[su_dropcap style="flat" size="3" class="green-drop-cap"]Q.[/su_dropcap]I have a 14-year-old male cat who I suspect is developing inflammatory bowel disease. I have used alternative approaches for him in the past, and took him to an alternative vet. However, an alternative vet is not as readily accessible where I am currently living. I would like some general information about the condition and possibly some ideas on how to best handle it in an older cat.
[su_dropcap style="flat" size="3" class="green-drop-cap"]A.[/su_dropcap]A full discussion of IBD is beyond the scope of this column. In my experience, it has reached epidemic proportions. I feel there is a link to over or unnecessary vaccination. We have been quite successful in treating this illness using alternative modalities, even in many cases where conventional treatment failed. Most of the products I use in treatment are in my book in the section for diarrhea. Incidentally, although onions are reportedly toxic to cats, I have never witnessed a problem with adding one slice of leek to a pot of the potato diet listed there. But if in doubt, leave it out.
Note: Read this article covering IBD in cats and dogs, and how holistic approaches can help.