Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic gastrointestinal signs; histopathological inflammation; inadequate response to diet, antibiotic and anthelmintic therapies, having ruled out other causes and response to antiinflammatory/immunosuppressive agents. A FCEAI (Feline Chronic Enteropathy Activity Index) indicates clinical activity in enteropathies.

Objective

To report the prevalence of IBD according to age, sex, FCEAI and evaluate haematology, biochemistry, and abdominal ultrasound.

Methods

On fourteen cats with presumptive diagnosis of IBD, treated with fenbendazole and new diet for 2–4 weeks, haematology, serum biochemistry, abdominal ultrasound and FCEAI were done. IBD was confirmed by histopathology and its responsiveness to immunosuppressive therapy.

Results

Seven mixed-breed, 3 Siamese, 1 Burmese, 2 Oriental and 1 Persian. Two cats less than 4 years old, 6 4–8 years old, 2 of 8–12 years, and 4 more than 12 years old. FCEAI 1–3: 2 cats, one with ultrasound alterations; FCEAI 4–5: 5 cats, 2 with ultrasound findings; FCEAI 6–8: 5 cats, 2 with ultrasound alterations; FCEAI more than 9: 2 cats, one with ultrasound alterations. Only 4/14 had an alteration in the haematology or biochemistry. Abdominal ultrasound 6/14 presented: thickening of the mucosa or mesenteric lymphadenopathy, 5/14 evidenced thickening of the mucosa without lymphadenopathy; only 1/14 had only lymphadenopathy.

Conclusions

IBD diagnosis requires exclusion of all other etiologies and histology confirmation. A high prevalence of mixed-breed cats was found, contrary to other groups. IBD is a disease of mid-year-old cats with mild or moderate FCEAI; thickening of the mucosa or lymphadenopathy are not constant.