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Antibiotic-responsive histiocytic ulcerative colitis in 9 dogs
Roger A Hostutler1, Brian J Luria, Susan E Johnson
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. hostutler.4@osu.edu
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|August 24, 2004
Summary
Antibiotic therapy effectively treated canine histiocytic ulcerative colitis (HUC), resolving chronic diarrhea and weight loss in dogs. This suggests an infectious cause for HUC, supporting antibiotic use for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Canine histiocytic ulcerative colitis (HUC) is an inflammatory colon disease.
- HUC causes chronic diarrhea, tenesmus, weight loss, and often leads to euthanasia.
- Conventional treatments include prednisone, azathioprine, sulfasalazine, and metronidazole.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic therapy for canine histiocytic ulcerative colitis (HUC).
- To determine if an infectious agent plays a role in HUC.
- To support the use of antibiotics in treating HUC.
Main Methods:
- Nine dogs with confirmed HUC received antibiotic treatment (enrofloxacin alone or in combination with metronidazole and amoxicillin).
- Clinical signs, physical exams, lab results, and histologic severity were assessed.
- Histologic improvement was evaluated via repeat biopsies in five dogs.
Main Results:
- All nine dogs showed resolution of clinical signs within 2-12 days of antibiotic therapy.
- Five dogs achieved marked histologic improvement after treatment.
- A statistically significant increase in body weight was observed post-treatment (P = .01).
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic therapy is effective in treating canine HUC.
- An infectious agent responsive to antibiotics is likely involved in HUC.
- These findings support the use of antibiotics as a primary treatment for HUC.