Inflammatory Bowel Diseases of dogs and cats are a diverse group of chronic disorders
characterized by infiltration of the lining of the stomach, intestines and colon with inflammatory cells.  Inflammatory cells, which include lymphocytes, plasmocytes and eosinophils, are a normal component of the body's immune system.  They function to fight infection and are active in the process of allergic reaction.  With Inflammatory Bowel Disease, they are misdirected to accumulate in the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract.  The accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lining of the GI tract leads to thickening and inflammation which in turn causes diarrhea, occasionally vomiting and in severe cases poor absorption of nutrients and weight loss.  The cause of Inflammatory Bowel Disease is not known.  An infectious or allergic process is suspected.  Many other disorders may cause identical clinical signs.  These disorders include tumors, polyps, strictures, motility disorders, foreign bodies, bacterial infection, parasite infection and viral infection.

     Endoscopy with biopsy of the GI tract is the only means of definitive diagnosis.  The endoscopic exam involves anesthesia and the passage of a fiberoptic scope through the esophagus into the stomach and intestines. This allows direct visualization of the GI tract lining.  Very small "pinch" biopsies are also obtained through the endoscope. Biopsies of this type are quick and painless and avoid exploratory surgery.  Most diseases that cause vomiting and diarrhea can be checked using endoscopic exam and biopsy.  In some cases, contrast x-ray exam and other function tests are necessary.

     Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease is based on severity of the disease as indicated by
clinical signs and biopsy results.  Treatment may be as simple as dietary modification or as complex as the use of advanced chemotherapeutic drugs.  Most cases are managed using dietary modification with intermittent use of medications to control the inflammation. Inflammatory Bowel Disease may be effectively managed but is rarely cured.   For this reason, treatment must usually be continued for extended periods of time.