Help for a friend's doodle with IBS!

[Abby and Raya]

Hi everyone! I am dog sitting for a friend's doodle. She was diagnosed with IBS in May. After following the discussions here and in the food group I'm a bit concerned with the plan she was given.
Here's the list of meds and food.
AM
1 C-Budesonide 2mg capsule
1 capsule of Tylan powder (not sure the amount in the capsule, not in original vet container)
2 VSL #3 The Living Shield 112.5 billion live lactic acid bacteria per capsule (refrigerated)

1 can Hills prescription diet z/d ultra allergen free

PM
1 capsule of Tylan powder (not sure the amount in the capsule, not in original vet container)
2 VSL #3 The Living Shield 112.5 billion live lactic acid bacteria per capsule (refrigerated)

1 can Hills prescription diet z/d ultra allergen free

I know the food can't be good for her but will need some suggestions, as the friends thinks that what the vet gave her is best.
Thanks for your help!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Abby, from this list of medications, it looks like your friend's dog was diagnosed with IBD, NOT IBS. 

There is a big difference.

IBS is Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is usually stress related, and can usually be managed with diet. It's basically a sensitive tummy.

IBD is Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which is an immune-mediated incurable disease which has a fairly high mortality rate and can have a very guarded prognosis, depending on the type and the severity. It is similar to Crohn's Disease in humans. 

With IBD, you do what you have to do. The goal is to keep the dog alive and get the disease into remission.

It is very important that your friend's dog be in the care of a veterinary internal medicine specialist, and not just a general practice vet. 

Regarding diet, this is not something for which you want "suggestions" from people in a forum. 

Some forms of IBD are eosinophilic, meaning there is an allergic component. In those cases, it is crucial that the dog's diet not contain any proteins to which he/she has ever been exposed. Every case is different, and treatment, including meds & diet, MUST be tailored to the individual dog, based on the diagnostic findings. 

The Rx foods used for this disease contain hydrolyzed protein, which means that the protein molecules are so small that the body cannot identify them as any particular protein, i.e. chicken, beef, whatever. That's why the vets recommend these foods for IBD dogs. Others use custom formulated homemade diets or commercial diets using novel proteins. 

JD has IBD, diagnosed by endoscopy & colonoscopy in December 2011. The only way that IBD can be diagnosed is by scope or exploratory surgery. I would not wish this disease on my worst enemy. Depending on what types and numbers of abnormal cells are found in which areas of the GI tract, the treatment varies from one dog to another, but at best, it is always a guessing game. He is also on Tylan and VSL, but his immunosuppressants are different and he is on a ton of other meds & supplements. 

I belong to an IBD dog owner's support group which has been very helpful to me. Here is a link: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/IBDogs/

Originally, the IMS and regular vet wanted to put JD on Rx food. I declined, and did my own research to find a diet that would work for him. But this is not something most people can do themselves. 

Many people in my IBD support group are using the Rx foods. Others like myself are uncomfortable with these foods and the companies that make them. Many people have consulted veterinary nutritionists to have custom diets formulated for their dogs. That might be one option for your friend. The support group has resources for nutritionists and specialists. 

I have nothing but sympathy for your friend, and I hope her dog does well and achieves remission soon. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I just noticed that it seems that the Tylan is being given with the VSL. That's got to stop. The VSL must be given at least one hour before or two hours after the Tylan. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's a link to the website for Rayne Clinical Nutrition. Their Rx foods are made in the US using North American ingredients, and are far superior and safer than the Hill's Purina, and RC stuff. Many vets are not aware of this company, but it might be an option for your friend.  https://www.raynenutrition.com/(S(502is0y3ihcknsf5yoc15ors))/defaul...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's a good comprehensive article on Inflammatory Bowel Disease ( IBD) in dogs:

http://www.2ndchance.info/inflambowel.htm

[Abby and Raya]

Karen,
Thank you for all of your information! I knew I came to the right place. I will compile all of the info and get it to her when they get back from the beach. I'll see if I can find out more about the diagnosis. I think you're right in that its IBD. She is only 1 and a half and the puppy of my doodle's littermate. Is IBD genetic?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Not that I have found in my research, and I've read just about everything I can find on the disease. They don't know what causes it, there are all kinds of theories, but nothing that is inherited. However, it does run in certain breeds more than others, so there may be a familial predisposition.

There's no doubt in my mind that it's IBD. They don't use these drugs for IBS.