Colitis

Colitis is inflammation of the colon (large intestine). It can be either acute (lasting only a few days) or chronic (lasting for weeks).

CAUSES:

The reason for the inflammation is often idiopathic (unknown).Some possible causes include:

Stress
The immune system attacking its own body
Bacterial or fungal infection
Parasites: for example, whipworms
Food allergies
Tumors
Eating contaminated food
Constant exposure to wetness

SIGNS:

The main symptom of colitis is frequent diarrhea with mucus or blood. This is because colitis causes the body not to be able to absorb water properly. The body cannot either store feces in the colon.

Other signs may include:

Straining during and after defecation
Cramping
Gas
Sudden urgency for a bathroom

You may also notice vomiting and weight loss, but only rarely.

DIAGNOSIS:

Your veterinarian will:

Review your cat’s medical history
Perform a physical exam (with focus on the rectal and abdominal areas)
Take a colon biopsy

Your veterinarian may do other teststo rule out other conditions, including:

Stool sample
Cytology (a study of the structure and function of your cat’s cells)
Blood tests
Urine tests
X-rays, ultrasound

TREATMENT:

Most cases of colitis cannot be cured. However, you can manage your pet’s colitis with a special diet and medicine that your veterinarian may prescribe.

Diet: You should feed with pet easily digested foods that are high in fiber. Many cats will have to remain on this diet for life.

Medication: The exact medication depends on the cause of the colitis:

Antibiotics: to control bacterial causes
Sulfa-containing drugs: to control chronic colitis
Immunosuppressive drugs: for colitis caused by immune deficiencies
Steroids or other anti-inflammatory medications

PREVENTION:

There is no way to know beforehand which cat might develop colitis. Once a pet is susceptible, you can prevent flare-ups with a bland and easily digested diet that is high in fiber.

PROGNOSIS:

In most cases, there is an excellent prognosis with a change in diet and some medication. You can manage your cat’s colitis to the point where it can live a happy, comfortable life for many years.