Cat Enteropathy (Intestinal Inflammation): An Overview

Cat Enteropathy, also known as intestinal inflammation, is a common health issue in cats.

It is not a specific disease but a group of diseases that cause the loss of proteins from the bloodstream into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract¹.

This article will provide an overview of the symptoms, causes, effects, and treatment of Cat Enteropathy.

Symptoms

Cats with chronic enteropathy may present with any combination of gastrointestinal clinical signs².

The most common symptoms include:

1. Weight loss: Unexpected weight loss is frequently one of the initial symptoms seen in cats with protein-losing enteropathy³.
2. Diarrhea: Chronic diarrhea is a common sign of cat enteropathy¹. The diarrhea may come and go, and it may be continuous or may be the consistency of water¹.
3. Vomiting: Cats with chronic enteropathy often experience vomiting².
4. Changes in appetite: Cats with this condition may show changes in their appetite².
5. Lethargy: Cats with chronic enteropathy may become lethargic¹.
6. Abdominal pain: Some cats may experience abdominal pain⁴.
7. Anemia or other blood disorders: Depending on the severity of the disease and the presence of other conditions, cats may develop anemia or other blood disorders⁴.

Causes

The exact cause of Cat Enteropathy is not well known.

However, several factors may be involved, such as:

1. GI diseases: Primary GI disease, heart disease, and diseases of the lymphatic system can all cause protein-losing enteropathy¹.
2. Infections: Diseases that directly affect the GI tract and can lead to protein-losing enteropathy include viral gastroenteritis (e.g., panleukopenia), bacterial gastroenteritis (e.g., salmonella), fungal gastroenteritis (e.g., histoplasmosis), and parasitic enteritis (e.g., whipworms)¹.
3. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD is a common cause of chronic enteropathy in cats⁵.
4. Adverse food reactions: Food intolerance can also lead to protein-losing enteropathy¹.
5. Mechanical GI disease: Chronic foreign body irritation (without creating a blockage) can cause protein-losing enteropathy¹.
6. Intestinal cancer: Certain types of cancer, such as carcinoma, can lead to protein-losing enteropathy¹.

Effects

Chronic enteropathy can have several effects on a cat’s health.

When disease occurs, protein loss may exceed protein manufacturing by the body, leading to a condition called "hypoproteinemia"¹.

When hypoproteinemia is severe, fluid may leak from the circulatory system into the abdomen, chest, or out of the tiny blood vessels in the limbs, causing swelling of the legs¹.

Cats with chronic enteropathy generally have a difficult time maintaining their weight¹.

Treatment

The treatment of Cat Enteropathy is determined by the underlying disease¹.

Severe hypoproteinemia may require hospitalization for plasma transfusions, or the use of intravenous fluids to keep fluid within the vasculature (blood vessels in the body)¹.

If a cat has difficulty breathing, it may become necessary for the veterinarian to remove fluid from the chest or abdomen¹.

Dietary modification is a crucial part of the treatment.

Cats with chronic enteropathy should be fed a highly digestible, palatable, high-protein formula to minimize lean body mass loss, manage impaired digestion and/or absorption of macronutrients (e.g., protein, fat, or carbohydrate), and/or address dysbiosis².

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cat Enteropathy is a complex health issue that requires careful diagnosis and treatment.

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above in your cat, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical advice or diagnosis provided by your veterinarian. If your cat shows symptoms, please consult your veterinarian immediately.