#SMALL BOWEL INTESTINAL OVERGROWTH SERIAL#

#SMALL BOWEL INTESTINAL OVERGROWTH SERIAL#

Because these are numerous, the process usually involves X-rays, serial fecal examination (not cultures, which are notoriously unreliable), and sometimes endoscopy to test the upper part of the small intestine for high bacterial counts.īlood tests for the vitamins known as folate and cobalamine are also indicative of the process. Diagnosis of the idiopathic form is aimed primarily at ruling out all potential causes of secondary SIBO. SIBO is easily identified by noting small bowel diarrhea (characterized by limited straining and its large volumes) and finding large numbers of bacteria in the fecal material.

Some dogs may appear inordinately hungry and may even engage in pica or stool consumption. Chronic, intermittent diarrhea is most typical of the idiopathic form, with many dogs also suffering weight loss, stunted growth and/or generalized unthriftiness. Symptoms and Identificationĭiarrhea and flatulence are the most common signs of SIBO. In dogs, this problem is believed to be hereditary. But SIBO can also be “idiopathic,” which means we don’t understand the exact mechanism by which it happens. The above tend to be labeled “secondary” causes of SIBO. When the body’s overall condition is adversely affected, all the normal defenses can break down, leading to uncontrolled bacterial growth. This can happen when digestion and absorption is impaired, as with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and other disorders that lead to poor digestion and absorption of nutrients.ģ. Neurologic problems, gastrointestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, peritonitis, parasitism and other processes can all cause the lack of forward intestinal movement we call “ileus.”Ģ. When normal peristaltic waves moving the partially digested foodstuff forward aren’t present, bacterial populations increase. It’s a big problem for some dogs, and it occurs for a variety of reasons:ġ. In dogs, the overgrowth of this bacteria within the small intestine results in a common process descriptively labeled, “small intestinal bacterial overgrowth” or “SIBO.” Bacteria normally aids in the process of breaking down the partially digested foodstuff within the intestines. The upper part of the small intestine is responsible for the continued digestion of food as it exits the stomach and for the commencement of the process in which nutrients are absorbed.

Small bowel intestinal overgrowth