Canine Colitis

Question
I have a 4 yr. old Lab/Shep. Mix (spayed). She is on Purina Beneful and Iams mixed. She has been on Beneful all her life, but just introduced that Iams about a month ago. Rarely gets people food but does get treats daily. All of a sudden, she began to vomit (which lasted about 4 hours). Then came the diarrhea which turned to blood. Bowel movements became more frequent with straining. Tried to introduce Hamburger and rice, but she wouldn't eat it. Gave her Kaopectate to try to reduce the diarrhea. She has excessive thirst. The second day no vomitting, but still the watery, bloody diarrhea and more frequent. Still drinking a lot of water. Day 3 no vomitting, still bloody stool yet seedy and a bit "firmer". Vet has no idea as to what this is. NOT PARVO...that was ruled out. He gave her a steroid shot and put her on Cephalexin 500mg 1 cap. twice daily and instructed us to give her mini meals and replenish fluids with Gatorade. I've been reading about Canine Colitis and this sounds like what she is going through. Since funds are limited, where would you start?  What tests would you run first to see if this is what she has.  It's not that we can't afford it, we can only do a little at a time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I want to be able to stay on top of this so I know the Vet is doing all he can.

Answer
I would definitely do bloodwork.  Colitis or pancreatitis can sometimes cause some values to be out of whack so that may help, and it'll also check liver, kidney functions, white and red blood cells, etc.  Also, if they haven't done a fecal cytology I would recommend that as well to check for any unusual bacterial growth.  The doctors where I work will often prescribe Metronidazole for diarrhea.  It is an antibiotic that also has anti-inflammatory properties and generally works very well.  I am not a veterinarian, and every vet prefers different medication, but that might be something you want to ask them about.  It could also be inflammatory bowel disease, in which case the steroid injection he gave might help.  Sometimes it is really hard to pinpoint exactly what causes such problems.  If it continues and your vet is still stumped, then don't hesitate to ask if they would recommend someone as a second opinion.  I hope she gets better.

Amanda