Colonic Ulcer in Cats

While the condition is rare in cats, it’s important to visit your veterinarian if your cat exhibits signs of colonic ulcer. If your cat refuses to eat, acts lethargic, or is suffering from diarrhea or other gastrointestinal distress, consult with your veterinarian immediately. 

Colonic ulcers are wounds in the lining of the colon, that often cause gastrointestinal distress. These ulcers involve the inflammation of histiocytes, which are large white blood cells residing in the cat’s connective tissue. The cells are essential in keeping the cat’s immune system functioning. 

Gastrointestinal distress is a hallmark of colonic ulcer in cats, but other ailments may be present. Some of these symptoms include: 

• Frequent defecation or urge to defecate
• Bloody diarrhea with mucous 
• Weight loss
• Lethargy and general weakness
• Anemia caused by chronic bleeding
• Refusing to eat 
• Fever
• Vomiting with or without blood
• Rapid heart rate

The exact cause of colonic ulcer in cats is unknown. A cat that is suffering from gastrointestinal distress should be examined by a veterinarian, who can help determine the cause of the illness. Here are some risk factors for colonic ulcer: 

• Stress
• Gender (females are more likely to develop colonic ulcer than males)
• Medications, such as aspirin
• Tumors 
• Kidney or liver failure

When you visit your veterinarian, he or she will rule out any other causes for the cat’s gastrointestinal issues. Inform the veterinarian about how long these symptoms have occurred, and whether they are changing or intensifying. Your vet may ask questions about the frequency of the cat’s bowel movements and whether or not blood was present.

Symptoms of colonic ulcer often overlap with those of other illnesses, so your veterinarian likely will utilize a differential diagnosis approach. This involves deeper analysis of the cat’s outward symptoms, narrowing down the causes until a diagnosis is reached. 

Your veterinarian will determine whether the colonic ulcers are caused by infection, parasites, or allergies. The examination will also rule out other disorders, including cancer of the glands, colonic polyps, and irritable bowel syndrome. Fecal samples and bacterial cultures are used to check for pathogens in the cat’s intestinal system. 

In many cases, your cat will require an endoscopy to examine the large intestine. This procedure involves a solid or flexible scope that is inserted into the rectum. Due to the invasiveness of the procedure, colon exams are typically administered under general anesthesia.

The endoscopy may reveal overt ulceration, thick areas of mucous, granulation tissue, or a shrinking of the intestine. Patchy red foci (known as pinpoint ulcerations) may also be found. 

Multiple specimens may need to be collected before a diagnosis is rendered. Following the endoscopy, your veterinarian will advise you on the cause of the colonic ulcers and the recommended treatment. 

After diagnosis of colonic ulcer, your veterinarian may hospitalize your cat if it is dehydrated from diarrhea and vomiting. Treatment will vary depending on the cause of the ulcer. If the ulcer is caused by tumors, they will be treated before the ulcer. Additional biopsies may be required if your veterinarian suspects cancer is present.

Colonic ulcers caused by medications are treated by a simple switch of your cat’s prescription. Be sure to visit your veterinarian regularly to monitor your cat’s progress with its new medication. 

Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and antimicrobials to treat the ulcers. A change in diet also may be recommended, which typically involves incorporating fermentable fiber into the cat’s meals. 

Depending on the severity of the condition, your cat may require ongoing antibiotic therapy to combat the ulcers. Ultimately, the goal is to determine why the ulcer appeared and find ways to either control it or eliminate it altogether. Ongoing ulcer medication can help reduce stomach acidity and support ulcer healing. 

At-home treatment usually lasts from six to eight weeks and involves feeding the cat a bland diet. This could include a small serving of cottage cheese and rice, or chicken and rice. Your veterinarian also may recommend prescription food that meets your cat’s dietary needs. 

Ulcers should be monitored regularly with endoscopy, ensuring that no other ulcer development has taken place. If the ulcers do not respond to medication, your veterinarian may recommend a biopsy of the small intestine. Cats suffering from colonic ulcers and benign stomach tumors typically have a good prognosis. However, ulcers associated with gastric carcinoma or kidney failure usually have a poor prognosis.