Feline idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease: what we know and what remains to be unraveled.
BACKGROUND
Feline idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) denotes one form of chronic enteropathy that is immunologically mediated and characterized by persistent or recurrent gastrointestinal (GI) signs and histologic inflammation. Signs of vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss generally predominate, and mucosal inflammation may occur in any portion of the GI tract (especially the small intestine). Affected cats may also have concurrent inflammation in other organs, such as the pancreas and liver, which may impact clinical disease severity.


OBJECTIVE
The exact etiologies of this heterogeneous group of disorders have yet to be determined, though results from basic science and clinical studies suggest that interplay between genetic factors and enteric bacteria is crucial for disease development. The diagnosis is one of exclusion and requires intestinal mucosal biopsy to characterize the type and severity of the inflammatory infiltrate, and to differentiate IBD from other disorders, including alimentary lymphoma. Controversy exists concerning the relative diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic versus full-thickness specimens for the diagnosis of IBD and its differentiation from alimentary lymphoma.


BACKGROUND
This article is intended to provide veterinary practitioners with a comprehensive clinical update on idiopathic IBD in cats. It reviews the current evidence-based data, the diagnostic approach, the evolving histologic criteria, and treatment options and outcome for feline patients with this syndrome.
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA. ajergens@iastate.edu
Albert E
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Jergens
D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D002415:Cats; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome