Diagnosis Of Ulcerative Colitis
Treatment of histiocytic ulcerative colitis in cats falls under veterinary internal medicine. Our vets in Orlando are here to provide experienced diagnosis and treatment of a range of internal conditions in cats and dogs, from problems with the immune system to neurological issues and tumors.
We have access to a range of diagnostic tools and treatment methods to treat even challenging cases, and are able to manage patients with multiple diseases or disorders.
Your vet may use differential diagnosis to take your cat’s symptoms into account and run tests to rule out more common causes such as non-histiocytic IBD, parasitic colitis, allergic colitis and infectious colitis until the correct disorder can be identified and appropriately treated.
Other possible diagnoses include:
- Ileocolic intussusception
- Rectocolonic polyps
- Neoplasia
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Foreign body
Differentiation can be made by examining bacterial culture for pathogens, direct smears, fecal flotations, colonoscopy with biopsy and abdominal imaging. When a colonoscopy of the intestines is done, it may reveal patchy red foci , areas of granulation tissue, overt ulceration, narrowing of the intestine or thick mucosal folds. A thorough rectal exam may result in your vet discovering a rectal polyp or malignant neoplasm that can mimic the signs of chronic colitis.
To obtain a diagnosis, multiple biopsy specimens will be required.
Uv Light Therapy In The Treatment Of Ulcerative Colitis
There has been an absence of innovations in treatment for mild ulcerative colitis in recent years. Current therapies have drawbacks that include daily dosing, side effects, and lack of efficacy for some patients. This presents an opportunity in the development of new approaches for treating mild ulcerative colitis.
One of these opportunities, and the subject of research by Dr. Melmed and others, is the use of ultraviolet light. “If you see a mucosal disease, and it is within reach of UV waves that might be brought directly to the colon, characterized by inflammatory pathwaysit may be modulated by light,” Dr. Melmed said.
UV light is outside of the spectrum of light that can be seen with the naked eye. It is already known that UV light is broadly anti-microbial. Photo therapy, which utilizes UV light, is used widely to treat inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo. In fact, it is a first- or second-line therapy for several skin conditions and has been shown to be safe during pregnancy. It is also known that some inflammatory skin conditions, like psoriasis, may have overlapping inflammatory pathways with IBD.
This led to a question: why only use this light on the surface of the skin? If the inflammatory pathways are similar between IBD and skin conditions, doesn’t it stand to reason that UV light would also work internally?
You can read the first and third posts in this series from IBD Innovate here:
Treating Living With & Managing Your Cat’s Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis can be treated on an outpatient basis. Your veterinarian may recommend integrating moderately fermentable fiber supplementation into your cat’s diet to manage the disease. He or she can also provide advice on your cat’s potential for progressive disease and recurrence. Anti-inflammatory drugs and antimicrobials may be prescribed.
Body weight and clinical signs of the disease should initially be monitored every one or two weeks. Depending on the outcome of this monitoring, your cat may require ongoing antibiotic therapy.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
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The Benefits Of Cold Laser Therapy For Colitis And Ulcerative Colitis
The large intestine or the colon is the place where water, minerals and most of the nutrients are absorbed. As part of the digestive system, its health is responsible for the good elimination of the waste materials from the body. It is vital for the overall health that all the waste is taken out on a regular basis as if that is not happening, it is the colon where the toxins are reabsorbed again in the bloodstream. Due to stress, lifestyle habits and nutrition, the health of the colon might be compromised which will lead to a chain reaction in the other systems. In order to keep your colon clean and healthy, you will need to drink a good amount of water daily, to eat high-fiber foods, also if needed to take probiotics or herbal teas. However, what can you do at home if you suffer from colon disease? Have you heard how effective cold lasers are?
