Chronic Enteropathy in Cats

Chronic enteropathy (CE) is a common and clinically important cause of persistent or recurrent gastrointestinal signs in cats. It is characterised by chronic vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, altered appetite, or combinations of these signs, typically persisting for at least three weeks. Feline CE encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders, including food-responsive enteropathy, inflammatory enteropathy, and intestinal neoplasia, particularly low-grade alimentary lymphoma. The pathogenesis is multifactorial and involves complex interactions between the intestinal microbiota, dietary antigens, mucosal barrier function, and host immune responses. Clinical differentiation between inflammatory enteropathy and small-cell lymphoma can be challenging because clinical signs, laboratory abnormalities, ultrasonographic findings, and even histopathological features may overlap. Therefore, a systematic diagnostic approach is essential. The lecture centers on the evaluation of the patient, including laboratory investigations and diagnostic imaging, and therapy. Nutritional intervention remains a cornerstone of management. The lecture will also discuss dietary trials and current knowledge on supplements, e.g. probiotis and prebiotics, as part of the CE management.