Irritable Bowel Disease in Cats
The cause of irritable bowel disease in cats is not 100% known. Experts think the condition could be associated with allergies, a weak immunity, bacteria and parasitic infections.
Diarrhea and vomiting are the classic symptoms of irritable bowel disease in a cat. Blood may be found in the stool and weight loss is significant. A cat's diet and stress can cause these symptoms to worsen.
Diagnosing Feline IBD
Irritable bowel disease in a cat is only diagnosed as such when the symptoms are chronic and the cells that inflame a cat's intestines are present. A veterinarian will want to know if a cat has had a history of diarrhea, vomiting, unusual traits to a cat's stool and weight loss. Because of the nature of IBD in cats, a vet may find the liver and pancreas to be inflamed if the condition is severe, and the enzymes in the liver or pancreas are higher than normal.
Blood work will be done on a cat that has symptoms of IBD, to look for any abnormalities or signs of anemia. The electrolyte levels may also be checked with a urinalysis.
The only sure way to diagnose IBD in a cat is with a biopsy of the gastrointestinal tract. There are two different biopsy procedures: surgery and an endoscopy.
Treating Cat IBD with Panacur
Panacur, or Fenbendazole, is a medication used to rid a cat of intestinal parasites. A veterinarian may want to rule out intestinal parasites as the cause of a cat's distress, or at the beginning of IBD treatment. Panacur is a popular de-worming medicine to use because it's generally safe for cats to take when they have digestive tract problems, that are not easily diagnosed with traditional, non-invasive tests.
Side Effects of Panacur
While side effects are rarely reported, Panacur has been known to cause vomiting.
Other Treatment Options
One of the most popular treatment options for cats with IBD is a change in diet. Some veterinarians may suggest that you feed your cat a hypoallergenic diet, to help calm the symptoms of IBD. One by one, ingredients can be introduced back into a cat's diet to see if they tolerate the food well. Some cats with IBD may need extra fiber or vitamin supplements in their diet to help manage symptoms. A veterinary nutritionist can help a pet owner create an appropriate diet for a cat with irritable bowel disease.
Once irritable bowel disease is officially diagnosed, treatment can begin to help a cat feel more comfortable and have a better quality of life.