Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is a name for chronic inflammation of the gut lining. Immune cells build up in the wall of the stomach or intestine, which disrupts digestion and absorption. The cause is not fully understood. Diet, gut bacteria and the immune system all seem to play a part. Middle-aged and older cats are most often affected.

Typical signs are vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and changes in appetite that go on for weeks and come and go. Occasional vomiting of hair is not IBD, and a cat that vomits often should still be checked, see hairball.

IBD looks similar to other diseases, including parasites, food reactions, hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis, kidney disease and a cancer of the gut called small cell lymphoma. A vet rules these out through an exam, blood tests and stool tests, then often with an ultrasound. Confirming the diagnosis can need tissue samples taken during endoscopy or surgery under anesthesia, because IBD and lymphoma can be hard to tell apart. Treatment may include a special diet, medicines to calm the immune system and vitamin support. Many cats do well with long-term care, though it can take time to find what works. Ask your vet about each step and about signs that mean a recheck.