Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Infectious Colitis in Dogs and Cats: Diagnosis, Management, and Clinical Outcomes.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
- Year:
- 2026
- Authors:
- Schmid, Sarah M
- Affiliation:
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences · United States
Plain-English summary
Infectious colitis is a condition that can lead to diarrhea in the large intestine and, in serious cases, can make dogs and cats very sick. Different germs like bacteria, parasites, and fungi can cause this illness, and how often it occurs can depend on the pet's age, immune system, and environment. Common parasites that should be checked for include Trichuris vulpis and Tritrichomonas blagburni. Treatment usually focuses on providing supportive care and fixing any underlying issues rather than just giving antibiotics. The outcome can vary depending on the specific germ involved and whether the infection has spread.
Abstract
Infectious colitis can cause large intestinal diarrhea and, in severe cases, systemic illness in dogs and cats. Causative agents include bacteria, protozoa, helminths, trematodes, fungi, oomycetes, and algae, with prevalence influenced by signalment, immune status, and environmental exposure. Parasites such as Trichuris vulpis and Tritrichomonas blagburni are common and should be routinely screened for. Management of bacterial colitis should prioritize supportive care and addressing underlying causes rather than routine antimicrobials. Disseminated fungal, oomycete, and algal infections often require prolonged, multiagent therapy. Escherichia coli-associated granulomatous colitis necessitates histopathologic diagnosis and susceptibility-guided antimicrobials. Prognosis varies with infectious agent and presence of dissemination.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41876338/