Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Problem: Feline inflammatory bowel disease is actually a group of gastrointestinal diseases where inflammatory cells spread through the cat’s gastrointestinal tract. It can occur in any part of the GI tract - stomach, small intestine, large intestine. The chronic inflammation causes the lining of the GI tract to thicken, which makes it harder for the cat to absorb nutrients.
IBD can be caused by a parasitic or bacterial infection or a food allergy, but in most cases, the cause is unknown. It is mostly seen in middle-aged and senior cats.
Symptoms: Symptoms depend on which part of the GI tract is affected and can include all of the following:
Treatment: A diagnosis of IBD usually involves ruling out other causes of gastrointestinal inflammation. A confirmation of IBD can be achieved through a microscopic evaluation of tissue collected through an intestinal or gastric biopsy.
Treatment of IBD involves managing the underlying disease when one is present, or the symptoms of IBD itself when a cause cannot be determined. Treatments for idiopathic IBD are usually diet change, such as a hypoallergenic diet, high fiber diet, and low fat diet.
In some cases, administering corticosteroids is necessary to control inflammation.
IBD can be caused by a parasitic or bacterial infection or a food allergy, but in most cases, the cause is unknown. It is mostly seen in middle-aged and senior cats.
Symptoms: Symptoms depend on which part of the GI tract is affected and can include all of the following:
- Chronic vomiting
- Hairballs more than once a month
- Change in appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Blood and/or mucus in feces
Treatment: A diagnosis of IBD usually involves ruling out other causes of gastrointestinal inflammation. A confirmation of IBD can be achieved through a microscopic evaluation of tissue collected through an intestinal or gastric biopsy.
Treatment of IBD involves managing the underlying disease when one is present, or the symptoms of IBD itself when a cause cannot be determined. Treatments for idiopathic IBD are usually diet change, such as a hypoallergenic diet, high fiber diet, and low fat diet.
In some cases, administering corticosteroids is necessary to control inflammation.