Cyclical nature of IBD Flares

[denice]

I have seen in multiple places that giardia left untreated for an extended period of time can cause IBD.
The only thing about an active infection in a multi cat households you would think that all cats would develop IBD.

 

[ldg]

I have seen in multiple places that giardia left untreated for an extended period of time can cause IBD.

Well, any untreated parasitic or bacterial infection can. And even treating a bacterial infection can - without replacing the healthy bacteria. Gut dysbiosis has been definitively linked as a precipitating factor in the development of IBD in humans, there's every reason to believe the same is true for cats. I can't tell you how many cats I've seen develop seemingly un-resolvable diarrhea from being administered clavamox. Whether the condition of thickened intestines existed before, we don't necessarily know.

In fact, the thinking about the use of antibiotics unless "absolutely necessary" (however that gets defined ) is being seriously questioned. It is beginning to look like antibiotic administration permanently alters the gut bacteria.

http://www.wired.com/2011/08/killing-beneficial-bacteria/

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/01/h...ink-between-antibiotics-and-obesity.html?_r=0

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110824131547.htm

The only thing about an active infection in a multi cat households you would think that all cats would develop IBD.

Hmmmm...... why? The cats do not necessarily have the same genes; they will each have different immune system function, etc. Parasites and/or bacteria *can* be a precipitating factor in IBD - but an untreated, chronic infection does not by definition mean a cat will develop IBD.