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“Leaky Gut”
What is it?
Leaky gut or dysbiosis is a term used to describe an increase in the permeability of the intestines. In a pet with a leaky gut, the barrier function of the intestines is compromised. The balance of good bacteria in the GI tract is outnumbered by the bad bacteria and this imbalance can lead to inflammation in the intestinal lining or mucosa. This inflammation allows bacteria and toxins to leak through into the bloodstream.
Dysbiosis is more commonly recognized by holistic or integrative veterinarians than the traditional veterinary community.
A leaky gut can cause food allergies & intolerances to manifest suddenly as your pet’s body sees the food as foreign.
What is the cause?
Causes of Leaky Gut
Some cases of leaky gut are associated with acute (short-term) intestinal damage. Acute causes of leaky gut syndrome in dogs include:
- severe intestinal infection.
- trauma to the abdomen.
- exposure to particular toxins.
- medication overdosages.
These instances can damage the cells of the intestinal walls, which impairs the intestinal wall's barrier function.
However, most cases are associated with gradual or long-term intestinal damage. Damage can lead to bacterial imbalances within the intestines.
Possible causes of this bacterial imbalance, and the resulting leaky gut, include:
- Food allergies
- Chronic malnutrition
- Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
Chronic exposure to these things can lead to changes in the intestinal bacteria population, which may result in chronic inflammatory changes within the intestinal cells.
Common Signs
The symptoms for leaky gut often look like the same symptoms for a lot of other diagnoses. It is common for veterinarians to overlook a leaky gut & go straight for treating the inflammatory symptoms rather than the root cause. Be sure to talk to your vet about dysbiosis if you have exhausted all other options.
- Allergies (itchy skin, ear infections, chewing at the feet, hot spots)
- Digestive issues (diarrhea, gassiness, vomiting, bloating)
- Behavior issues (anxiety, aggression, separation anxiety)
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Seizure disorders
- Cancer
- Autoimmune disorders
- Weight fluctuations
- Bad breath
- Joint pain
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