Why does my cat have chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and thickened bowel?

Chronic diarrhea in an older cat with vomiting can be a sign of an inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal cancer. The only way to differentiate between the two disease is a surgery to take biopsies of the intestines and have them analyzed. Based on the diagnosis, the diet may be changed or vitamin supplements or steroids may be added to manage her symptoms. They will check for parasite and check her labs for any renal or endocrine disease

I would talk to you veterinarian next week about gastrointestinal disease. With a continuously vomiting and diarrhea cat my concerns are Irritable bowel disease or even lymphoma. I would be less inclined it be intestinal parasites if Opie has been an indoor cat. I would not give the drontal today. I would recommend seeing a different veterinarian for a second opinion but Opie may need an abdominal ultrasound. If he is really have bad diarrhea and is still vomiting a lot a specialty hospital may be worth going to because the internist can perform the ultrasound. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I'm sorry to hear that Angel hasn't been feeling well. In my experience the signs that have been found on Angel's ultrasound are most commonly associated with either inflammatory bowel disease, or lymphoma. However, there are other possibilities as well such as parasitic diseases, bacterial infections, and granulomatous disorders. While I am sure you are concerned, all you can do is take one step at a time to identify the problem and then you and your veterinarian can devise a treatment plan once you have the answers. Take comfort in the fact that you are doing the steps you need to do to help her. Best of luck and I hope she improves quickly! Thank you for using Pet Coach.

I would talk to your vet about submitting a GI panel or performing biopsies. Even with normal ultrasounds, IBD or lymphoma may not be able to be diagnosed. Empirical deworming may be indicated. Steroid trials may help. Has the thyroid level been checked? There is so much more information we need to be able to help you in this complicated case. I would recommend choosing a Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach consult so we can better evaluate what the tests and results have been to help you decide what steps should be next.

I’m sorry to hear that CJ is not getting better. At this time, since she has not responded to traditional therapy I think you need to pursue further diagnostics like blood work (to rule out hyperthyroidism, diabetes and kidney disease), X-rays (to rule out a mass or blockage) and possibly an abdominal ultrasound. Also, you may want to consider talking with your vet about hospitalizing CJ with IV fluids and medications until she is stabilized and you can determine what is causing her illness. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you have any more questions about CJ or her condition please let us know!

Causes of diarrhea and vomiting at this age include pancreatitis, IBD, Lymphoma and other types of cancer. it is not easy to diagnose those conditions, she will need some specific blood tests and a specialist ultrasound to start with.

Hi. Poor Misty. Many times plder kitties can have diarrhea from 2 of the most common causes. Irritable bowel syndrome, or GI lymphoma (gastrointestinal cancer). Unfortunately that is on the list due to age. Of course parasites or overgrowth of bacteria should be ruled out by a fecal float and culture. As far as IBS, the signs can be just like your kitties. It is treated via a diet change to a prescription bland food, and steroids. Lymphoma looks exactly alike, except it doesn't respond to treatment as long as IBS. The only way to definitively diagnose is a GI biopsy. That is onvioulsy intense. So many choose to do the diet and steroids and hope for the best. Others do the biopsy and if cancer, may consult w an oncologist. I would recommend starting with an exam, fecal float, fecal culture, xrays of abdomen, and if all normal, diet change and steroids.