Humans are not the only animals diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Centers for Disease Control estimates that approximately 1.4 million Americans suffer from ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, two specific disorders that fall under the umbrella term of IBD. Although it is hard to keep statistics on how many of our feline companions have the disease (dogs can be affected as well), it is not an uncommon diagnosis.
Dr. Julie Byron is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. She explains that, "IBD is a chronic disease that develops over weeks to months." In fact, according to the World Small Animal Veterinary Associations' GI standardization group, one of the symptoms an animal must show to meet the criteria for an IBD diagnosis is gastrointestinal upset for more than three weeks.
One of the symptoms an animal must show to meet the criteria for an IBD diagnosis is gastrointestinal upset for more than three weeks.
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"Owners may notice signs such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, and a decreased appetite," says Dr. Byron. This is because inside the cat's intestines an inflammatory process is eroding the mucosal barrier of the intestinal wall. In short, the body begins to inappropriately attack the antigens present in the gut, destroying the normal architecture and absorption processes. Although not exactly the same, it's similar to what happens during an allergic reaction.
Since nausea, vomiting, and weight loss could be symptoms of many other diseases, the only definitive way to diagnose IBD is with a biopsy of the gut. "We really need to have a full thickness biopsy in cats," notes Dr. Byron, "otherwise we cannot differentiate IBD from lymphoma, or a carcinoma, which would require different treatment."
If a cat cannot go under anesthesia for surgery to get a biopsy, either because the cat is not in good health or the owner chooses not to pursue the option, a veterinarian may presumptively treat the cat as having IBD. In such a case, treatment could include many different steps.
For starters, many cats with IBD respond to a special novel protein diet prescribed by your veterinarian. But owners must remember that it may take several weeks to see an effect, and absolutely no table scraps or treats can be fed outside of the special diet. Steroids are another option that can be tried if the cat still is having severe symptoms. By suppressing the immune system, you should be able to curb clinical signs as well.
Other tools to treat IBD include the use of probiotics, cobalamin (since low values are commonly seen in IBD cats), an antimicrobial drug, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) commonly found in fish oils.
Thankfully, Dr. Byron notes that, "in the vast majority of patients we can get them comfortable with a good quality of life." It is also worth mentioning that an IBD diagnosis doesn't necessarily shorten your feline companion's lifespan. Since the clinical signs of the disease can be confused with other, more life-threatening illnesses, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian at the first sign of trouble.
Author: Amanda Barth
Source: Dr. Julie K. Byron
If your handsome Maine coon winks at you from across the room and doesn't stop, it's probably not saying, "Hey baby, can I buy you a drink?" In all likelihood it's squinting because its eye hurts. By definition, conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the inner eyelid and the superficial layer of the eye.
Dr. Mitzi Zarfoss is an ophthalmology resident at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. She says, "early/mild conjunctivitis may go unnoticed by some cat owners, and may progress if untreated." Frequent squinting may go overlooked and tearing or red eye might be attributed to allergies, which are a relatively uncommon cause of eye disease in cats. Veterinary attention is indicated whenever eye symptoms are noted.
Veterinary attention is indicated whenever eye symptoms are noted.
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The most common cause of the conjunctivitis in our feline friends is a herpesvirus. "Feline-specific herpesvirus is a very important cause of eye disease in cats," says Dr. Zarfoss. She also notes that this same feline herpesvirus frequently causes respiratory diseases, too (sneezing and nasal discharge).
Although most veterinarians blame the feline herpesvirus when they see a cat with conjunctivitis, confirming the real cause of the disorder is very challenging. "We believe that most cats are positive for herpes," says Dr. Zarfoss, "and just because they have it doesn't mean it is necessarily causing the conjunctivitis." In short, testing is not always practical for the diagnosis and treatment of conjunctivitis in cats.
Feline herpes, a virus that is easily passed from cat to cat and common in the environment, is almost impossible to prevent. Although herpesvirus protection is a component of a commonly administered feline vaccine, the vaccine doesn't fully protect every cat. In addition, there are several other causes of conjunctivitis in cats including chlamydia and mycoplasma, both of which are bacterial species, not viruses.
As far as treating the herpes problem, oral L-lysine, an amino acid nutraceutical that inhibits virus replication, is often used. Depending on how serious the eye looks, your veterinarian may also choose to treat with antibiotics or antiviral medications. If you notice that your cat has frequent bouts of conjunctivitis, Dr. Zarfoss says that, "some cats with chronic conjunctivitis may benefit from long-term L-lysine under the supervision of a veterinarian." She goes on to note that the drug is very safe in cats and comes in many formulations with or without flavoring for cats' individual tastes.
Just like certain herpes viruses in humans, stress can cause flare-ups. A cat that previously had a bout of conjunctivitis may become stressed by a new animal in the house, or an owner leaving for vacation. That amount of anxiety may be enough to suppress its immune system, allowing for the virus to take hold once again.
For more information on conjunctivitis in cats contact your local veterinarian or visit the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists' Web site at: www.acvo.org/frames/publicframe.htm.
Author: Ashley Mitek
Source: Mary K. Zarfoss, DVM
Imulan BioTherapeutics, LLC (IMULAN) has been selected to present their most recent findings on feline stomatitis at this year's Veterinary Dental Forum. The session entitled "T-Cell Receptor Peptide Technology for Feline Stomatitis" will be presented by Dr. Craig Woods. The T-Cell Receptor (TCR) technology, a biologic immune modulator, is being developed by IMULAN for immune based disorders including stomatitis. Feline stomatitis, often referred to as lymphocytic plasmacytic stomatitis or gingivostomatitis, is a disorder that results in oral inflammation. The TCR technology affects T-helper cells, which are immune cells implicated in feline stomatitis.
About Feline Stomatitis: Feline stomatitis is a frustrating and prevalent condition in cats. Although there is no known single cause of this condition, the outcome is inflammation of the oral cavity and gingival tissue. The inflammation is a result of immune cells infiltrating the tissue and is thought to be an imbalance in a specific type of lymphocyte, called the T-helper cell. Treatment for feline stomatitis is often limited and may consist of steroids, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and/or surgery.
About the TCR peptides: T-Cell Receptor peptides are immune modulating biologics designed to restore immune function and normalize cytokine profiles by precisely regulating T-helper cell activity. The peptides are undergoing evaluation for atopic dermatitis, feline stomatitis, and various other disorders including viral infections, cardiac disease, and fungal infections.
About IMULAN: Imulan develops unique, precision immune regulating compounds for veterinary medicine. IMULAN's primary focus is on biological strategies to treat infectious, autoimmune, and immune mediated diseases in small and large animal medicine. In 2008, IMULAN licensed Lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator as a conditionally approved treatment aid for cats infected with feline leukemia and immunodeficiency virus. For more information about Imulan, please visit www.IMULAN.com.
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