When attempting to diagnose Colitis, a veterinarian will usually implement several different diagnostic procedures in order to form an accurate diagnosis.
Most veterinarians will attempt to get a general history of a dog's past illnesses, recent interactions
and current symptoms during the general examination. If a veterinarian suspects that a dog is being
affected by colitis, they may ask specific questions. To best help your veterinarian with their
diagnosis, it is best to have a general knowledge of your dog's symptoms beforehand. This includes
the texture or appearance of your dog's bowel movements, the frequency with which your dog has bowel
movements, and if your dog has recently lost weight.
Other questions a veterinarian may ask when diagnosing a dog for colitis involve a dog's general
home environment, stress factor, and diet. If you are able to clearly and accurate answer all of
these questions, you will help your veterinarian in forming an accurate diagnosis.
In some cases, a veterinarian will need to obtain a direct visualization of a dog's colon and some sections of the small intestine. To do this, a colonoscopy is performed. A colonoscopy involves the examination of the colon by a fiber optic camera that is inserted through a dog's anus. The camera is encased inside a flexible tube, and allows a veterinarian to gain a detailed knowledge about the condition of a dog's colon.
A fecal analysis is a commonly used procedure for veterinarians when diagnosing a dog with Colitis. A general visual examination of a dog's fecal matter may help a veterinarian identify any parasitic organisms, foreign objects, or undigested materials. This examination can help identify the cause of the Colitis, and may aid greatly when selecting a treatment option. A microscopic examination may also be performed, to gain further insight into any possible abnormalities present in a dog's fecal matter. Some parasites may shed waste matter, eggs or living organisms into a dog's stool. Some of these parasites are visible to the naked eye, but some may only be visible with the aid of a microscope.
If the cause is suspected to be related to improper digestion, a veterinarian may perform a TLI Test. This test evaluates the pancreas, and its ability to properly digest food materials. If this test is indicative of a digestive problem, a veterinarian can select an effective treatment.