

Dr Jorg M Steiner of Texas A&M University told the WSAVA, Others speculate that SIBO is a secondary complication of other intestinal diseases. They may have little appetite … and might experience weight loss (or fail to gain weight). Diarrhea and gassiness are the most common signs of SIBO for these dogs. Idiopathic SIBO can appear in young dogs without any other digestive issues. In conventional medicine, most SIBO is classed as “idiopathic” … the medical term for diseases of unknown origin. But not all dogs with SIBO have diarrhea, so that doesn’t really make sense. That leads some to suggest renaming it antibiotic-responsive diarrhea (ARD).

Vets often don’t know the causes of SIBO in dogs. However, there’s no conclusive evidence that this is what leads to more SIBO in the breed. IgA is an immune antibody that supports mucosal health in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies on SIBO dogs show German Shepherds have lower levels of IgA (immunoglobulin A) than other breeds. SIBO can happen to any dog … but German Shepherds may be more prone to it than others. (But don’t worry, there’s a solution for that … keep reading!) What Breeds Get SIBO? He might get extra gassy, or his constipation or diarrhea might worsen.
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So it’s important to know how to recognize it in your dog. This is likely because it’s hard to diagnose and the causes aren’t well understood. We don’t hear much about SIBO in dogs … but Roger M Batt BVSc PhD told a WSAVA meeting that it’s more common than vets think. As you can imagine, hydrogen and methane in your dog’s small intestine can make him gassy and bloated. In turn, hydrogen feeds organisms called archaea that produce methane. This causes fermentation that creates hydrogen. The bacteria feed off undigested food in the small intestine. Biofilms help unwanted bacteria hide from your dog’s immune system, which makes them harder to control. Then the damaged mucus allows biofilms to grow. Your dog’s gut has a protective mucous lining … but bacterial overgrowth can damage it. SIBO can interfere with your dog’s digestion and nutrient absorption. But sometimes other bacteria develop in the small intestine … when this happens, it’s called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The small intestine normally has low levels of bacteria. These bacteria are supposed to live in your dog’s large intestine and colon. They help your dog digest food, absorb vitamins and eliminate waste. Your dog’s gut bacteria are a vital part of his health and his immune system. So it’s time to learn more about this fast growing gut issue … What Is SIBO? They notice the signs … but SIBO often goes undetected because vets don’t look for SIBO. Would you know if your dog had small intestinal bacterial overgrowth … known as SIBO? Most dog owners have no idea their dog has SIBO.
