Histiocytic Ulcerative Colitis (HUC)
In general, colitis is inflammation of the colon. Histiocytic ulcerative colitis (HUC), also called granulomatous colitis or boxer colitis, is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that occurs predominantly in Boxer breed, but can occur in other breeds (French Bulldog) and rarely in cats. It causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the large intestine. The inflammation makes the colon empty frequently, causing diarrhea. Ulcers form in places where the inflammation has killed the cells lining the colon; the ulcers bleed and produce pus. Young boxer dogs with relatively mild signs of HUC may respond moderately well to medical and dietary therapy with fair prognosis. The disease is similar in many ways to Whipple's disease in humans. The cause of this disease is unknown, although infections have been suspected as the underlying cause.
SIGNS
Affected dogs, which are usually less than 2 years of age, pass soft tan feces which are often mixed with blood, with great frequency (up to 15 times a day). Profuse diarrhea does not occur and throughout the course of the disease the affected animal has no fever and its weight is maintained. In advanced cases, lymph nodes may also be enlarged.
TREATMENT
Sulfasalazine and corticosteroid therapy is the treatment of choice for histiocytic ulcerative colitis. High-fiber diets should be avoided.
The disease is believed to be genetic and is best avoided by studying breed lines that have tracked the disease's occurrence.
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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