 x day mixed in a scoop of canned food.  It is VERY bitter, so best to hide it somehow.  It works great!!!

Rozoan