Feline inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-mediated gastrointestinal condition causing intermittent vomiting, diarrhoea and weight loss. Long-term management improves quality of life substantially.
Chronic IBD causes persistent nausea, abdominal discomfort and nutritional deficiency that significantly reduces quality of life. Cats with uncontrolled IBD are uncomfortable much of the time - the chronic low-level nausea that precedes vomiting episodes is as welfare-relevant as the vomiting itself. Well-managed IBD cats can achieve excellent quality of life for years with appropriate diet and, where necessary, medication. The challenge for owners is the long-term commitment to dietary management (including preventing access to non-prescription foods), regular veterinary monitoring and recognising signs of disease progression or transformation to lymphoma.