What can cause bloody stool in cats

The most common cause of bloody stool in cats is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or gastrointestinal disease. IBD is a group of inflammatory disorders of the bowel (colon) and is caused by a host of different conditions. The most common is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Other causes include infectious diseases (e.g. ascariasis), parasites (e.g. tapeworms), allergic reactions, food sensitivities, chronic intestinal infections or other conditions.

What is IBD?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of conditions of the digestive tract that can cause inflammation, ulcers and scarring. It is made up of three different diseases: IBD, colitis and eosinophilic gastroenteritis. The three diseases can occur separately or in combination.

IBD is a term that refers to a group of inflammatory bowel conditions including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and regional enteritis. Inflammatory bowel disease is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the lining of the large intestine (colon). The inflammation occurs in the part of the intestine known as the terminal ileum.

In ulcerative colitis, the inflammation begins in the rectum and extends into the colon. In Crohn's disease, inflammation begins along a portion of the ileum, usually called the ileum. In regional enteritis, inflammation occurs along a portion of the ileum and the colon.

What are the symptoms of IBD?

The most common symptoms of IBD are:

Abdominal pain

Weight loss

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Loss of appetite

Reduced or increased frequency of bowel movements

Inflamed, swollen or painful lymph nodes in the neck, groin, armpit or under the tail

Fever

Feeling generally unwell

Small or large ulcers or patches of ulcerations in the rectum

Nausea and vomiting

Anemia

What is the treatment for IBD?

The cause of IBD is not known. There is no cure for IBD. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to help the body control the disease and minimize symptoms. The goals of treatment are to:

Reduce inflammation

Minimize symptoms

Prevent further damage

Treatment should be directed toward the cause of the inflammation. A variety of treatments may be used including medications and dietary changes.

Medications

Medications are used to treat symptoms.

Anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications are used to reduce inflammation. Examples are: corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone)

Immunosuppressants. These medications interfere with the immune system so that it is less likely to damage the intestines.