Inflammatory Bowel Disease
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a frustrating chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract. It can
occur in both dogs and cats. In most cases, the primary lesions are seen in the intestine resulting in
diarrhea. Some cases affect the stomach, resulting in chronic vomiting. Both the stomach and intestine
may be affected in the same pet.
Clinical signs are usually vomiting and/or diarrhea. Most affected pets do not lose a significant amount
of weight. Most eat well and otherwise appear normal.
An allergic response is the usual cause of the problem. The actual cause of the allergic response is
unknown. The lining of the affected portion of the GI tract becomes infiltrated with inflammatory cells
that interfere with the ability of the pet to digest and absorb nutrients. Food allergy is most often the
cause.
A diagnosis is often suspected from the medical history and physical examination results. Sometimes the
diagnosis is confirmed by trial treatment with drugs for this particular condition. However, the particular
drugs needed may vary for each pet requiring a trial series of several drugs to determine what will be
appropriate for each individual pet. A definite diagnosis requires a biopsy of the affected part of the GI
tract. Dietary changes will always be one of the first steps in treating this condition.
THERE IS NO CURE FOR THIS CONDITION.
However, it CAN BE CONTROLLED in most cases. Drug therapy may be required for the remaining life of
the pet. Drug protocols may require alterations if the condition returns while on a particular therapeutic
regimen.
occur in both dogs and cats. In most cases, the primary lesions are seen in the intestine resulting in
diarrhea. Some cases affect the stomach, resulting in chronic vomiting. Both the stomach and intestine
may be affected in the same pet.
Clinical signs are usually vomiting and/or diarrhea. Most affected pets do not lose a significant amount
of weight. Most eat well and otherwise appear normal.
An allergic response is the usual cause of the problem. The actual cause of the allergic response is
unknown. The lining of the affected portion of the GI tract becomes infiltrated with inflammatory cells
that interfere with the ability of the pet to digest and absorb nutrients. Food allergy is most often the
cause.
A diagnosis is often suspected from the medical history and physical examination results. Sometimes the
diagnosis is confirmed by trial treatment with drugs for this particular condition. However, the particular
drugs needed may vary for each pet requiring a trial series of several drugs to determine what will be
appropriate for each individual pet. A definite diagnosis requires a biopsy of the affected part of the GI
tract. Dietary changes will always be one of the first steps in treating this condition.
THERE IS NO CURE FOR THIS CONDITION.
However, it CAN BE CONTROLLED in most cases. Drug therapy may be required for the remaining life of
the pet. Drug protocols may require alterations if the condition returns while on a particular therapeutic
regimen.