Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats (Feline IBD)

The cause of inflammatory bowel disease in cats is unknown. Different factors like genes, infection and abnormal immune system can lead to this condition. Feline inflammatory bowel disease or IBD is a gastrointestinal disorder, where the mucosa of the digestive tract gets inflamed. Colitis, enteritis and the gastritis are the various types of inflammation seen in the digestive tract of cats. Cats of any age can be affected; however, middle-aged or old cats are more prone to IBD.

The symptoms of feline IBD include vomiting and diarrhea. The other symptoms that may be seen are hyperthyroidism, chronic renal failure, pancreatitis. Few cats also exhibit aversion to food, which can lead to weight loss. Older cats can be affected by one or more of these conditions. It is better to visit the vet and get your cat examined.

There are different forms of feline IBD. The most common form of inflammatory bowel disease is lymphocytic-plasmacytic enterocolitis. In simple language, it means lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell and plasma cells that cause inflammation of the intestine. Esonophilic, neutrophilic and granulomatous are the less common types of inflammation causing cells. When the inflammation occurs in the small intestine, it is called enteritis. When the large intestine is affected, it is called colitis. When the stomach is inflamed, it is known as gastritis.

Feline IBD is diagnosed by blood tests, x-rays, radiographs, ultrasound, urine and stool examination. The blood tests include complete blood count, serum biochemistries, serum thyroxine level, test for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. The stool examinations include the tests to check the presence of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose feline IBD. Tissue is obtained either by laparotomy or during the endoscopic examination. Both the procedures require the application of general anesthesia.

The treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases include dietary management and medical therapy. Under dietary management, the cat is kept on food trial. Food trial is when the cat is given food which is different from their daily diet. The vet may suggest an multi-ingredient diet that contains proteins and carbohydrates, which is not normally consumed by the cat. The cat may require many weeks to improve after a diet change. When the food trial is going on, refrain from feeding the cat table foods and treats.

Medical therapy includes the use of corticosteroids. These drugs have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive action. They cause a very few side-effects in cats. They also help promote appetite and increase the sodium and water absorption capability of the intestine. The most common corticosteroid is oral prednisone. It is preferred, as it comes in appropriate tablet size and has a short duration of action. When vomiting and malabsorption is severe, injectable corticosteroids can be used.

When corticosteroid therapy fails to control the disease, metronidazole or tylosin are used along with the regular diet. Metronidazole causes very little side-effects, when used in low-dosage. But, it may cause a loss of appetite and vomiting. There may be excessive salivation in some cats due to its unpleasant taste. For bowel inflammation, Sulfasalazine is used. If none of the treatment therapies is successful, then strong immunosuppressive drugs are used.

Inflammatory bowel diseases cannot be cured completely. They need to be controlled by the medications and dietary management. It is very common for relapses to occur, if the therapy is not followed strictly.

The digestive system of a cat is very delicate, so it is necessary to take a proper care. If you suspect anything wrong about the cat's health, visit the vet immediately.