Use of a restricted antigen diet in the management of idiopathic canine colitis

Eleven dogs diagnosed as having idiopathic chronic colitis were treated for four months with a commercial hypoallergenic diet. Ten clinical parameters were evaluated monthly for each dog. Within one month, four key signs associated with colitis (straining, faecal blood, faecal mucus and faecal consistency) were significantly improved and remained so for the subsequent three months. Sulphasalazine was also used in the initial stages of management to control presenting signs. However, within one month 60 per cent of the dogs required either no sulphasalazine (or less) than when originally presented; within two months 90 per cent were stabilised with no drug therapy.