Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats

Laurie Anne Walden, DVM

Public domain photo by Ian Livesey on Flickr

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes chronic inflammation and irritation of the digestive tract. This condition is one of the most common chronic intestinal disorders in cats. IBD in cats is similar to Crohn disease in humans.
 
Cause
In IBD, inflammatory cells accumulate within the walls of the digestive tract. The small intestine is the most common location in cats; the large intestine and stomach can also be affected. The intestinal walls become thickened and can’t absorb nutrients normally. Some cats with IBD also have inflammation of the pancreas and liver, a combination called triaditis.
 
The cause of IBD isn’t known. The disease is probably caused by abnormal immune system function related to intestinal bacteria (which are necessary for normal digestion and immune function), diet, genetics, or other factors. IBD usually affects middle-aged or older cats, although cats of any age can develop the disease.
 
Signs
The signs are similar to those of many other digestive system disorders:

• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea or soft stool
• Decreased appetite (maybe)
• Decreased energy (maybe)

 
Diagnosis
Because so many conditions cause the same signs as IBD, cats with chronic digestive tract problems need a thorough workup. Diagnostic tests are performed to rule out a long list of other possibilities, including intestinal lymphoma (a cancer that is clinically very similar to IBD), parasites, intestinal foreign bodies, bacterial and viral infections, food allergies, other types of cancer, and diseases like hyperthyroidism that cause general illness.
 
Baseline tests include fecal parasite tests, bloodwork, and urinalysis. Additional blood tests are used to assess the function of the pancreas and check for evidence that the small intestine is not absorbing nutrients properly. Imaging (radiography and ultrasonography) is used to evaluate the digestive tract, liver, pancreas, and other organs.
 
The only way to definitely diagnose IBD and distinguish it from intestinal lymphoma is to obtain biopsy samples from the intestine and submit them to a diagnostic laboratory for analysis. Biopsy is performed either with endoscopy (tube inserted through the mouth or anus) or abdominal surgery. Both of these procedures require general anesthesia.
 
Treatment
IBD is managed, not cured. Treatment is tailored to the individual cat, depending on what works best for that cat. Most cats receive a dewormer to eliminate parasites as a possible cause. Some cats’ signs improve with a hypoallergenic diet, so treatment can include several weeks of a food trial with a prescription diet. Antibiotics are sometimes used carefully (they can disrupt the normal intestinal bacteria). Probiotics and prebiotics, which contain beneficial bacteria or nutrients for existing intestinal bacteria, might be included in the treatment plan. Drugs that suppress the immune response, such as the corticosteroid prednisolone, are necessary for some cats.
 
Prognosis
Cats whose disease responds well to treatment can have a good quality of life, although their IBD signs will probably still flare up occasionally. The treatment type and medication doses often need to be adjusted over time.
 
Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ianlivesey/43270035161/

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