Also known as: EII
La enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal es un grupo de trastornos crónicos en los que células inflamatorias infiltran la mucosa del estómago o el intestino, interfiriendo con la digestión y la absorción. Es una causa frecuente de vómitos, diarrea y pérdida de peso prolongados en gatos. La causa exacta se desconoce pero probablemente implica una respuesta inmunitaria anormal a las bacterias intestinales, la dieta y otros factores. El diagnóstico requiere descartar otras enfermedades, y el tratamiento combina dieta y terapia inmunomoduladora.
Feline inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes persistent inflammation of the digestive tract lining. It is one of the most frequent causes of chronic gastrointestinal signs in cats.
The precise cause is unclear. It is thought to result from an over-reactive immune response to gut bacteria and dietary components in genetically predisposed cats, with the normal balance of intestinal flora disrupted.
Cats show chronic or intermittent vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss and changes in appetite. Signs may wax and wane over months and vary with which part of the tract is affected.
IBD is diagnosed by excluding parasites, infection, dietary intolerance and organ disease, then confirming inflammation with intestinal biopsies. It must be distinguished from intestinal lymphoma, which can look similar.
Treatment combines a hypoallergenic or novel-protein diet, anti-inflammatory or immune-suppressing medication such as steroids, vitamin B12 supplementation and treatment of secondary bacterial overgrowth. Therapy is long-term and individualised.
There is no specific prevention, but consistent appropriate diet and early veterinary attention to chronic digestive signs improve control.
This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your veterinarian.
