Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment for Dogs and Cats in Scottsdale, AZ
Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or a poor appetite that keeps coming back may point to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our board-certified internal medicine specialists use advanced diagnostics, including minimally invasive endoscopy and biopsies, to confirm IBD and build a long-term management plan that helps your pet feel like themselves again.
What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition in which inflammatory cells infiltrate the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine. The inflammation interferes with digestion and nutrient absorption and causes ongoing gastrointestinal signs. IBD is thought to result from an abnormal immune response to food proteins, intestinal bacteria, or other environmental triggers, and genetics may play a role. Dogs and cats of any age can develop IBD, though it is most often diagnosed in middle-aged pets.
Many conditions mimic IBD, including food allergies, parasites, pancreatic disease, liver disease, intestinal foreign bodies, and gastrointestinal cancer such as lymphoma. An accurate diagnosis is essential because treatment differs significantly between them.
Common Signs of IBD
- Chronic or intermittent vomiting
- Chronic diarrhea, sometimes with mucus or blood
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of muscle
- Decreased or picky appetite
- Gurgling stomach sounds, gas, or abdominal discomfort
- Lethargy or a dull coat
How We Diagnose IBD
Our internal medicine specialists perform a stepwise evaluation to rule out other causes and confirm inflammation. Testing may include bloodwork, fecal testing, vitamin B12 and folate levels, pancreatic testing, and abdominal ultrasound to measure intestinal wall thickness and check lymph nodes.
A definitive diagnosis requires intestinal biopsies. Whenever possible, we obtain these with minimally invasive endoscopy of the stomach and upper small intestine and colonoscopy of the large intestine. A flexible camera allows our specialist to view the lining directly and collect multiple tissue samples without any external incision. When disease is deeper in the intestine, our surgical team may recommend surgical biopsies.
Treatment and Long-Term Management
IBD is typically managed rather than cured, and most pets respond well to a tailored plan. Treatment often begins with a dietary trial using a hydrolyzed or novel-protein diet, which can control signs on its own in many pets. Additional therapies may include vitamin B12 supplementation, probiotics, antibiotics that modulate intestinal bacteria, and anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive medications when diet alone is not enough.
Because limited-ingredient diets are commonly used in IBD, our team stays current on research regarding diet-associated heart disease. Learn more on our nutrition page about the precautions we may recommend, such as taurine testing and cardiac evaluation.
Partnering With You and Your Veterinarian
Regular rechecks help us adjust medications and watch for complications. We share detailed reports with your family veterinarian and remain available for follow-up visits as your pet’s needs change. If your pet has a history of eating non-food items, also read about foreign object removal, and for swallowing or regurgitation concerns, see our megaesophagus page. Explore all conditions we treat or learn what to expect at your first visit.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease FAQs
Can inflammatory bowel disease be cured?
IBD is usually a lifelong condition, but most dogs and cats achieve good control with diet, medication, and regular monitoring.
How is IBD different from a food allergy?
Food allergies can cause similar signs and often improve with a diet change alone. IBD involves chronic inflammation confirmed by biopsy and may require additional medications.
Does my pet need biopsies to diagnose IBD?
Yes. Biopsies are the only way to confirm IBD and rule out intestinal cancer such as lymphoma, which can look very similar.
Is endoscopy safe for my pet?
Endoscopy is minimally invasive and requires no incision. It does require a brief general anesthesia, which our team monitors closely.
What diet is best for a pet with IBD?
Hydrolyzed or novel-protein prescription diets are commonly recommended. The right diet depends on your pet’s history and response to treatment.
Can cats get IBD?
Yes. IBD is common in cats and often causes vomiting, weight loss, and changes in appetite.
When should I see a specialist for chronic vomiting or diarrhea?
If signs last more than a few weeks, keep recurring, or do not improve with standard treatment, a referral to an internal medicine specialist is a good next step.
Find Relief for Your Pet’s Digestive Problems
Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea deserves real answers. Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 to schedule an internal medicine consultation in Scottsdale, AZ .