Last Updated: 05/06/2025

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Learn all about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of IBD in dogs and cats.

Author: Dr Maree Monaghan BVSc (Hons)

Reading Time: 15 minutes - medium read

Has your dog or cat been vomiting or had diarrhoea for a while? Do they have a poor appetite or are they losing weight? These are all signs that your pet may have Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD.

What is IBD?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease occurs when chronic irritation of the intestinal tract causes the lining to become invaded by inflammatory cells. This inflammation decreases the intestinal tract's ability to digest and absorb nutrients from food.

IBD can affect one or more parts of the digestive tract. Inflammation of the stomach is called gastritis, while inflammation of the small intestine is called enteritis and the large intestine colitis.

What causes Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease is thought to be caused by an interaction between a number of factors including parasites, bacteria, specific proteins in foods and environmental factors. Genetic abnormalities of the immune system may also play a role in this disease.

Which Breeds are prone to Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

While dogs and cats of any age or breed can develop IBD, certain breeds have a higher risk of developing IBD. These include:

Dog Breeds: Norwegian Lundehund, Yorkshire Terrier, Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, Boxer, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Basenji, Weimaraner

Cat Breeds: Siamese, Birman, Devon Rex, Persian, Exotic Shorthair

Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease can affect pets of any age, however it is usually seen in middle aged and older cats and dogs between 5 and 12 years of age.

Clinical signs of Inflammatory Bowel Disease include:

Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Blood in stools
Decreased appetite
Weight loss
Lethargy

Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The first step in diagnosing Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a veterinary examination, blood and faecal tests. Your vet may also perform an ultrasound exam or take x-rays of your pet's digestive tract.

A definite diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease can only be made by taking biopsies of the digestive tract and having these examined under a microscope at a laboratory. The biopsies can be taken via an endoscope or by abdominal surgery with both of these procedures requiring a general anaesthetic.

Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Dietary Therapy

Dietary therapy is the cornerstone of treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease because allergies to proteins in foods can play a major role in the development of this syndrome.

A hypoallergenic diet that contains a hydrolysed protein or a novel protein is recommended for pets with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Hydrolysed proteins are proteins that have been broken down into pieces that are so small that the body's immune system does not react to them. A novel protein is one that your pet has not been fed before like goat, duck or venison.

Remember to check with your vet to ensure that the diet you choose would be suitable for your pet.

For more information about hypoallergenic diets, take a read through What is the Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food?

Best Diets for Dogs with IBD

Best Diets for Cats with IBD

Probiotics

If your pet doesn't respond to dietary modification alone, then they may be prescribed an antibiotic called metronidazole and/or an anti-inflammatory medication like prednisolone.

Many pets with Inflammatory Bowel Disease are unable to absorb Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) and will need supplementation with this vitamin.

There may be some benefit in using Omega 3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation in the intestine, however the dose required can cause diarrhoea.

The use of probiotics in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in humans is currently being evaluated and may be helpful in the treatment of dogs and cats.

For more information, take a look at our Review of Probiotics in Dogs and Probiotics for Cats.

Best Probiotics for Dogs and Cats

The following probiotics are veterinary recommended, to help to support the beneficial microbiome in the gut, leading to strengthening of the gut barrier and the overall immune system function.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) presents a complex challenge for pet owners, requiring careful attention to symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. While the exact causes of IBD remain multifaceted, understanding the potential triggers, such as dietary sensitivities, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors, is crucial. Early recognition of symptoms like persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, and weight loss, coupled with prompt veterinary intervention, can significantly improve a pet's quality of life.

Dietary management, particularly with hypoallergenic diets featuring hydrolysed or novel proteins, forms the cornerstone of effective treatment. When dietary adjustments alone are insufficient, medications like antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, along with vitamin supplementation and potentially probiotics, may be necessary.

By working closely with a vet and staying informed about the latest advancements in IBD management, pet owners can provide their furry companions with the best possible care, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable life.

References

Kathrani, A; Weling, D; Allenspach, K (2011) Canine breeds at high risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease in the south-eastern UK, The Veterinary Record.
Marks, S. L., BVSc, PhD, DACVIM (Internal Medicine, Oncology), DACVN (2009) How I treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease in dogs, World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings.
Mansfield, C, BSc, BVMS, MVM, MACVSc, DECVIM-CA, (2011) Management of Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Intestinal Neoplasia, World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings.

History

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Wed Nov 8 2023

Written by Dr Maree Monaghan BVSc (Hons)

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About the Author

Dr Maree Monaghan BVSc (Hons)

Veterinarian

Dr. Maree graduated from the University of Queensland in 1990 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and has worked in a wide variety of practices around Australia and in Papua New Guinea. She has cared for all creatures great and small and has a particular interest in senior pets and horse nutrition

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

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