Irritable
Bowel Syndrome in Cats
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome as it is
sometimes known, is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by the inflammation
of the lining of the digestive tract. The disease can affect the stomach,
small intestine or large intestine. The cause of this disease is unknown,
but variables such as infection, nutrition, and a cat’s individual
genetics are thought to be factors in this disorder. There is no cure for
IBS, but through treatment, medication, and change in nutrition, this disease
can be controlled and your cat’s quality of life can be improved.
Feline Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
The most common symptoms of IBS are vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Vomiting tends to be more common when the stomach lining is affected, while
diarrhea might indicate that the colon is the affected organ. Stool may be
bloody or mucous-covered. In order to eliminate other possible disorders
with similar symptoms, tests by your veterinarian are necessary to more accurately
diagnose this disease.
Feline Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment
Dietary changes such as IVD
Diet foods or Hills
Prescription Diet z/d and medications such as metronidazole or prednisone are
often used to treat IBS. Introducing a diet of new proteins and carbohydrates
that the cat has never eaten previously can sometimes improve digestion
in a matter of several weeks. Vitamins, antibiotics, immunosuppressant
medications can all help in treating this disorder.
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