Problems in the Small Intestine can Result in Diarrhea

Acute diarrhea can be caused by an inappropriate diet. If a cat's food is suddenly changed, the microbial balance in the digestive tract is upset. Certain bacteria develop at the expense of others, producing toxic waste that irritates the intestinal mucosa.

Several viruses cause acute diarrhea, including FIP, feline panleukopenia virus and coronavirus. Young kittens often suffer severe complications after the onset of acute diarrhea: Intussusception (the prolapse, or telescoping, of one part of the intestine into an immediately adjoining part) may occur, requiring emergency surgery to correct the problem. Equally serious are intestinal occlusion or obstruction, rarely caused by a foreign body, because cats taste their food and almost never swallow small objects. The more common cause is a tumor in or near the digestive tract (lymphosarcomas, for example).

The intestine is a favored site for many parasites, the most common being worms such as ascaris or dipylidium. These bothersome parasites cause diarrhea, digestive disorders, and weight loss. In cases of severe infestation, they may even completely block the intestinal lumen, resulting in intestinal occlusion.

Chronic enteritis may follow an acute illness or appear spontaneously. A sick animal typically has difficulty absorbing the nutrients in the intestine. Enteritis is also one of the clinical signs of other diseases, including diabetes and chronic kidney failure.

Depending on their cause, some cases of chronic enteritis can be treated or alleviated with medication. An appropriate diet is vital in all cases. Such a diet contains easily-digestible, high-quality proteins, and very limited amounts of saturated fat and lactose. Specially formulated commercial foods are almost always prescribed.

Identifying the cause of chronic enteritis is difficult. Invasive tests, such as a biopsy of the intestinal mucosa, are almost always required. Tumors affecting the small intestine cause chronic diarrhea before other signs appear, such as weight loss, abnormal palpation, or compression of neighboring organs.

Consult the archives...

All the archives

Breeds    Health / Prevention    Health / Diseases    Nutrition    Behavior    Cat Fancy    The cycle of life    The pet and his owner    Preparing for shows    Cat breeding    Professions and qualifications    History    Cat and law    Art    Encyclopedia