Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of gastrointestinal diseases characterized by inflammatory cells infiltrating the inner layers of the stomach, small intestine and large intestine. Any or all of these organs, including the liver, may be affected, and to varying degrees of severity.

IBD is usually seen in dogs and cats over 2 years of age, although younger ages can be affected. Breeds that are predisposed to this disease are Basenjis, French bulldogs, Boxers and Irish setters.

Clinical signs are varied and may include chronic, intermittent vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, increased intestinal sounds (borborygmus), increased or decreased appetite, blood or mucus in stool and abdominal pain. Animals may otherwise appear healthy and alert or they may be depressed and lethargic.

The causes of IBD are varied and many times multiple factors may be involved in the disease process:

• Infectious agents—bacteria, virus, giardia (parasites)

• Diet—meat proteins, food additives, artificial coloring, preservatives, milk proteins, wheat, soy, egg, etc. Animals may become allergic to any protein or carbohydrate source even if they’ve been on the same diet for years.

• Genetic/hereditary predisposition

Differential diagnoses include hyperthyroidism (cats), cancer, dietary intolerance/hypersensitivity, FIP (cats), viral infection, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, intestinal parasites, bacterial overgrowth, and motility disorders.

A minimal diagnostic work-up includes CBC/Chemistry, fecal examination for parasites and abdominal x-rays. Other laboratory tests that may need to be performed include FeLV/FIV testing, thyroid, urinalysis, serum TLI to evaluate pancreatic function, and ultrasound. A hypoallergenic food trial may be performed to rule out dietary intolerance or food allergy.

A diagnosis of IBD is one of exclusion. After the differential diagnoses have been ruled out with lab work, definitive diagnosis of IBD is done with intestinal biopsies. These may be obtained either by endoscopy or exploratory surgery.

IBD CANNOT BE CURED. IT IS A ‘MANAGED’ DISEASE AND RELAPSES ARE COMMON. Treatment varies based upon severity of the disease and is long-term. Many mild cases of IBD can be managed with dietary therapy alone. IBD usually responds very well to dietary manipulation and one or more medications. Medications commonly used to treat IBD include metronidazole (intestinal anti-inflammatory antibiotic), prednisone (corticosteroid), and other immunosuppressive drugs.

Prognosis is varied, depending upon severity of the disease.

Note: This article is provided by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital® for informational purposes only.