Feline triad disease is characterized by the presence of three diseases in your cat. These diseases include inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and feline pancreatitis. Inflammatory cells spread to the pancreas, stomach, liver, or intestines and amass in large numbers. This condition normally occurs in middle-aged and senior cats.

Symptoms

The three diseases that constitute feline triad disease share a few common symptoms. They include diarrhea, weight loss, poor appetite, and vomiting. Other possible symptoms include breathing difficulty and loss of coordination while walking. You may notice that most of the symptoms come and go, but will get worse over time.

Diagnosis

The first steps to diagnose this disease usually involve stool and blood tests. This will help the veterinarian determine how well the liver is functioning. Some cats with feline triad disease also have jaundice and an enlarged liver. Other methods of diagnosis include a biopsy, abdominal x-ray, and abdominal ultrasound.

Treatment

Like most other diseases, feline triad disease is best treated in its early stages. Methods of treatment include antibiotics, fluids, and medications to suppress the immune system. Also, your cat may benefit from switching to a special diet. In some cases, the veterinarian may choose to use potassium and pancreatic enzyme supplements to treat your cat.

Prognosis

This disease normally affects middle-aged and older cats. Older cats with feline triad disease have a worse prognosis than their younger counterparts. However, with appropriate treatments, your cat can live comfortably for the time he has left. You will need to keep an eye on your cat’s weight and his appetite to determine how the disease is progressing. Also, some cat’s experience behavioral changes, so you will need to monitor that also.