weight loss differential diagnosis
Chronic cases of diarrhea in cats are a familiar headache for many veterinarians. Symptoms may come and go during a period of time, may complicate the evaluation of veterinary treatment response in some cases. Many, though not all of these cats will have inflammatory bowel disease (IDB). This article will focus on how a veterinarian is able to diagnose IBD, and what treatment options.
There are many possible underlying causes, when a cat is presented with vomiting, diarrhea or weight loss:
1. The parasites (worms)
2. Viral disease (coronavirus, the leukemia virus)
3. Bacteria (Salmonella, Campylobacter)
4. Protozoa (Giardia, Tritrichomonas)
5. Diet (food intolerance, Food Allergy)
6. Cancer (lymphoma, adenocarcinoma)
7. Inflammatory bowel disease
8. Hormonal or metabolic disorders (hyperthyroidism, renal failure)
9. Drug or toxin-induced
10. Motility disorders
The veterinarian should have a complete record of the owner, to avoid spending time and money on unnecessary tests. Factors to consider include age, diet, appetite, deworming history, weight change and the nature of vomiting or diarrhea. It is important to differentiate vomiting of regurgitation, which is usually a problem in the esophagus, and to differentiate the small bowel diarrhea large bowel diarrhea by the frequency and consistency of feces.
The veterinarian will take out aa full clinical examination before embarking on a basic approach to the diagnosis as follows:
1. Blood and urine tests to rule out disease in other parts of the body that has a knock on effect in the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Bacterial culture of stool to rule out Salmonella and Campylobacter
3. Verification of the parasite in the stool to rule out worms
4. X-rays to rule out an obstruction of a body strange or tumor
5. Ultrasonography of the abdomen to measure the thickness of the intestinal wall
6. Prescription diet for 4-6 weeks Bland (eg Hills Z / D, Royal Canin Sensitivity Control)
7. Intestinal biopsies by endoscopy or surgery.
IBD is a diagnosis of exclusion so that all differences mentioned above should be discarded in order to make the diagnosis.
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
IBD is a term used to describe inflammation of one of the layers of the bowel wall. This inflammation of the intestinal wall can occur with many other intestinal diseases, but when there is no cause of inflammation is found after thoroughly testing as described above, the condition is described as idiopathic IBD (mainly IDB, cause unknown). IBD is thought to be an overreaction to bacteria or dietary ingredients in the intestine.
Are certain types of cats affected than others?
Any age of cat can be affected, and pedigree breeds may be more affected than short-haired domestic cats.
What are the treatment options once they have been diagnosed with IBD?
DIET
Many cats can be managed by diet alone in the long run. Diets can be hypoallergenic, high fiber or low residue. Sometimes, these three types of foods should be tried before the most effective one is selected. Cats are often resistant trials in the diet and this is the main reason why many cats are given drugs to treat IBD, the cat did not just eat the special diet.
Hypoallergenic foods often contain a new protein source that the cat has not found before as capelin and tapioca, duck, venison or hydrolyzed protein. Diets high in fiber are recommended for diseases of the colon.
DRUGS
Drugs are a last resort, if the cat is showing signs of trials despite different foods or if the cat will not eat the prescription diet.
The options are:
1. Anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive drugs
Prednisolone, a corticosteroid given 2-4mg/kg, is the most effective drug.
2. Budesonide
This is also a steroid, with less secondary effects on the rest of the body, but is unlicensed.
3. Chlorambucil
It is sometimes given in addition to a steroid if the steroid single job.
4. Metronidazole
This reduces the number of bacteria in the intestine, which in theory will reduce the trigger for inflammation.
5. Cyclosporine
Normally in dogs, this alters the immune system. It has only been tested on a small number of cats, with mixed results.
About the Author:
Dr Matthew Homfray is one of the veterinary pet experts at www.WhyDoesMyPet.com. Our dedicated community of caring pet experts are waiting to offer you advice, second opinions and support.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats
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Differential Diagnosis in Small Animal Medicine $62.67 Veterinary practitioners and students are presented with many different and complex cases, and are expected to offer an accurate diagnosis quickly. The differential diagnosis list is one of the most important aspects of the problem-oriented approach to clinical diagnosis. Finding good lists in a readily available form can be difficult, and can involve laborious reference to multiple texts and sources. <i>Differential Diagnosis in Small Animal Medicine</i> brings this information together in one place in an easy reference format. <br><p><br><li>A rapid reference that concentrates solely on differential diagnosis lists of major problems in small animal medicine; <br><li>Details differential diagnoses from diverse findings such as history, physical examination, diagnostic imaging and laboratory test results; <br><li>Includes radiographs, ultrasounds, selected diagnostic algorithms colour pictures and suggestions for further testing <br><li>Saves time spent searching multiple texts and sources, by bringing the information together in one place in an easy reference format.</li>Introduction.<p><b>Part I: Historical signs:</b>.<p>Chapter 1.1.<p>General, systemic and metabolic historical signs.<p>1.1 (i) Polyuria/polydipsia.<p>1.1 (ii) Weight loss.<p>1.1 (iii) Weight gain.<p>1.1 (iv) Polyphagia.<p>1.1 (v) Anorexia/inappetence.<p>1.1 (vi) Failure to grow.<p>1.1 (vii) Syncope/collapse.<p>1.1 (viii) Weakness.<p>Chapter 1.2.<p>Gastro-intestinal/abdominal historical signs.<p>1.2 (i) Ptyalism/salivation/hypersalivation.<p>1.2 (ii) Gagging/retching.<p>1.2 (iii) Dysphagia.<p>1.2 (iv) Regurgitation.<p>1.2 (v) Vomiting.<p>1.2 (vi) Diarrhoea.<p>1.2 (vii) Melaena.<p>1.2 (viii) Haematemesis.<p>1.2 (ix) Haematochezia.<p>1.2 (x) Constipation/obstipation.<p>1.@OUÂ?\(öÿ¾Úð |
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