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Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory bowel disease is a disorder created by an abnormal accumulation of inflammatory cells within the lining of the intestine. Various types of this disorder can develop depending on the precise type of cell infiltrating into the gut. The most common presenting sign is chronic intermittent vomiting but diarrhoea, weight loss, and inappetance can also be seen. The condition is most commonly found in middle aged and older cats. Many other diseases affecting the bowel can appear similar to inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnosis may require blood tests to rule out other problems such as liver and kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, lymphoma etc. Faecal examination to rule out intestinal parasites and bacterial culture to rule out infectious gastroenteritis. FIV and FeLV tests are useful additions to the diagnostic work up as is a TLI test to assess pancreatic function. Ultimately an intestinal biopsy may be required. Treatment can require a variety of drug therapies. Prednisolone is the drug of choice for most forms of inflammatory bowel disease. If colitis is part of the clinical syndrome then sulphasalazine is useful. Combining metronidazole, which is thought to inhibit some of the abnormal immune reactions in the gut wall, and immunosuppressive drugs with prednisolone and/or sulphasalazine may provide considerable improvement. The use of immunosuppressive drugs is not, however, without the potential for side effects and blood tests should be carried out to monitor therapy if they are utilised. A highly digestible, low fat diet, in some cases with a novel protein source can be of benefit. Some cats also prefer a high fibre content in the diet. Most cats will show some degree of improvement within a week of therapy starting. The disorder is normally controllable but rarely curable. |
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