Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
WHAT'S A BIOPSY?
Endoscopic biopsies are obtained by passing a fiber optic endoscope
into the GI tract of an anesthetized cat.The scope enters the
mouth, goes down the esophagus, enters the stomach and then
passes into the intestines. Along the way all of the tissues can be
examined and little bits of the tissue of the linings can be removed
(called pinch biopsies).This diagnostic test is limited to the lining of
the tubular GI tract, and it cannot tell you about the outer layers,
lymph nodes, liver or pancreas.
There are risks and benefits to the different methods of obtain-
ing biopsies. Needle biopsies do not require exploratory surgery,
but they only provide a small number of cells for analysis. Surgical
biopsies provide many cells and are more likely to confirm a diag-
nosis, but they are obtained in a more invasive manner. During
exploratory surgery, though, tissues are visualized, palpated and
more thoroughly assessed.
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition in cats that can cause
diarrhea and/or vomiting. A diagnosis can only be confirmed by a
biopsy, which can reveal an abnormal infiltration of inflammatory cells
into the lining of the stomach and/or intestines. Biopsies can be
obtained through endoscopy or surgery.
When other causes of GI disease have been eliminated, IBD
becomes a more likely diagnosis, although its specific cause is rarely
found. Researchers think the bowel inflammation results from a sensi-
tivity to proteins in the diet and an abnormal immune response. This
same inflammatory response can affect the liver and pancreas of cats.
When IBD, cholangiohepatitis and pancreatitis are all diagnosed in the
same cat, it is called triad disease.
Cats affected with IBD vomit and/or have diarrhea. It is typically a
disease of middle-aged to older cats, but it can affect young cats, too. It
is always best to make a definitive diagnosis of IBD through biopsy but
in some situations this may not be possible.
Treatment for IBD may include special diets, supplements, antibi-
otics, cortisone and other anti-inflammatory drugs. IBD is a condition
that cannot be cured, but can be managed.
