Why are so many animals getting IBD and what’s the best way to treat it? by Autumn Drouin, DVM

Sinba, a stunning Bengal cat, came to his guardians at the age of eight weeks with diarrhea and a bottle of Pepto Bismal. Seven years later, he was still afflicted with daily diarrhea and his health was deteriorating in spite of numerous diagnostic tests and professional treatments. He was also wild, aloof, skittish, ravenously hungry, and at times aggressive. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) was suspected, but remained unconfirmed because Sinba’s guardians refused to subject him to the risks and discomfort of intestinal biopsy. Finally, he was put on homotoxic remedies and a home prepared diet. All food allergens were eliminated based on sensitivity testing using MRT (muscle response technique). Within two months of starting this holistic treatment, Sinba was free of diarrhea. Now, ten months later, he is symptom free, playful, more relaxed and affectionate, and no longer so famished.

What is IBD?

Inflammatory bowel disease involves a thickening of the bowel lining, abnormal movement of food through the gut, and impaired water and/or nutrient absorption. Microscopically, the number of inflammatory cells in the gut lining is increased. The disease is named after the predominant cell type; the most common is lymphocytic-plasmacytic IBD. The main symptoms, which include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, abdominal pain, weight loss, and blood and/or mucus in the stools, can be chronic, constant or intermittent, and relate to the affected gut segment.

What causes it?

There is no single recognized cause of IBD. Contributing factors include genetics, immunity problems, chronic stress, dietary deficiencies, exposure to pollutants and chemicals (pesticides, food additives, drugs, vaccines), altered gut pH, chronic gut irritation caused by diet, food allergies and infectious agents, and leaky gut (a condition in which large molecules pass through the intestinal lining, activating the immune system and producing inflammation).

Which animals are affected?

IBD affects middle-aged to older cats with no breed disposition. In dogs, it is seen in young to middle-aged individuals of any breed, although German shepherds, boxers, French bulldogs, rottweilers, shar peis, and Yorkshire terriers have a higher incidence of the disease.

How is IBD diagnosed?

Various tests may be necessary to rule out other causes of vomiting and diarrhea, such as kidney failure, pancreatitis, digestive enzyme deficiency and Addison’s disease. Other gastrointestinal disorders to consider are parasites, infections, cancer, hairballs in cats, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS causes similar digestive symptoms, but is not considered inflammatory or immune-mediated, and biopsy shows no pathology in the lining of the GI tract.

Physical examination, ultrasound, radiographs and blood tests can be useful diagnostic tools, but the gold standard in confirming a diagnosis of IBD is intestinal biopsy. This procedure involves the microscopic examination of small pieces of intestinal lining, usually collected through a scope under general anesthesia. Many clients refuse biopsy because of risks, discomfort or cost.

What are the treatment options?

Conventional therapy aims at controlling symptoms with hypoallergenic diets, cortisone or other immune suppressing drugs, antibiotics, and anti-diarrheal medications. Because some of these drugs can aggravate other conditions and/or cause serious long-term side effects, a diagnosis confirmed by biopsy is necessary.

Holistic medicine offers various treatment alternatives. As with any serious condition, animals with IBD are best treated by a qualified veterinarian. Expertly selected natural remedies generally have few or no side effects and can be safely used in suspected cases without the need for a biopsy.

IBD is a multi-factorial disease and requires a multifaceted approach individually tailored to each patient. Severe cases may still require short-term use of conventional medication alongside natural therapies. The root cause of IBD can be addressed by disciplines like homotoxicology, homeopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture.

The most urgent treatment step is to halt the inflammation and prevent further gut irritation. Although true deep healing will be achieved by the above modalities, various nutritional supplements can help support this goal. Natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances can include Traumeel (HEEL), Curcumin, licorice, aloe vera gel, N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), Lipoic acid, Glutathione precursors, marine fish oil, cat's claw, MSM, Boswella, marshmallow, slippery elm, Mexican yam and Vitamins E and A.

Diet is crucial. A preferably home prepared food consisting of single protein and carbohydrate sources can include duck, turkey, venison, rabbit, millet, quinoa, amaranth, peas, green beans and sweet potato. Added fiber in the form of pumpkin, guar gum or pectin may slow down the bowel, while “hydrolyzed” or predigested proteins which are too small to stimulate the immune system may be helpful (e.g. Seacure). The amino acid glutamine also plays an important role in treatment as it helps regenerate the intestinal lining.

Infectious and parasitic factors can be addressed with prebiotics, probiotics, soil-based organisms such as SBX or Primal Defense, grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract, garlic, oil of oregano and goldenseal. The immune system can be supported with ModuVet or other immune regulators.

Holistic treatment also considers emotional/mental causes and stress management as well as the prevention of complications such as liver damage, dehydration, malnutrition, ulcers and cancer.

What’s the prognosis?

Though serious and potentially fatal, IBD is manageable with proper care and consideration. As Sinba’s success story demonstrates, holistic medicine can restore good health and balance to animals with this debilitating disease.

First published in Animal Wellness Magazine, Vol. 6 Issue 4   www.animalwellnessmagazine.com