The Difference Between Colitis, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohns disease
Colitis occurs when there is an inflammation of the colon as a result of various causes like viruses, nutritional deficiency, bacteria infections, etc. On the other hand, ulcerative colitis is a long-term inflammation of the colon which is an autoimmune condition and often is chronic. The difference with Crohns disease, which is also a chronic autoimmune disease, is that Crohns can occur anywhere in the digestive system while ulcerative colitis affects mainly the colon.
Symptoms of Colitis and Ulcerative Colitis
How Does Cold Laser Therapy Work
During this procedure, different wavelengths and outputs of low-level light are applied directly to a targeted area. The body tissue then absorbs the light. The red and near-infrared light cause a reaction, and the damaged cells respond with a physiological reaction that promotes regeneration.
Superficial tissue is commonly treated with wavelengths between 600 and 700 nanometers . For deeper penetration, wavelengths between 780 and 950 nm are used.
Although youll feel the laser device touching your skin, the procedure is painless and noninvasive. There will be no sound and youll feel no vibration or heat. Each treatment typically takes only a few minutes.
Doctors, dentists, physical therapists, and other medical professionals use cold laser therapy in a variety of ways. The main uses for cold laser therapy are tissue repair and relief from pain and inflammation.
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H& e Staining Of Colonic Tissue And Histopathologic Analysis
Mouse colons were fixed in 4% PFA solution and embedded in paraffin. Tissues were sectioned at 5-m thickness and stained with H& E using standard protocols. Images were acquired using a Lamina at the HistIM platform . Histologic scoring was determined on each colon as previously described. Briefly, each colon was assigned 4 scores based on the degree of epithelial damage and inflammatory infiltrate in the mucosa, submucosa, and muscularis/serosa. Each of the 4 scores was multiplied by a coefficient 1 if the change was focal, 2 if it was patchy, and 3 if it was diffuse, and the 4 individual scores per colon were added.
Throwing Light On A Potential New Treatment For Ulcerative Proctitis
On November 17-18, 2020, the Crohns & Colitis Foundation hosted its third annual IBD Innovate: Product Development for Crohns & Colitis conference. This meeting brings together researchers, start-up companies, industry companies, accelerator organizations and more who are committed to accelerating the discovery and development of novel products with the potential to address the unmet needs of patients with IBD. This is the second of three blog posts recapping the presentations from the 2020 IBD Innovate.
It is estimated that over a million people in the United States are affected by ulcerative colitis. When we look at the global picture of IBD, however, its three times more common than Crohns disease. Within those diagnosed with UC, there is a large group of patients who are often underserved because their disease is not severe. When disease is located in the last 15 centimeters of the colon, it’s officially termed ulcerative proctitis. Between 25% and 55% of patients with ulcerative colitis are diagnosed with ulcerative proctitis at diagnosis. Patients with ulcerative colitis that is not advanced or serious enough to need treatment with biologic medications are often not included in clinical trials for these drugs.
During IBD Innovate, Dr. Gil Melmed, Co-Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, explored the potential for a device to fill a treatment need for people who live with a less severe form of IBD.
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Aphthous Stomatitis / Ulcers
Vale et al noted that recurrent aphthous ulcers are the most common lesion found in the oral cavity. There is no definitive cure for RAUs and current treatments are aimed at minimizing symptoms. Since LLLT modulates inflammatory responses, and promotes pain reduction and cellular bio-stimulation, LLLT can be suggested as an alternative treatment for RAUs. The literature concerning the potential of LLLT in the treatment of RAUs was evaluated. A systematic literature review identified 22 publications, of which only 2 studies were adopted. The eligibility criteria consisted of RCTs. Both RCTs achieved significant results concerning LLLT and pain-level reductions and reduced healing times. Despite the variance in irradiation conditions applied in both studies, very similar wavelengths were adopted. There is accordingly strong evidence that wavelength plays an important role in RAU treatment. Taking into account the different parameters applied by selected RCTs, it is not possible to suggest that a specific protocol should be used. However, in light of the significant results found in both studies, LLLT can be suggested as an alternative for RAU treatment. The authors concluded that additional RCTs should be performed in order to reach a clinical protocol and better understand the application of LLLT in RAU treatment.
