Inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and cats: Authors' observations

The aim of the study is to present our observations related to the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs and cats based on clinical cases. Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of diseases characterized by chronic and/or recurring gastrointestinal signs of unknown cause. The etiology of inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and cats is not fully understood. The disease can be caused by genetic factors, abnormal reactions of the immune system, damage to the protective barrier of the mucosa, and environmental factors. Symptoms of IBD are not very characteristic, and the "gold standard" in its diagnosis is endoscopy combined with the collection of mucosa specimens for histopathological examination. The treatment of IBD may involve the use of glucocorticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, probiotics, and vitamins. Appropriate diet therapy is also important.