Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the most common causes of chronic vomiting and diarrhea in cats. It is a condition of the gastrointestinal tract in which the intestinal lining becomes infiltrated with inflammatory cells, disrupting normal digestion and nutrient absorption. While it cannot be cured, it can usually be managed effectively with diet and medication.
Symptoms
IBD typically develops in middle-aged to older cats. The most common signs are chronic vomiting (especially vomiting hairballs more than once a week), chronic diarrhea or loose stools, weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite, and changes in appetite — either increased or decreased. Some cats with IBD also have concurrent skin problems or concurrent pancreatitis. The signs often wax and wane, which can delay owners from recognizing it as a chronic condition requiring ongoing management.
Diagnosis
IBD is diagnosed by ruling out other causes of gastrointestinal signs — intestinal parasites, food allergies or intolerances, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and cancer must all be excluded. Diagnosis typically involves blood work, fecal tests, ultrasound of the abdomen, and ultimately intestinal biopsy — which requires anesthesia and endoscopy or exploratory surgery.
Treatment and Diet
The two pillars of IBD management are diet and medication. Dietary management involves either a novel protein diet (using a protein source the cat has never been exposed to, such as venison, duck, or rabbit) or a hydrolyzed protein diet (where the proteins are broken down into pieces too small to trigger an immune response). These prescription diets are often dramatically more effective than any over-the-counter food. Medications typically include corticosteroids to reduce intestinal inflammation, sometimes combined with antibiotics or other immunomodulatory drugs.