DRUG THERAPY OF INFLAMMATORY GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES IN SMALL ANIMALS

摘要

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is multi-complex syndrome characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells in the gastric and/or intestinal mucosa. Although the underlying cause differs among animals, the ultimate patho-physiology is similar. Thesyndrome can be histologically classified based on the predominant cell type. The most common type afflicting dogs are lymphocytic-plasmocytic and eosinophilic; however, several forms of IBD also have been described that are unique to certain breeds. Thepredominant site afflicted in dogs is the small intestine. The cause of the infiltration seldom is identifiable and probably reflects interactions among environmental, genetic and immunological factors. The pathophysiology reflects alterations in the mucosal (epithelial) barrier, the mucosal immune system and the endogenous microflora. The type of predominating inflammatory cell (lymphocytic, plasmo-cytic, eosinophilic, or histocyric) that causes inflammation might serve as a basis of the classification, and to some degree, treatment of IBD. Thus, proper treatment partly depends on a cytologic description of the inflammatory process. For example, eosinophilic infiltrates generally respond to dietary management alone.