Diverticulitis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Diverticulitis – Rare But Painful Condition for Dogs

Diverticulitis is a widespread digestive disorder that affects not only humans but also canines. This condition is characterised by the development of small, sac-like protrusions called diverticula along the intestinal wall. These pouches typically form in the large intestine, though they can also appear in the small intestine.

The disease becomes problematic when these diverticula become inflamed, leading to diverticulitis. This is a chronic illness, meaning it persists over time and can alternate between active phases and periods of remission. When the diverticula become inflamed and potentially rupture, it can cause abdominal pain in dogs, which can vary from mild to severe. The left side of the intestine is often more affected, leading to pain in the left flank area.

If a dog exhibits signs of a sensitive stomach, including intermittent abdominal discomfort and pain, diverticulitis could be a possible diagnosis. This article aims to delve deeper into diverticulitis in dogs, exploring its symptoms, treatments, and management strategies.

What Triggers Diverticulitis in Dogs?

Diverticulitis in dogs arises when faeces, unable to be naturally expelled due to constipation, accumulate in the intestine. This retention leads to the formation of the diverticula, which are prone to infection and rupture. This condition can cause varying degrees of discomfort and pain in the affected dog.

Without proper treatment, diverticulitis can escalate to serious complications like bowel perforations, intestinal infections, and bleeding, evident in the dog’s faeces. Additionally, diverticula can fuse, forming fistulas.

Recognising the Symptoms of Canine Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis in dogs presents with symptoms that are similar to those of canine colitis and IBD (inflamed bowel disease), conditions that must also be considered and ruled out by a veterinarian. Key symptoms include:

• Cramping and abdominal pain, particularly on the left side.
• Abdominal bloating and spasms.
• Fever or shivering episodes.
• Nausea and possible vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.

Pain in the abdominal area often leads to bloating and cramps, which can cause spasms. Dogs with diverticulitis may have an increased need to defecate, producing loose, watery, and possibly bloody stools. Infections in the diverticula can lead to moderate fevers or temperature fluctuations causing shivering.

However, these symptoms are not exclusive to diverticulitis and can indicate other digestive disorders, necessitating a thorough examination by a vet.

Causes of Diverticulitis in Dogs

Diverticulitis in dogs, similar to humans, is often linked to a diet lacking in roughage or dietary fibre. Regular bouts of constipation can also contribute to this condition. It is not considered hereditary or more prevalent in any specific dog breed.

Treatment Approaches for Canine Diverticulitis

Treating diverticulitis in dogs typically involves administering oral antibiotics to tackle any infections and adjusting the dog’s diet to include more fibre and roughage. Foods that can irritate the colon, like seed husks, should be avoided. In severe cases with multiple diverticula, infections, or fistula formation, surgical intervention might be necessary. Dogs may also receive anti-inflammatory or pain relief medications.

Adding prebiotics, like inulin, baobab, MOS and FOS and yucca schidigera, and probiotics to a dogs diet can not only help prevent, but also treat, diverticulitis.

Feeding your dog an anti-inflammatory dog food can help to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with the condition.

Oesophageal Diverticulitis in Dogs

While intestinal diverticulitis is more common, dogs can also suffer from oesophageal diverticulitis, where similar pouches form in the oesophagus. This can lead to food being trapped before digestion, possibly causing respiratory infections or pneumonia if inhaled into the lungs. (2)

Symptoms of oesophageal diverticulitis include difficulties in swallowing, reduced appetite, weight loss, and sometimes breathing issues. This variant of the condition is often seen in brachycephalic breeds, with the English bulldog being particularly susceptible.

Rectal Diverticulitis in Dogs

Rectal diverticulitis in dogs is a relatively uncommon condition, characterised by the protrusion of rectal mucous membranes through weaknesses in the muscle layers. This issue predominantly occurs in middle-aged, male dogs. The exact cause of rectal diverticulitis remains unclear, but it is thought to be linked to either congenital weaknesses or acquired damage in the rectal wall. (3)

More often than not, rectal diverticula are associated with perineal hernias, suggesting a connection between the two conditions. It’s important to note that without appropriate surgical intervention, neither conservative treatments nor traditional hernia repair methods prove effective. The presence of a rectal diverticulum can lead to difficulties in fully emptying the bowels during defecation, persistent straining, and the likelihood of hernia recurrence. Thus, surgical correction is typically deemed necessary.

Several surgical options are available for treating rectal diverticula in dogs, including diverticulectomy (removal of the diverticulum), plication, anal splitting, and resection of the affected intestinal segment followed by end-to-end anastomosis. Each of these procedures carries its own risks and potential complications. ( ^4,5–7) 

A case in point is a 12-year-old male dog that underwent successful treatment involving diverticulectomy combined with hernia repair, executed through a lateral approach. This highlights the necessity and effectiveness of surgical intervention in managing rectal diverticulitis in dogs, especially in cases where it is linked to other complications like perineal hernias.

Bonza Superfood and Ancient Grains plant-based dog food is a highly digestible food that contains higher fibre levels, at 4.5%, than most dog foods includes prebiotics, (inulin, baobab, yucca schidigera extract, FOS and MOS) and probiotics. The formula also includes many highly effective anti-inflammatory ingredients to help soothe inflammation and reduce any discomfort your dog may be experiencing due to their condition.