Stomach and Intestinal Inflammation in Cats

Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis in Cats

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis in cats is an inflammatory condition of the stomach and intestines. The name of the disease is derived from the fact that lining of the stomach and intestines is infiltrated with a specific type of white blood cell known as an eosinophil.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this condition affects dogs, please visit this page in the petMD health library.

Symptoms and Types

In cats, hypereosinophilic syndrome may involve not only the stomach and intestines but also the liver, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands and heart. Symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea – feces may be bloody or dark in color
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss

Causes

• Parasites
• Immune-mediated – may be associated with food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease or with adverse drug reactions
• Systemic mastocytosis (a disorder involving mast cell infiltration of body tissues)
• Hypereosinophilic syndrome
• Eosinophilic leukemia
• Eosinophilic granuloma
• Idiopathic eosinophilic gastroenteritis (cause unknown)

Diagnosis

In order to confirm the diagnosis a veterinarian will typically examine your cat's feces for parasites. In many cases, deworming with a broad spectrum deworming product is used to help rule out parasites as well. Routine blood testing (including a complete blood cell count and blood chemistry profile) and urinalysis may also be performed to check for abnormalities in organ function and blood cells.

Imaging such as radiographs (X-rays) and abdominal ultrasonography may be used to examine the intestinal tract more thoroughly, while dietary trials may be performed to diagnose food allergies or hypersensitivities.

Definitive diagnosis is made by collecting samples of the stomach and intestines for biopsy via endoscopy or exploratory surgery. If your veterinarian suspects idiopathic eosinophilic gastroenteritis, diagnosis is attained by ruling out other causes.

Treatment

If an underlying cause is discovered, it is important that it be treated first. Parasites, for instance, are treated with an appropriate dewormer. Food allergies and hypersensitivities are controlled with an appropriate diet.

In cases where protein is lost from the intestines, special fluid products known as colloids may be required. Dehydration, meanwhile, must be corrected with fluid therapy.

Steroids such as prednisone or prednisolone are frequently used in treatment of eosinophilic gastroenteritis in cats. Other medications that may be necessary include anti-emetics to control vomiting and nausea.