[Tinkerboo*0*]

Hi, I joined the forum looking for advice I have 16 week old boxer puppy who has been diagnosed with chronic colitis, nothing so far has worked to control his condition, it will be a problem throughout his life, and very costly in terms of vets bills.
So I'm seeking advice on what to do either give him back to the breeder or keep him and continue to deal with the illness?

 

[3GSD4IPO]

If you have not, I would get a second opinion at a veterinary college.

If the diagnosis is the same I would take him back to the breeder if there is no chance of him (or you) living a normal life with this dog.

This is a very hard thing when dealing with such a young dog and I am very sorry you are faced with this.

 

[Tinkerboo*0*]

If you have not, I would get a second opinion at a veterinary college.

If the diagnosis is the same I would take him back to the breeder if there is no chance of him (or you) living a normal life with this dog.

This is a very hard thing when dealing with such a young dog and I am very sorry you are faced with this.

Thank you for your advice and kind words.
May I ask why you suggest a veterinary college?
Another vet has viewed pictures of stools and been given all of the information they also said it is colitis.
It's incredibly hard because you would never think there was anything wrong by looking at him and he's so playful and happy with a beautiful temperament. It's heartbreaking to have to give him back. But the vet has said this is the issue for life.

 

[3GSD4IPO]

Thank you for your advice and kind words.
May I ask why you suggest a veterinary college?
Another vet has viewed pictures of stools and been given all of the information they also said it is colitis.
It's incredibly hard because you would never think there was anything wrong by looking at him and he's so playful and happy with a beautiful temperament. It's heartbreaking to have to give him back. But the vet has said this is the issue for life.

Veterinary colleges often have greater availability of both diagnostic tools and latest treatment options. If you have the diagnostic results from two vets you might present these to a veterinary college and see if they concur or if they would like to examine the dog in case there is "something else."

It depends on what you want to do.

I had a dog present as if she had EPI years ago. It turned out to be a food intolerance. She lived to age 14.

 

[Tinkerboo*0*]

Veterinary colleges often have greater availability of both diagnostic tools and latest treatment options. If you have the diagnostic results from two vets you might present these to a veterinary college and see if they concur or if they would like to examine the dog in case there is "something else."

It depends on what you want to do.

I had a dog present as if she had EPI years ago. It turned out to be a food intolerance. She lived to age 14.

Thank you so much for this information.
I will look into this and seek a further opinion.
I'm concerned they're missing something as he's fine in every other way and happy little guy.

 

[parus]

It surprised me to see a firm diagnosis of chronic colitis in a dog that young, since puppies are prone to so many things that can have similar symptoms (infections, parasites, undiagnosed allergies, etc.) and chronic colitis is usually a differential diagnosis (that is, diagnosed by ruling out everything else that presents similarly). Just doesn't seem like the pup's been around long enough to rule out all other options. But then there's the breed. Is the diagnosis granulomatous colitis? If so, that's a heritable disease in Boxers and yes, is generally a lot to deal with.

I second 3GSD4IPO's suggestion that prior to making a final decision to return the pup to the breeder, you get an opinion from a specialist and/or a very up-to-date clinic.

 

[Tinkerboo*0*]

He's had blood test ultrasound of his stomach, been treated for the usual common puppy illnesses and nothing has resolved the issues.
The only way to diagnose the type of colitis is through a colonoscopy and biopsy and also a referral to a specialist which is an expensive route to go and will still probably be treated the same way with diet and medication.

 

[3GSD4IPO]

Here is some information from Cornell about Colitis in Boxers/Mastiffs/French bulldogs. If you dog was diagnosed with Garanulomatous Colitis it might be worth contacting Cornell.

AKC Canine Health Foundation | Granulomatous Colitis in Boxers and French Bulldogs

www.akcchf.org

.