Inflammatory bowel disease is actually a group of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases for which there is no known single cause. Also known as ibd, inflammatory bowel disease in cats causes inflammation of the stomach, small intestine, and/or large intestine.
This can be a frustrating disease to diagnose and treat, but cats can have a great quality of life and live a long time with proper treatment.
Here’s what you need to know about IBD in cats, from symptoms and causes to diagnosis and treatment.
what causes IBD in cats?
although no single cause is known, more than one cause of ibd in cats is usually suspected. these include:
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hypersensitivity to bacteria
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food allergies which may include meat proteins, food additives, artificial colors, preservatives, milk proteins, and gluten (wheat)
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genetic factors
symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease in cats
the symptoms of ibd in cats are usually chronic, occurring more frequently over time (daily, weekly, or monthly). these are some symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease in cats:
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diarrhea
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weight loss
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fatigue
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chronic intermittent vomiting
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gas (flatulence)
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abdominal pain
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rumbling and gurgling abdominal sounds
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bright red blood in the stool
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worn hair
how do veterinarians diagnose IBD in cats?
Your vet will take a detailed history and ask questions about the duration and frequency of symptoms.
then a complete physical examination will be performed, followed by routine laboratory tests, including:
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complete blood count
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biochemical profile
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urinalysis
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stool analysis
although these tests do not definitively diagnose ibd in cats, they are non-invasive and help rule out other conditions (such as kidney disease, elevated thyroid levels, and liver disease) where symptoms may be identical to ibd.
The results of these routine laboratory tests are usually normal. in some patients, there may be anemia and an abnormally high number of white blood cells (as in infections). Abnormal protein and liver enzyme levels may also be found in cats with ibd. Your vet can also perform tests to check the function of your cat’s small intestine.
abdominal ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound may be recommended to rule out other conditions not found on blood tests (such as pancreatitis or cancer). It can also help vets assess the thickness of the stomach and intestinal wall, which can be significantly thicker in cats with ibd.
stomach biopsy
Your vet may recommend biopsies of your cat’s stomach and intestines. this can be done with surgery or with endoscopy. biopsies are the only way to definitively diagnose ibd and determine the extent of the disease.
once a diagnosis is made, a personalized treatment plan will be created for your pet.
treatment and prognosis of ibd in cats
In most cats, IBD cannot be “cured,” but it can be successfully controlled. however, even after a full recovery, relapses are common.
the main objectives of the treatment are:
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stabilize your cat’s weight
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relieve gastrointestinal symptoms
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reducing the immune system response
diet trials, immunosuppressive drugs, and antibiotics are key components of therapy for inflammatory bowel disease in cats. in addition, in some cats cobalamin is administered to counteract the deficiency of this nutrient.
food essays
Diet management is another essential component of therapy, with hypoallergenic or novel diets being the most recommended. it usually takes two to four weeks to see if your cat responds to such a diet.
It’s not uncommon to try various types of diets, so it could take several months to see if the diet is effective.
during the diet test, use only the prescribed foods. avoid giving your cat treats, tuna, or anything flavored, including medications (talk to your vet about medications).
Keep a symptom diary before and during a diet trial so your vet can see if you notice any difference.
antibiotics and supplements
in some cases, a change in diet alone is not enough to treat your cat’s IBD and medication is needed.
The most common medications used to treat IBD are those that suppress the immune system, such as steroids. your vet may prescribe antibiotics if your cat has diarrhea. in some cases, multiple medications may be necessary.
The goal of ibd treatment is to minimize symptoms so your cat can have a high quality of life. once this is reached, your vet will reduce the medications to the lowest possible effective dose. in some cases, cats cannot be completely weaned off medications and require lifelong medication.
what is the prognosis for cats with ibd?
the short-term prognosis in most cats with ibd is excellent. be patient with the forms of treatment suggested by your vet and strictly follow their dietary recommendations.
in most cases of ibd in cats, they are likely to live long and happy lives. the sooner a diagnosis is made and treatment is started, the better the chances that your cat will recover.
in the most severe cases, cats may have difficulty responding to treatments, or not respond at all, and the prognosis is worse for these cats.
featured image: istock.com/peter sterling
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