Hbot Reduces Stat3 Activity In Neutrophils
DSP of mRNA transcripts revealed an enrichment of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 mediated interleukin signaling related to HBOT . HBOT-treated patients had significantly reduced STAT3 and HIF-1 compared with controls treated with biologics . Each patient sample had between 5 and 7 neutrophil regions analyzed with DSP, allowing for an assessment of heterogeneity in effect and changes. HBOT resulted in a significant decrease in STAT3 across all neutrophil regions at follow-up for all treated patients however, this consistency in reduction was not observed for HIF-1. Other notable neutrophil gene expression changes related to the STAT3 pathway with HBOT versus controls included IFNGR1 , FAS , IFNG , IL12B , CSFR1 , B2M , and IFNAR1 . We observed no significant effect for HBOT on STAT3 or HIF-1 in the non-neutrophil immune cell regions , demonstrating this effect of HBOT on STAT3 to be neutrophil specific.
This effect of HBOT on STAT3 was confirmed by using immunohistochemistry and observed that HBOT-treated patients had a significant reduction in both STAT3 and phosphorylated STAT3 at study day 10 compared with baseline, with no significant changes in these markers in the sham-treated patients, and day 10 values for STAT3 and phosphorylated STAT3 were significantly lower in HBOT versus sham-treated patients from the randomized phase 2 clinical trials .
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Get Moving And Change Your Habits
In order to restore the normal bowel movements , you need to have toned abdominal muscles and to stop counting on laxatives if you experience constipation. Try to incorporate some moderate activity in your routine to ease the bowel movement. While it is very harmful in case of colon inflammation, you will need to stop drinking alcohol and quit smoking. On the emotional level you have to manage your stress and to experience more joy in your life. Try to worry less as overthinking causes tightness and restriction in your body. If you cannot let go of your emotions and memories, your body will show it on the physical level as inability to release the toxins and metabolic waste material. So, if all that unnecessary substance stays in the colon for too long, it will start intoxicating the blood and will cause inflammation and health issues. The inner work with the emotions is as important as the lifestyle changes and the laser therapy.
Low Back Pain And Neck Pain
In a clinical practice guideline on Management of neck pain and associated disorders from the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management Collaboration, Cote et al concluded that For neck pain and associated disorders grade III of less than or equal to 3 months duration, clinicians may consider supervised strengthening exercises in addition to structured patient education. In view of evidence of no effectiveness, clinicians should not offer structured patient education alone, cervical collar, low-level laser therapy, or traction.
In a clinical practice guideline for Physical therapy assessment and treatment in patients with nonspecific neck pain stated that The physical therapist is advised not to use dry needling, low-level laser, electrotherapy, ultrasound, traction, and/or a cervical collar.
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Hbot Stabilizes Mucosal Hypoxia Response Pathways Independently Of Clinical Response Status
HBOT resulted in increase in epithelial hypoxia inducible factor -1 activity relative to sham , a more uniform distribution in activity for stromal heme oxygenase-1 relative to sham , and an increase in gene expression for metallothionein family members . Proteomics of paired biopsies also revealed an increase in mucosal prostaglandin E2 synthase . However, the effect of HBOT on these mucosal hypoxia response pathways was independent of response status and was observed in both HBOT responders and non-responders.
What Can Cold Laser Therapy Treat
The list of conditions that can benefit from cold laser treatments is surprisingly long and varied. The following are some of the conditions that may be successfully treated with LLLT:
Musculoskeletal Pain and Injury
LLLT offers effective treatment for pain conditions such as:
- Sprains
- Whiplash and auto accident injuries
- Frozen shoulder
- Back pain due to spine and disc problems
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Achilles tendonitis
- Chronic regional pain syndrome
A great deal of research has shown that cold laser can effectively treat these conditions because it works to decrease inflammation, reduce swelling, and promote healing on a cellular level, all of which help to relieve pain.
