Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Feline IBD symptoms and treatment

If your cat is vomiting repeatedly or has bouts of diarrhea, there is a good chance it is being caused by a feline inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Feline IBD is a serious condition where the stomach lining is irritated and inflamed. It can be caused by something as simple as ingesting a foreign object (including grass or dirt), or it could indicate a more serious disease. It's important to consult your veterinarian if your pet is exhibiting these symptoms because it can quickly become fatal if too much fluid is lost, so you have to find out what the underlying causes are.

An Overview of Feline IBD

Any time the stomach is irritated it can become inflamed, making it impossible to hold down food or process it properly. When this happens it can cause cat constipation and other digestive troubles. If it becomes advanced, your constipated cat will look decidedly miserable and will soon become lethargic. The belly area may also be painful to the touch. Even when treated promptly by a qualified veterinarian, this is a chronic disease that needs to be controlled to provide the best quality of life for your pet.

Signs and Treatment of Feline IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease in cats is usually treatable with proper diet and occasionally antibiotics to help control the irritation of the stomach lining. IBD is not curable. You will have to remain on top of it for the life of your cat. With proper diet and medication, your cat can life a long and happy life.

Vomiting, diarrhea and constipation in cats should always be considered primary signs of IBD. The best way to prevent IBD is to ensure a high quality diet with nutritious cat food and protect them from the possibility of eating bits and pieces of easily chewed or broken toys, household furniture or other products. You should also keep them indoors so they cannot get to grass, dirt or other items they might accidentally eat. This can be sometimes prove difficult, as cats always seem to get into things they shouldn't.

Left untreated, feline inflammatory bowel disease can be fatal. The disease itself is not deadly but the dehydration is fatal and acid irritation from the stomach juices can burn the esophagus from repeated vomiting. If your cat is vomiting or has diarrhea for a long period of time, be sure to provide an electrolyte drink to keep them balanced and ask your veterinarian about IV hydration if they are having a hard time drinking or keeping fluids down.

Prompt attention to the problem will ensure the best outlook for a normal recovery. Keep track of your cat's diet and be sure to give it its medicine.