Changes

*No sex predisposition

*No sex predisposition

*There are contraditions with regard to age predisposition

*There are contraditions with regard to age predisposition

==Description==

==Description==

There is no underlying cause of IBD in 75% of cases.  They are thought to reflect an exaggerated or inappropriate response by the immune system to dietary, bacterial or self-antigens.  IBD is a diagnosis of exclusion.  Other differential diagnoses have to be investigated and ruled out before a diagnosis of IBD can be made.

There is no underlying cause of IBD in 75% of cases.  They are thought to reflect an exaggerated or inappropriate response by the immune system to dietary, bacterial or self-antigens.  IBD is a diagnosis of exclusion.  Other differential diagnoses have to be investigated and ruled out before a diagnosis of IBD can be made.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

*Serum folate level decreases with proximal small intestinal [[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]].

*Serum folate level decreases with proximal small intestinal [[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]].

*Serum cobalamin level decreases with distal small intestinal [[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]].

*Serum cobalamin level decreases with distal small intestinal [[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]].

===Diagnostic Imaging===

===Diagnostic Imaging===

*Plain radiography is used to evaluate for anatomic abnormalities.

*Contrast study is only valuable if there is a severe mucosal disease.

Plain radiography is used to evaluate for anatomic abnormalities. Contrast study is only valuable if there is a severe mucosal disease.

*Ultrasonography may reveal mesenteric [[Lymph Nodes - Pathology|lymphadenopathy]] and thickening of the intestinal wall.

 

Ultrasonography may reveal mesenteric [[Lymph Nodes - Pathology|lymphadenopathy]] and thickening of the intestinal wall.

===Histopathology===

===Histopathology===

A biopsy of the intestine is required for a definitive diagnosis of IBD.  A non-invasive biopsy may be taken via endoscopy.  However, this limits where the samples can be taken from as the [[Jejunum - Anatomy & Physiology|jejunum]] and [[Ileum - Anatomy & Physiology|ileum]] is not easily accessible.  Exploratory laparotomy and full thickness biopsy may be preferred at times.

A biopsy of the intestine is required for a definitive diagnosis of IBD.  A non-invasive biopsy may be taken via endoscopy.  However, this limits where the samples can be taken from as the [[Jejunum - Anatomy & Physiology|jejunum]] and [[Ileum - Anatomy & Physiology|ileum]] is not easily accessible.  Exploratory laparotomy and full thickness biopsy may be preferred at times.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

*Dietary modification

===Dietary modification===

**An elimination diet should be instigated.  The patient should be fed strictly on a novel protein source that had not previously been exposed to.  Clinical signs should resolve within 1-2 weeks.  The patient should ideally be rechallenged to demonstrate a true dietary [[Hypersensitivity - WikiBlood|hypersensitivity]].

*An elimination diet should be instigated.  The patient should be fed strictly on a novel protein source that had not previously been exposed to.  Clinical signs should resolve within 1-2 weeks.  The patient should ideally be rechallenged to demonstrate a true dietary [[Hypersensitivity - WikiBlood|hypersensitivity]].

**Folate and cobalamin supplementation may be required if the levels are subnormal.

*Folate and cobalamin supplementation may be required if the levels are subnormal.

*Antimicrobials such as [[Nitroimidazoles|metronidazole]] for 3-4 weeks

 

**This may be suitable for mild to moderate cases, and especially in cats.

**The mucosal damage caused by IBD may decrease the animal's ability to manage to intestinal flora, resulting in secondary ARD has been reported.

*{Nitroimidazoles|metronidazole]] can be given for 3-4 weeks

*Immunosuppressive therapy

*This may be suitable for mild to moderate cases, and especially in cats.

*The mucosal damage caused by IBD may decrease the animal's ability to manage to intestinal flora, resulting in secondary ARD has been reported.

 

===Immunosuppressive===

**This should be used if other treatments are inadequate.

**This should be used if other treatments are inadequate.

**[[Steroids|Prednisolone]]  

**[[Steroids|Prednisolone]]  

**Azathioprine or Cyclosporine can be given alternatively if the patient is non-responsive or unable to tolerate steroid.

**Azathioprine or Cyclosporine can be given alternatively if the patient is non-responsive or unable to tolerate steroid.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==