Instructions
Watch for signs of inflammatory bowel disease in your cats. These could include dramatic weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea. Some cats also have increased mucus or blood in the stool, and they might attempt to void several times a day without success. The cat could also show signs of depression, such as lethargy and disinterest in food or playing.
Take your cat to the veterinarian to be tested. The vet will perform a battery of exams, including a physical exam to feel for a thickening of the intestinal wall. The veterinarian will also test the cat's blood to look for an increase in liver enzymes or a lack of protein in the blood. The most effective test is a biopsy of the feline's intestines. The vet will look for an increase in inflammatory cells on the intestinal walls; this is a sign of Crohn's disease. The vet would have to rule out other causes of increased inflammatory cells, such as certain types of cancer or liver disease.
Treat the cat according to the veterinarian's instructions. This could include altering its diet by introducing a source of protein and carbohydrates that the cat is not accustomed to, such as potatoes or duck. The cat might be prescribed immunosuppressive drugs, such as Azathioprine, to lower the number of inflammatory cells on the intestinal walls.
Take your cat to the vet every six months to one year to monitor its progress and determine whether it requires other treatments, such as corticosteroids to suppress its immune system, or antibiotics.
How to Test a Cat for Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect cats as well as people. It is believed to be caused by an infectious disease, poor nutrition, genetics or a poorly working immune system, but the exact reason for this malady in cats is unknown. There is no definitive test for Crohn's disease in cats, although it can be diagnosed through a series of tests by a licensed veterinarian. Once diagnosed, inflammatory bowel diseases can be effectively treated in cats.