At a glance
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What is colitis?
Colitis is the inflammation of the lining of the colon (large intestine) and is defined as chronic if symptoms have been present for 14 to 21 days, or acute (sudden onset).
The colon is responsible for extracting water from the feces and storing fecal matter before evacuation (bowel movement).
Inflammatory bowel diseases are classified according to the type of inflammatory cell infiltrating the gastrointestinal wall.
- Lymphocytic-plasmacytic enterocolitis is the most common form of IBD. Lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and plasma cells (antibody-producing cells) are the predominant types of inflammatory cells present in the mucosa of the small and large intestine.
- Eosinophilic enterocolitis is the second most common form of IBD, eosinophils may be found in the stomach, small intestine or colon.
- Granulomatous (regional) enteritis in which macrophages are found in the lower small intestine and colon.
If the inflammation is restricted to the large intestine it is referred to as colitis, if the small intestine is involved it is referred to as enteritis and if both the large and small intestine is involved it is referred to enterocolitis if the stomach is involved it is referred to as gastritis. [1]
Causes
There are several causes of colitis including:
- Certain bacteria (Salmonella and Campylobacter), viruses and fungi.
- Food allergy or intolerance.
- Parasites – Intestinal worms, protozoal infection (Giardia, Cryptosporidium).
- Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas.
- Cancer.
- Dietary indiscretion – Eating garbage, spoiled food, human foods, foreign object.
- Stress – Moving house, a new family member, change in routine etc.
Symptoms
The most obvious sign of colitis is diarrhea, possibly outside the litter tray because of the ‘urgency’ to go. The stool is often soft or watery and may contain blood or mucus. Other symptoms may include;
- Straining in the litter tray causing discomfort
- Frequent defecation
- Diarrhea (the stool may start out normal but finish off loose or watery)
- There may be blood or mucus in the stool
- Reduced appetite (anorexia)
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain
- Chronic colitis can lead to weight loss
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination of your cat and obtain a medical history, including symptoms you have noticed. Your veterinarian may be able to determine a cause depending on how the colitis has presented. Was it acute (sudden onset), chronic (lasting several weeks) or episodic (comes and goes)?
- Baseline tests: Complete blood count. Most cases will reveal a normal CBC but some cats may have become anemic. Higher numbers of white blood cells may be observed. Chemistry profile (biochemistry profile) to evaluate for diabetes mellitus, liver disease and renal disease.
- Fecal test: To look for bacteria, parasitic worm eggs or segments, and giardia.
- X-Rays/ultrasound: To evaluate the thickness of the intestines.
- Colonoscopy and biopsy: To evaluate the type of inflammatory cell present, check for cancer.
- Feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI): This test measures the concentrations of trypsin-like proteins in serum. Elevated levels may be indicative of pancreatitis.
- Total T4 (TT4): Specific blood tests to detect elevated levels of the hormones T3 and T4 which are elevated in cats with hyperthyroidism.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to identify and eliminate the cause as well as give supportive care. Provide a high-fibre diet if the colon is affected. Anti-inflammatory medications will be prescribed to reduce inflammation. Supportive care may include fluids to treat dehydration as well as nutritional support.
Specific treatments:
- De-worming medications for parasitic worms.
- Antibiotics for bacterial infection.
- Surgery and/or chemotherapy for cancer.
- Feed a high digestible, low-fat diet that contains a novel protein.
- Reduce stress in the home, address the cause where possible and avoid a change in routine.
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