Additionally, corticosteroids may stimulate the appetite and enhance intestinal sodium and water absorption. Oral prednisone is the corticosteroid used most frequently because of its short duration of action and availability in appropriate tablet sizes. If necessary, injectable corticosteroid therapy can be used in cats that are too difficult to medicate orally or if vomiting and malabsorption is severe. Antibiotics, such as metronidazole or tylosin, can be helpful when combinations of dietary management and corticosteroid therapy have failed to adequately control the disease. Side effects to metronidazole therapy are uncommon at low dosages, but loss of appetite and vomiting may occur.
Excessive salivation is a common reaction of cats after receiving the pill.
This is probably a response to the unpleasant taste of the medication. If none of these medications successfully control the signs, more potent immunosuppressive drugs may be necessary, but they necessitate closer monitoring by your veterinarian. It is rarely possible to cure inflammatory bowel disease, but most cases can be satisfactorily controlled by medication and dietary management. Relapses can occur if the treatment regimen is not followed completely. Top of Page Prepared by the Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York 14853-6401.