Changes

On biochemistry there is often a Panhypoproteinaemia, Hypocholesterolaemia and mildly elevated liver enzymes, secondary to intestinal [[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]].

On biochemistry there is often a Panhypoproteinaemia, Hypocholesterolaemia and mildly elevated liver enzymes, secondary to intestinal [[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]].

====Other Tests====

====Other Tests====

Faecal analysis should be carried out to rule out parasitic causes such as [[Trichuris vulpis|whipworms]], [[Uncinaria stenocephala|hookworms]] and [[Giardia|''Giardia'']].

Faecal analysis should be carried out to rule out parasitic causes such as [[Trichuris vulpis|whipworms]], [[Uncinaria stenocephala|hookworms]] and [[Giardia|''Giardia'']].

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]] are 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]] are 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 which they have 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===

===Antimicrobials===

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

[[Nitroimidazoles|metronidazole]] can be given for 3-4 weeks, this may be suitable for mild to moderate cases, and especially in cats.

*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 intestinal flora, resulting in secondary [[Antibiotic Responsive Diarrhoea |antibiotic responsive diarrhoea]] (ARD) has been reported.

*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===

===Immunosuppressive===

*This should be used if other treatments are inadequate.

This should be used if other treatments are inadequate. [[Steroids|Prednisolone]]first and azathioprine or Cyclosporine can be given if the patient is non-responsive or unable to tolerate steroid.

*[[Steroids|Prednisolone]]  

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

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

=Pathology=

=Pathology=