Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by persistent or recurrent gastrointestinal signs and histologic evidence of mucosal inflammation. IBD represents one of the most common causes of chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss in cats. The disease results from complex interactions between environmental factors (dietary antigens, intestinal microbiota), genetic susceptibility, and dysregulated mucosal immune responses. Understanding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of feline IBD is essential for NAVLE success.

IBD is considered idiopathic, meaning the exact underlying cause cannot be identified. However, current evidence suggests a breakdown in mucosal tolerance to normal luminal antigens, including commensal bacteria and dietary components. This leads to chronic intestinal inflammation that disrupts normal absorptive processes.

Etiology and Pathophysiology

The pathogenesis of feline IBD involves a loss of immune tolerance to enteric antigens in genetically susceptible cats. The normal intestinal mucosa serves as a barrier controlling antigen exposure to gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). When this barrier function fails, inappropriate immune responses develop against harmless antigens such as commensal bacteria and food components.