How to Treat Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome in Cats

Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) is a diagnosis that can have many different causes. And sometimes multiple causes do affect a cat. Symptoms include persistent vomiting, diarrhea, appetite changes and weight loss. The Merck Veterinary Manual states "clinical signs are often chronic and sometimes cyclic or intermittent." Veterinarians diagnose IBS in cats by visually evaluating the intestines with a scope and taking a biopsy of the lining of the intestines. IBS in cats is manageable, sometimes even curable if the cat is taken to a veterinarian for care and treatment. Depending on your cat's history, symptoms and test results, your veterinarian may recommend a combination of any one of the following treatments options.

Things You'll Need

  • Antibiotics
  • Parasite medication
  • New food
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give antibiotics if harmful bacteria are present in the gut. The antibiotic prescribed will be chosen based on the type of bacteria.

    • 2

      Give metronidazole to your cat. Metronidazole treats both bacterial and parasitic infections.

    • 3

      Treat your cat with azathioprine if the cause is thought to be autoimmune related. Azathioprine suppresses the immune system. This drug can cause serious side effects in cats including bone marrow toxicity. Cats on this medication need close monitoring with regular blood tests to watch for side effects.

    • 4

      Treat your cat with prednisone. This reduces swelling and suppresses the immune system. When giving prednisone, your veterinarian will likely start with a high daily dose and then taper your cat off the medication completely or have you give the medication every few days. Given daily long term, prednisone causes severe side effects such as making cats more susceptible to other diseases.

    • 5

      Change your cat's diet if the cause is an allergy. Your veterinarian will advise on following an elimination diet to determine the specific food allergy and what foods to feed your cat.