Genetic Changes linked to IBD

[denice]

I have read from several sources that there are specific genetic changes linked to IBD in humans.  There seems to be such a large increase in IBD in kitties, of course that could be related to better vet care which means cases are diagnosed that weren't diagnosed 20 years ago.  Have some of those same type of genetic changes been found in kitties?

 

[profleslielyons]

Howdy,

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is what we call a complex disease.  We know that the environment and the genetics of the person both interplay and contribute to having the condition.  Environment can be stress and also poor diet.  Cats now eat a lot of commercial diets, which many are well balance, but none mimic the natural diet of a cat very well.  We have found some genes that play a major part in bowel diseases in humans, these have not yet been investigated in cats.  Likely, some will contribute.  Increases in IBD in cats could be due to better diagnosis, but also more cats being only indoors only, therefore eating only commercial diets.  When cats go outside, I bet many augment their diets with rodents, birds, bugs and lizards - like they should be eating.