Inflammatory Bowel Disease
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease???
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a term used to describe a variety of common feline gastrointestinal conditions characterized by chronic inflammation of the lining (mucosa) of the digestive tract. It can impact the stomach, small intestine and large intestine. Specific immune-response cells invade these areas inside a cat’s body and cause excessive inflammation.
How does my cat get IBD???
Pinpointing the specific cause of IBD can be tricky because research has identified several suggested catalysts for this chronic condition. Factors include genetics, nutrition, infectious agents and inappropriate immune responses.
How do I know if my cat has IBD???
Common symptoms associated with IBD are chronic or intermittent vomiting and diarrhea plus weight loss. Other symptoms may include gas, heightened appetite, abdominal pain and possibly, stools that are loose, bloody or filled with mucous. In some instances, cats will defecate outside the litter box. Because the signs and symptoms of cats with IBD mirror many other feline diseases (such as giardia, hyperthyroidism, gastrointestinal cancer, and liver disease), it is vital for your veterinarian to perform diagnostic tests to rule out other possible diseases. Expect your veterinarian to perform a physical exam (that includes palpating the abdomen) and conduct a blood test, urinalysis, stool exam, ultrasound and take radiographs. A small intestinal biopsy using either an exploratory or a fiber optic endoscope is the only way to definitely determine if the condition in question is IBD.
What can I do about IBD???
Once IBD has been diagnosed, the treatment plan calls for medications (anti-inflammatory medications, anti-diarrhea drugs, anti-vomiting medications, and possibly, antibiotics) and changes in diet. Your veterinarian may test your cat for possible food allergies and switch to a diet containing proteins and carbohydrates your cat has not eaten before, such as duck and potato. Or may introduce high-fiber, low-fat prescription diets, depending on your cat’s symptoms. The goal is to control IBD so that your cat can live a healthy life. There is no cure for IBD.
Is there anything I can do to prevent my cat from getting IBD??
IBD represents one of the more difficult to diagnose feline conditions because no specific cause has been identified and it mimics so many other conditions. This makes prevention difficult to achieve. However, it is advised to work with your veterinarian on selecting a high-quality diet that may minimize the risk of your cat developing IBD.
Are there certain breeds that get IBD more often?
IBD can affect any cat of any age, sex or breed, but tends to strike middle-aged and senior cats as well as cats who have immune system abnormalities.