Colitis in Cats: An Overview

Colitis
Dog Breeds

Colitis in cats is the medical term for inflammation of the colon (also called the large intestine or large bowel), which is the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract, extending from the cecum to the rectum.

Read More >


Definition

Colitis is the medical term for inflammation of the colon (also called the large intestine or large bowel), which is the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract, extending from the cecum to the rectum. The cecum is the first part of the colon and forms a dilated pouch at the termination of the small intestine. The rectum is the last part of the colon, which ends at the anal canal. Colitis in cats can be acute, episodic or chronic.

Causes of Colitis in Cats

The colon is an essential part of the gastrointestinal tract and is responsible for the final stages of digestion, right before the digestive waste products (stool or feces) are eliminated. When the layers of tissue lining the large intestine become irritated and inflamed, the final phases of digestion are disrupted, causing the stool to become loose, watery, greasy and tinged with fresh blood. Colonic inflammation causes a cascade of cellular events that ultimately reduces the ability of the colon to absorb water from fecal matter, causing large bowel diarrhea and a number of other classic symptoms.

Feline colitis can be caused by a number of things, which generally are characterized as either: 1) primary infiltrative intestinal disorders (inflammatory bowel disease, malignant neoplasia/cancer); 2) infectious diseases (acute infectious enteritis, internal parasites, bacterial, fungal, viral or protozoal infection, infection by other microorganisms); or 3) other primary medical diseases or disorders that cause secondary intestinal irritation (administration of antibiotics which upset the normal bowel flora, food allergies, sensitivity to or intolerance of dietary ingredients). Recently, Tritrichomonas foetus has been identified as a gastrointestinal pathogen in companion cats. This protozoal parasite can infect cats of any age, breed or gender, but tends to occur most commonly in young cats kept in crowded and/or unsanitary conditions. Determining the underlying cause of acute, episodic or chronic colitis is critical to successful treatment.

Prevention of Feline Colitis

Preventing colitis in companion cats requires a conscientious owner with good cat care management. Cats should be de-wormed prophylactically in accordance with the attending veterinarian’s anti-parasite protocol. The occurrence of colitis is much less frequent in indoor cats that are not free-roaming. Dietary modification and management may help prevent recurrent episodes of colitis in predisposed animals. Owners should avoid making abrupt changes in their cat’s diet and should keep all medications and household cleaning products well out of their reach. Companion cats should be kept away from other cats that are known to be sick or are showing signs of respiratory, gastrointestinal or other potentially contagious illness.

Special Notes

Some of the organisms that cause colitis in domestic cats have the potential to infect people, especially those whose immune systems are weakened or suppressed. These include: 1) some bacterial microorganisms (enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, certain Salmonella species, Campylobacte and Clostridium); 2) some protozoal organisms (Tritrichomonas, Giardia); and 3) some helminth (worm) parasites (Trichuris), among others. “Zoonosis” is the medical term for diseases of animals that may be transmissible to humans.

Source: PetWave

Preventing Colitis in Cats


MATCHING TOPICS OF INTEREST

Roundworm

Roundworm Infection in Cats Guide: Here you'll find in-depth information on roundworm infection in cats...

Feline Infectious Peritonitis

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in Cats Guide: Here you'll find in-depth information on Feline Infectious...

Gastritis

Gastritis in Cats Guide: Here you'll find in-depth information on gastritis in cats including its...

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Cats Guide: Here you'll find in-depth information on Inflammatory Bowel...

Constipation

Constipation in Cats Guide: Here you'll find in-depth information on Constipation in cats including its...

PETWAVE: POPULAR TOPICS

Dog Health Dog Health
Learn about the most common diseases affecting dogs
Puppy Training Getting a Puppy
A new puppy in the house can cause quite a whirlwind of excitement
Dog Breeds List of Dog Breeds
Comprehensive list of dog breeds with specific breed information

Find a Dog Breed?

With so many dog breeds to choose from, sometime it's easier to seach based on certain characterisitcs.

Caring for your Dog?

There is more to caring for your dog than just feeding it. Find out all you need to know to make sure your pet stays healthy.

Training your Dog?

A dog's behavior plays a key role in making a great pet. Training your dog makes a happier dog, and you will be happier too.

Ask a vet?

Have a question?
Ask a Vet Online NowSM

About Us | Review Board | Badges | Tell a Friend | Bookmark this Page | Submit Feedback | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Dog Breeds | Cat Breeds | Dog Health | Cat Health | Dog Training | Cat Training | Dog Care | Cat Care | Dog Nutrition | Cat Nutrition

Become a Fan of Petwave.com on Facebook Become a Fan on Facebook Follow PetWave.com on Twitter Follow PetWave.com on Twitter Email Friend about Petwave.com Tell your friends about PetWave

© 2012 PetWave Corporation. All rights reserved
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a veterinarian. PetWave disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
For more information view our Terms of Service.