Arthritis and Joint Pain
In addition to treating trauma and sports-related injuries, cold laser is beneficial in treating arthritis and joint pain. Healing that originates deep within your cells provides pain relief and speed up the healing inflammation process for a variety of painful joint conditions.
Wound Healing
Reproductive Health
Headaches, Migraines, and TMJ
Scientists continue to discover a wide variety of uses for cold laser therapy, and this includes the treatment of chronic headaches, migraines, concussions, post-concussion syndrome and TMJ . The effectiveness of LLLT for these conditions are thought to be due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and regenerative capabilities.
Aging and Cosmetic Issues
Nerve pain
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Change Your Diet And Drink More Water To Improve Colon Health
As diet is often at the root of the condition, you will need to revise the foods and eating habits that you have done for years. A diet that is rich in animal products like red meat and dairy without enough fresh vegetables, fruits and fibre will lead to problems in the large intestine sooner or later. Also, you need to take care of the hydration of your body as the dry stool moves very slowly in the colon and causes inflammation and constipation. It is recommended to avoid processed food, sugar and saturated fats if you want your colon to be healthy.
Cold Laser Therapy For Pain And Injuries
At BodaHealth, were committed to helping patients who have been injured or are struggling with pain. We understand that when you experience pain, it can change your life and prevent you from doing the things you want to do. Pain can keep you from going to work or school, and it can interfere with the activities that you enjoy. Were also aware that current Western pain relief treatments often provide short-term results. The use of over-the-counter analgesics, prescription opiate medications, steroid injections, and surgery all carry some degree of risk and often dont address the source of your pain.
Our goal at BodaHealth in Vancouver is to offer our patients safe, effective and drug-free treatments. In keeping with that goal, we have included cold laser therapy to our array of healing modalities. We offer low level laser therapy sessions to be used as an individual treatment for pain, or as a way to augment other therapies offered at BodaHealth.
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How Cold Laser Therapy Sessions Work
Your LLLT sessions may be combined with other therapies, such as acupuncture, or sessions may be performed as stand-alone therapy. Treatments last from 15 to 30 minutes for each treatment area, and the number of sessions necessary for effective results will depend on the nature of your condition. At BodaHealth in Vancouver, we have found that acute conditionsthose that have a recent onsettend to resolve faster than conditions that have a longer history. Therefore, for acute conditions, we recommend 5 to 10 treatment sessions. For persistent or chronic conditions, 10 to 20 treatments are recommended, with possible follow-up treatments in the weeks or months afterward to maintain recovery. During cold laser treatment, sessions are recommended 1 to 3 times per week.
What Are The Intestinal Consequences Of Exposure To Yersinia
Yersinia species are generally low in pathogenicity, as shown by the high rate of exposure compared with the limited number of reported infections. In fact, most strains have few or no virulence factors and Yersinia infections are mainly caused by Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis.
The reservoir of the bacterium is in the caecum and terminal ileum in mice. Bacteria are capable of colonising Peyers patches of the small intestine and isolated lymphoid follicles of the colon in mice and in humans . Several studies have shown that these sites are also the sites of the very initial aphthoid lesions in CD ,. Yersinia can lead to the local formation of epithelioid and gigantocellular granulomas, which are also hallmarks of CD. The bacteria then colonise the intestinal lymphatic tissue up to the draining lymph nodes. This dissemination occurs through uptake by macrophages and dendritic cells present in the intestine . Indeed, a defect in bacterial clearance within the macrophage is associated with CD and may promote local dissemination of the bacterium . Finally, it has been shown that modulation of T cells by Y. pseudotuberculosis leads to a strong alteration in Treg induction and differentiation towards Th17 cells , both of which are also present in patients with CD.
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