Inflammatory bowel disease in veterinary medicine

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs and cats is a complex, immune-mediated gastrointestinal disorder.
• Exact causes are unknown, but genetic factors and gut bacteria likely play a role in disease development.
• Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss, with inflammation affecting various GI tract segments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of canine and feline IBD.
• To discuss etiopathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
• To compare human and canine IBD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of basic science and clinical studies.
• Analysis of recent advances in molecular tools, disease activity indices, and biomarkers.
• Examination of current treatment recommendations, including dietary, pharmacologic, and microbiota-targeted therapies.

Main Results:

• Objective assessment of IBD severity is now possible with new tools and biomarkers.
• Treatment involves diet, medication, and modulation of the enteric microbiota.
• Comparative analysis with human IBD offers insights into disease mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Canine and feline IBD are heterogeneous disorders with multifactorial etiologies.
• Integrated approaches combining diagnostics and therapeutics are crucial for managing IBD.
• Further research, including human-canine comparisons, can advance understanding and treatment.