Chronic Diarrhea in a Cat: A Journey with Lilly
This condition, while relatively uncommon, is deeply challenging not only for the cat but also for the caregiver. Unfortunately, it became clear to me that even experienced veterinarians often lack the specialized knowledge required to manage such cases effectively. If you are facing a similar challenge, be prepared to take the lead in your pet's care—it is a difficult road, but not without hope.
Lilly’s Story
Since my mom had been a breeder, we felt lucky that a breeding cat was now up for adoption after her cat sadly passed away. The new breeder sold her to us to be a therapy cat for my ailing mother. Lilly into our lives in September 2017, only to discover that she was already 9.5 years old. Lilly was no ordinary cat—she was a quadruple European champion and the recipient of four "Cat of the Show" awards from various countries. She had even appeared on the television show Absolutely Fabulous with Joanna Lumley, though we’ve yet to track down the episode!
However, when Lilly arrived, she was far from glamorous. She was smelly, distressed, and suffering from a severe bout of diarrhea. Her condition worsened as we learned she also had feline herpesvirus (FHV). While we eventually received this diagnosis from the third veterinarian we consulted, it took seven long years before we were told she also had inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
At first, we attributed her diarrhea to the stress of traveling—she had been flown in a large box from Johannesburg. Yet as time passed, it became clear this was a chronic issue. Despite countless consultations and treatments, including expensive diets, deworming protocols, and various medications, nothing worked. The first six veterinarians we consulted provided inconsistent, misleading, or outright incorrect advice, leaving us disheartened and frustrated. They charged full fees despite their lack of solutions, which added insult to injury.
The Turning Point
Finally, we met a locum veterinarian who was knowledgeable and open-minded. She suggested Lilly might have IBD, a complex condition involving chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and referred us to Dr. Adi, a compassionate and skilled vet who had previously saved a cat abandoned because of this very disease. Dr. Adi’s expertise marked a turning point in Lilly’s treatment and our journey.
Managing IBD in cats is no small feat. Most veterinarians begin with the basics: dietary adjustments and deworming. If these fail, the next step often involves comprehensive blood tests and a costly intestinal biopsy, which can confirm the diagnosis. However, these procedures can be financially and emotionally taxing for pet owners, especially when the cat’s quality of life is already compromised.
In our case, after weighing the costs and Lilly’s deteriorating condition, we opted to bypass the biopsy and proceed directly with treatment. This approach was controversial, as most veterinarians advocate for a definitive diagnosis before starting aggressive treatments. However, Dr. Adi agreed to try strong medications to save Lilly’s life.
Lilly’s treatment regimen included Vitamin B injections, high-dose corticosteroids, and chemotherapy using chlorambucil (Leukeran). To our relief, after three months—shorter than the anticipated five to six months—we began to see significant improvements. Lilly’s stools became firmer, her absorption improved, and she began to thrive.
Today, Lilly is a healthy, happy cat who requires lifelong cortisone therapy. While managing IBD is an ongoing commitment, the transformation in her quality of life has been nothing short of miraculous.
Reflections
Lilly’s journey has been a lesson in perseverance, advocacy, and the importance of finding the right veterinary support. Chronic diarrhea and IBD in cats are challenging conditions that require patience, determination, and sometimes unconventional solutions. My advice to others facing similar struggles is to trust your instincts, seek out knowledgeable professionals, and never hesitate to ask questions or explore alternative options.
If you are dealing with a cat suffering from chronic diarrhea, know that there is hope. With the right care and treatment, even the most severe cases can improve dramatically.
For those interested in learning more about IBD in cats, I recommend reading this comprehensive academic resource: https://www.vin.com/doc/?id=3846200.