Canine inflammatory bowel disease: current and prospective biomarkers for diagnosis and management.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder of dogs. Current management strategies for this disease typically involve assessing the patient for resolution of clinical signs. Biologic markers that can be used to objectively assess the natural progression and predict the course of clinical disease, including response to treatment, are needed. Over the past 5 to 10 years, there has been an ongoing search for a cost-effective, minimally invasive laboratory parameter that can detect disease activity and aid in monitoring treatment. This article reviews the biomarkers currently available for evaluating dogs with IBD.