Sulfasalazine is a drug used to treat colitis in dogs. Colitis is when a dog's large intestine becomes inflamed and painful.
Colitis in Dogs Explained
Colitis is a general term used for a variety of gastrointestinal
conditions that can affect a dog's large intestine (colon):
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), spastic bowel syndrome (SBS) and
acute colitis (AC). A dog can acquire colitis if he's anxiety-prone or
has environmental causes of stress.
A dog affected with
colitis will typically be constipated, have diarrhea, nausea and may
even lose weight. Any dog can develop this condition, but Boxers are
notoriously known for being more susceptible to having colitis.
Colitis
is not a particularly dangerous medical condition, but can become
life-threatening if left untreated. Veterinarians will typically treat
colitis in dogs with antibiotics if the illness is caused by bacterial
agents. If caused by parasites, a deworming or anti-parasitic
medication will be prescribed. A popular drug for the treatment of
colitis in dogs is sulfasalazine.
Controlling Colitis in Dogs with Sulfasalazine
Sulfasalazine, a sulfa drug, is prescribed to dogs to help control
bowel inflammation. It's made by combining sulfapyridine (an
antibiotic) to salicylic acid. The ingredients in the medicine remain
bonded as they travel through a dog's large intestine to the colon. The
bacteria within the colon separate the ingredients and the antibiotic
is absorbed as the salicylic acid coats and helps ease inflammation
within the bowel.
Sulfasalazine comes in tablet-form and is usually administered three times per day for a period of three weeks or less.
Side Effects of Sulfasalazine
The most reported side effect of sulfasalazine is dry eye, as a dog taking this medicine won't produce as many tears. This reaction typically occurs in dogs that have been taking sulfasalazine for an extended period of time. Signs of dry eye in a dog taking sulfasalazine are noticeable eye irritations and squinting. These side effects usually go away after the use of the medicine has discontinued.
Other side effects have also been reported, but are rare. Inflammation throughout the body can occur while a dog is taking sulfasalazine for colitis, including inflammation of the kidneys, eyes, muscles and joints. A fever may accompany this inflammation. A rash could also develop in response to the treatment and will go away when the dog no longer takes sulfasalazine. In some extreme cases, dogs taking sulfasalazine for colitis have developed liver failure or hepatitis. Signs of a failed liver include nausea and jaundice, which can be noticed when the whites of a dog's eyes and gums turn a shade of yellow. The composition of a dog's bloods cells could change in proportion, a condition called blood dyscrasias. This change in blood cells can weaken a dog's immune system. The sulfa component of sulfasalazine can also cause a dog to lose red and white blood cells along with platelets. Make sure your vet is aware of all the medications the dog is taking, to make sure no dangerous drug interactions occur.
When a dog is suffering with colitis, the use of sulfasalazine can help ease the inflammation that accompanies it.