Inflammatory
Bowel Disease
Inflammatory
Bowel Disease: IBD
is actually a group of gastrointestinal disorders, usually chronic
in nature, which are characterized by an increase in the number
of inflammatory cells found in the lining of the stomach or intestinal
tract. These changes can affect the function of the organ involved.
The causes of IBD are variable, and often no single cause can be
identified in a given patient. The symptoms include chronic vomiting,
diarrhea, or both, and in some cases, weight loss and change in
appetite. Some patients may defecate outside their litterbox, especially
if diarrhea is present. The symptoms may be cyclical in nature,
with the cat appearing to be normal at times.
It
is not unusual for these patients to be misdiagnosed as having hairballs.
A definitive diagnosis of IBD is only possible by intestinal biopsy,
which is best accomplished using fibreoptic endoscopy. This technology
allows veterinarians to diagnose and treat many gastrointestinal
disorders more easily than in the past. Once diagnosed, the disease
can be controlled to prevent pain and discomfort to the cat. Treatment
is also aimed at preventing possible complications of the disease,
such as damage to the liver, malnutrition, ulcers, and in some cases,
the future development of cancer. Many medications can be used to
control IBD. These include prednisone (the treatment of choice in
many cases), some antibiotics, and antiemetics (drugs that suppress
vomiting). Once therapy is started, it is usually continued for
2 to 3 months, before attempts are made to decrease the amount of
medication. In many cases, a hypoallergenic diet may be recommended
to aid in control of the disease.
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