Question:

Our German Shepherd has just been diagnosed with possible irritable bowel disease. I would like to know if anyone knows if this is a common problem with this breed. Our vet is treating him with Flagyl, and if this doesn’t correct the problem, he’ll try some other drugs. We have not changed his food, and he gets no people food, but every so often (about once a week) he has a sudden onset of diarrhea. He also does not eat grass, or get into any garbage, or anything like that. Any advice would be appreciated.    Sue

Response:

It’s similar to colitis and I’m surprised the vet didn’t give you a prescription diet. Guess it’s not that severe at the moment, yet. I never heard of Flagyl for IBS, as that’s used for bacterial infections. Did your vet say to give your dog rice or hard boiled eggs, Kaopectate or Peptobismol when the attacks occur? I’d seek another vets’s opinion, as when my dogs had a problem they’d get rice etc., and the problem was almost immediately taken care of.

Response:

I would get another opinion on your dog’s diagnosis.  I have had four shepherds and know a lot of breeders and trainers and this does not appear to be a common problem.  It might even be worth while to contact the Animal Medical Center in New York and see if they can give you any advice by phone.   Leslie

Response:

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