A Special Patient: Meet Clover
Clover, a playful pup, just celebrated her 4th birthday! Our internal medicine team first met her at 1 ½ years old when she was referred by her primary veterinarian for chronic diarrhea, a picky appetite, and excessive thirst. Clover’s journey with IBD and kidney disease began at a young age, leading us to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that would help manage both conditions.
An abdominal ultrasound revealed small kidneys and enlarged abdominal lymph nodes. Bloodwork and urinalysis confirmed stage 2 kidney disease at an unusually young age. To understand her condition better, Dr. Joshua Elliott recommended surgery to obtain biopsies of her intestines and lymph nodes, performed by Dr. Lillian Su and our surgical team.
A Complex Diagnosis: IBD and Kidney Disease in Dogs
Biopsies confirmed Clover had inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Further testing revealed her kidney disease resulted from congenital renal dysplasia, meaning her kidneys didn’t develop properly. Managing IBD and kidney disease in dogs requires careful treatment planning.
A diet change and medications were necessary to address her GI symptoms while minimizing kidney disease progression. Some traditional treatments for IBD, like prednisone, can strain the kidneys. Hypoallergenic diets, typically used for IBD, aren’t always kidney-friendly.
Tailored Treatment for Clover
Dr. Elliott prescribed budesonide, a steroid that targets the GI tract with minimal kidney impact. A newly developed prescription diet helped manage both IBD and kidney disease in dogs. When Dr. Jani Remsburg took over Clover’s care, she monitored her response closely, adjusting medications to reduce side effects while maintaining symptom control. Dr. Remsburg is Sunstone’s internal medicine fellow. She and her team work closely with patients who require long-term internal medicine care, like Clover.
We helped ensure Clover’s diet and medications were controlling her IBD symptoms while monitoring her kidney disease for any progression. She was sensitive to the steroid side effects of her budesonide, so we have been gradually tapering her dose to balance symptom control with minimizing side effects. As expected, Clover’s kidney disease is slowly progressing, but thankfully, she remains asymptomatic.
When Clover first came to Sunstone, it was a struggle to get her to eat and play. Now, with the right diet and medications, she has a great appetite and loves to play. Throughout this journey, Clover’s mom has been by her side every step of the way, ensuring Clover stays happy, healthy, and comfortable. Seeing her thrive despite her challenges has been incredibly rewarding for our team.
What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Dogs?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition where a dog’s digestive tract becomes inflamed, making it difficult to absorb nutrients properly. This inflammation can occur in the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and reduced energy.
The exact cause of IBD isn’t always clear, but it is believed to result from an abnormal immune response to food, bacteria, or other environmental triggers. Some dogs may develop IBD due to food allergies or sensitivities, while others might have a genetic predisposition. Stress and infections can also contribute to flare-ups.
Because IBD symptoms can overlap with other gastrointestinal diseases, diagnosing it requires a thorough veterinary evaluation, including bloodwork, imaging, and sometimes biopsies of the intestines. While IBD is a lifelong condition, proper management can significantly improve a dog’s quality of life. Managing IBD and kidney disease in dogs requires a comprehensive approach to balance digestive health with kidney function.
What Is Renal Dysplasia in Dogs?
Renal dysplasia is a condition where a dog’s kidneys do not develop properly. The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste from the blood and producing urine. This condition is usually congenital, meaning it is present from birth, and it can affect one or both kidneys.
Some dogs with renal dysplasia may not show signs immediately, but over time, they may develop symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and, in some cases, blood in the urine. In more severe cases, the condition can lead to kidney failure, where the kidneys lose their ability to function properly.
The causes of renal dysplasia are not always clear, but factors such as genetics, exposure to toxins, infections, and poor nutrition may contribute. Some dog breeds, including Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Shih Tzus, and Bull Terriers, are more prone to developing this condition.
While there is no cure for renal dysplasia, veterinary care can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. With the right treatment and monitoring, many dogs with renal dysplasia can live comfortable, fulfilling lives. For dogs diagnosed with both IBD and kidney disease, specialized care is crucial to managing symptoms effectively.
A Bright Future for Clover
Clover’s case highlights the importance of individualized care. With the right treatment, even dogs facing complex health challenges can lead happy, active lives. If your pet shows signs of IBD or kidney disease, consult your veterinarian for a tailored care plan. Seeing Clover’s transformation from a struggling patient to a joyful, energetic pup has been a testament to the power of expert care and dedication.
