As our beloved cats and dogs enter their senior years, we might occasionally brush off a bout of vomiting or a change in bowel habits as a minor digestive hiccup. However, if you’ve noticed your older cat vomiting more frequently than usual, or your dog is experiencing persistent loose stools, unexplained weight loss in older cat/dog, or has become increasingly finicky with their food, it’s crucial to consider that these could be signs of a more significant underlying issue – IBD in senior pets (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).
IBD in senior pets is a chronic condition involving inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This persistent inflammation disrupts the normal functioning of the gut, leading to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms such as recurrent vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and even poor absorption of essential nutrients from their food. Sadly, in some older cats, long-standing, untreated IBD in senior pets has the potential to progress into a type of gut cancer, highlighting the importance of early detection and management.
Our Approach to Diagnosing IBD in Senior Pets
At Summer Hill Village Vet, we understand that these subtle changes can be easily overlooked. That’s why our dedicated team takes any digestive concerns in senior pets very seriously. During every senior health check, we’ll ask you detailed questions about your pet’s eating habits, bowel movements, and any instances of chronic vomiting in pets. If we suspect that something isn’t quite right, we have several diagnostic tools at our disposal, which may include:
- A comprehensive abdominal ultrasound for pets to visualise the internal organs.
- Targeted blood tests to look for inflammatory markers and other indicators.
- A therapeutic dietary trial for pets with a specially formulated diet to assess if food sensitivities are contributing to the issue.
We are adept at diagnosing IBD in dogs/cats. In many cases at Summer Hill Village Vet, we can often suspect and initiate a treatment plan for IBD in senior pets without the need for highly invasive procedures. However, for more complex cases or when a definitive diagnosis requires it, we also have established relationships with trusted referral specialists who can perform advanced diagnostics like endoscopy and biopsy – offering your pet the same level of sophisticated care available in human medicine.
Why Early Intervention Matters for IBD in Senior Pets
The key to effectively treating IBD in pets and preventing potential long-term complications is early detection. So, if your pet is experiencing vomiting on a weekly basis (not just the occasional hairball or dietary indiscretion), if you’ve noticed a concerning drop in their weight, or if their litter box or outdoor toileting habits have changed significantly, please don’t simply attribute it to old age.
The team at Summer Hill Village Vet is here to help you get to the bottom of these issues. As a leading vet for IBD in Sydney, specifically for the Inner West, we encourage you to book a senior health check for your beloved cat or dog today. Let us partner with you to identify any potential signs of IBD in senior pets early, ensuring they receive the timely care and support they need for a healthier and more comfortable life.
