REPRODUCTION OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS IN DOGS

The attempt to reproduce ulcerative colitis in dogs was prompted by the work of Reichert and Mathes,¹ who experimentally produced lymphedema of the intestinal tract. Similarity was noted between experimental lymphedema and clinical regional enteritis or terminal ileitis. The extension of ulcerative colitis into the small intestine as ileitis has been recognized in certain cases.

This experimental work followed a procedure for producing obstruction of the mesenteric lymphatics by the injection of a sclerosing solution which has been described elsewhere.¹ An attempt was made to inject the solution into the lymphatics draining the terminal portion of the ileum and the colon in order to produce the disease process primarily in the colon rather than in the ileum. Preliminary injections of several types of bacteria were made in an effort to determine which is most pathogenic for the colon and produces the most marked disease process in that organ.