Symptoms of Feline
Inflammatory Bowel
Disease in Cats
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All About Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats
Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease
By: Alfred
IBD is a condition involving chronic diarrhea and
vomiting and is caused by an invasion of inflammatory
cells into the cat's intestinal wall. It can be caused
by multiple diseases.
Symptoms of Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease are as follows:
- Abdominal pain
- Belching
- Black, tarry stools
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence (from digested blood)
- Halitosis
- Increased thirst
- Normal/increased appetite
- Stomach rumbling
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
In severe cases the cat can become emaciated. Cats that
vomit a lot usually won't have any food evident in the
vomit; instead the vomit consists of mucus and bile. If
there is any digested food in the vomit this suggests that
the disease includes the stomach.
The most common IBD in cats includes the presence of
lymphocytes and plasma cells and is diagnosed as LPE or
Lymphocytic plasmacytic enteritis.
LPE can be caused by a trauma to the intestines or by an
infection. Sometimes this condition can be the result of a
secondary infection from different diseases. Because the
symptoms of LPE are similar to a lot of other diseases many
different tests are run to rule them out before LPE can be
diagnosed. The only definitive way to diagnose LPE is
through a biopsy of the intestines.
If your cat has IBD then your veterinarian will put your cat
on a special diet and strictly control your cat's diet. Your
cat will also be put on anti-inflammatory drugs like
prednisone.
There is no cure for IBD caused by LPE. But thankfully the
disease isn't usually life threatening and can be controlled
through aggressive therapy. Your cat can lead a relatively
normal life with medication and diet changes.
Hairballs Can Jeopardize Your Cat's Health
By: Jane R. Bicks, D.V.M.
Cats spend up to 1/3 of their waking hours self-grooming. The tiny barbs
on a cat's tongue pull loose hair from it's coat and those hairs are
swallowed. Because hair is very difficult to digest, it compacts with
undigested food in the intestines.
The accumulation becomes a source of irritation if it is not eliminated in the
litter box or coughed up. The result is messy fur-like, cigar-shaped forms on
the floor or furniture. Some surgically removed hairballs are almost 3 inches
in diameter.
Although you may not see hairballs, there may be a significant accumulation
in your cat's stomach and intestines!
Common Treatments:
Single focus products do not address a cat's entire system.
Mineral oil or petroleum lubricants are petrochemical products
Large amount of fiber can decrease intestinal absorption of nutrients
and may result in malnourished animal
Enemas for constipation requires tranquilization and can be
dangerous.
What Really Does Work?
A much better alternative for hairballs is Healthy Pet Net's Purr-fectly
Natural, .... Gourmet Cat Treats.
Contains highly digestible animal proteins which nourish and
strengthen hair.
Contains essential fats from various sources including flaxseed meal,
which provides oils necessary for healthy skin and coat.
Improves coat health so less hair is swallowed during grooming.
Contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a friendly bacteria that provides
nourishment for proper intestinal function.
Contains Slippery Elm, a special herb that supports the natural
moisture found in a healthy digestive system.
Contains cellulose, a natural fiber that moves hair through the
digestive tract.
Contains natural glycerin, which helps lubricate the intestines and
delicately move hair through the stomach and intestines.
Formulated for finicky feline palates.
No corn, wheat, by-products or dyes.
No chemical preservatives.
Suggested feeding is 5 to 8 between meals daily, depending upon your cat's
weight. This is not a substitute for your cat's daily diet.
To find out more about how Healthy Pet Net's Gourmet Cat Treats can help
your cat....
Check out Alfred's
Favorite Feline Treats Here
The Gourmet Cat Treats were scientifically formulated by Dr. Jane Bicks
with the health, well fare, and safety of your precious cat in mind.
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