Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Species: Cat

Breeds Affected: All breeds

Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract of uncertain cause (likely immune-mediated with dietary and microbial factors). Inflammatory cells infiltrate the lining of the stomach or intestines, leading to chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and malabsorption. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from intestinal lymphoma.

• Chronic vomiting and/or diarrhea
• weight loss
• intermittent soft stools or blood/mucus in the stool
• poor appetite
• and occasional abdominal discomfort or bloating.

Dietary modification is a cornerstone (eg, hypoallergenic or novel protein diets). Initial deworming is often performed. If diet alone is insufficient, corticosteroids (eg, prednisolone) are used. In some cases, metronidazole and, for refractory cases, immunosuppressants like chlorambucil plus vitamin B12 supplementation are added.

Prednisolone to reduce GI inflammation; metronidazole for its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties; chlorambucil for refractory cases; cobalamin (vitamin B12) injections; and probiotics as adjunct therapy.