Chronic diarrhea in cats

If the quadruped is ill, also suffers the human. Even a common problem in cats makes no exception: chronic diarrhea is not only unpleasant for the affected cat, but also represents a burden for their people. Cats of all ages can be affected by this disease. If the affected four-legged patient shows symptoms for longer than two to three weeks, chronic diarrhea must be assumed, and at the latest now it is essential to have veterinary help to tackle the problem and prevent long-term damage to the bowel. As with any chronic disease, a systematic clarification of a multitude of possible causes is particularly important here in order to achieve a rapid therapeutic success for the benefit of the patient.

Parasites as a possible cause

One of the main causes of chronic diarrhea in cats is parasites, especially babies and young cats. Various worm species such as roundworms, roundworms, hookworms or tapeworms can be causally involved here, as can single-celled organisms, for example Giardia or Tritrichomonas fetus. The latter often occur in young animals coming from multi-cat homes, and place high demands on accurate diagnosis and therapy. Even if fresh fecal samples or group faecal samples are analyzed over three days, the proof does not always succeed. The therapy depends on the type of parasite and is then administered as a single dose of medication or as a course of treatment over several days. Even if no parasites could be detected, but the diarrhea has been existing for a very long time, a parasitic cure is used as standard over five to six days to safely eliminate this possible cause. In addition, the affected cat must be thoroughly examined for fleas, because fleas serve as an intermediate host for the tapeworm. When cleaning, the cat swallows the fleas, and a tapeworm infestation can then usually not long in coming.

Possible food allergy

In connection with possible food intolerances, the conversion to a dietetic diet, at least to a veterinary diet is essential. Even a food allergy can be the cause of chronic diarrhea. Frequently, itching and corresponding skin problems, especially in the neck and head area, are additional symptoms of this problem. The question as to which component of the feed triggers an allergy can not be answered directly, and also diagnostic test procedures are not always reliable in relation to this question. Ideal is therefore a diagnostic therapy in the form of an allergen-free diet over four to eight weeks away. Such an exclusion diet is not always easy to do: the diet must be carefully selected and the diet should be changed only with the help of a doctor to be really successful.

Diseases of the intestine

Further causes of chronic diarrhea may be diseases of the intestine itself, for example inflammatory changes (IBD) or intestinal tumors, which frequently turn out to be lymphomas in further diagnostics. A careful ultrasound examination of the abdomen is the first diagnostic measure here. Sometimes it is also necessary to take samples of the altered intestinal tissue in order to make an accurate diagnosis and to be able to carry out a corresponding specific therapy. Inflammatory bowel diseases such as IBD require a drug therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone is often used at the beginning of therapy. The active ingredient maropitant has long been used successfully in the US for IBD and also shows very good results in our cat patients. Even patients who have been suffering from chronic diarrhea for more than a year have been successfully treated with a combination diet and drug therapy. And even if the diagnosis "colorectal cancer" sounds frightening at first, cats affected by lymphoma in particular can be successfully treated and thus lead a satisfied and normal life for a long time to come.

Comprehensive blood test necessary

In addition, hyperthyroidism, pancreas problems, or vitamin B12 deficiency may be causally involved in the chronic cat disease. A comprehensive blood test in the laboratory, which should include in addition to a blood count of kidney, liver and pancreas parameters, protein fractions, electrolytes, vitamin B12 and folate and in older cats also the thyroid hormone T4, gives valuable information.

Options for a supportive therapy

In addition to the first therapeutic measures already mentioned, cats with diarrhea can also receive pre- and probiotics containing, for example, the intestinal bacterium Enterococcus, in order to regulate the intestinal flora. Although no clear proof of success could be found in studies, it is certainly not a mistake to use these preparations supportive. The prebiotic fibers contained in the new liquid supplement "Nutribound" also effectively support the intestinal flora. In some cases, antibiotics are also needed to rebalance the intestinal flora. Here are mostly drugs with the active ingredient metronidazole used. Chronic diarrhea often requires a cure lasting at least ten days to several weeks. However, the cat needs to be dosed carefully as an overdose can lead to central nervous symptoms. Even Ayurvedic herbs often bring a desired therapeutic success, especially in difficult diseases.

Well prepared for the vet!

Since chronic diarrhea is a very complex problem, you should definitely seek medical advice and help for the affected cat. It is very helpful to bring fecal samples (over three days and as fresh as possible) for the first visit and to prepare for the following questions from the veterinarian:

Since when is the diarrhea? Consistency? Colour? Blood in?
Other changes in the condition of the cat? Vomit? Weight loss?
Time of the last worming? With which preparation?
Which food?
Vaccination?
Are several cats affected?

To successfully treat, owner and veterinarian must work closely together in the interests of the patient. If a diet does not taste good or a medication does not work immediately, the cat friend should not be frustrated, but give the treating veterinarian a corresponding response, so that a solution can be found and our common cat patient is cured!