Kitten with ongoing diarrhoea for months despite treatments

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Amenie222 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

We’re currently at a bit of a dead end. Our British Shorthair kitten, who we’ve had since December and is now 8 months old, has very soft or liquid stools. We’ve had several tests done; he originally had Giardia, which we treated and double-checked several times, and he’s now clear of parasites. We also gradually switched his diet to hypoallergenic dry food and he’s had various treatments for the diarrhoea, but nothing has worked. On his ultrasound, they noticed liver inflammation and enlarged lymph nodes in his digestive tract. We followed up with a course of steroids, but still no improvement... what do we do now? We’ve done all the blood tests and tried every treatment, but nothing seems to help.

Has anyone else been in this situation? Is there anything else we can do? A lymph node biopsy has been suggested, but my cat is otherwise in great shape, has a good appetite, and is putting on weight.

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    Passionchat88 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, I understand how exhausted you must be with this situation. You've already done so much and it’s really draining when nothing seems to work despite all your efforts. Regarding the lymph node biopsy, I’d encourage you not to hesitate too much. I know it’s a scary step, especially when your cat seems fine otherwise, but it’s often the only way to get a definite diagnosis for this kind of persistent inflammation. Liver inflammation combined with mesenteric lymph node issues can point towards several conditions like feline triaditis or low-grade lymphoma, and only a biopsy can give you a definitive answer. The fact that he’s in great shape, eating well and putting on weight is reassuring in terms of him being able to handle the procedure. Plus, an accurate diagnosis will finally allow you to get a properly tailored treatment instead of continuing with the guesswork. Have you seen a veterinary internal medicine specialist who focuses on gastroenterology? Complex cases like this sometimes need a specialist’s perspective beyond what a general practice vet can offer. Hang in there, you’re really doing everything you can for him.
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    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hello,

    Your situation is really difficult, and I can understand why you're so worried after so many tests and trials without any improvement.

    The fact that he remains in good health overall (appetite, weight gain) is reassuring nonetheless, even if the persistent diarrhoea is obviously not normal.

    After a bout of Giardia, some cats continue to have digestive issues due to a disruption in their gut flora, but usually, you eventually see some improvement.

    If everything has already been explored (tests, diet, treatments), a biopsy is generally the next logical step: it allows for a precise diagnosis and for the treatment to be tailored properly.

    The fact that he seems well doesn't rule out an underlying chronic condition, but it does mean you have the time to calmly consider the next steps.

    Perhaps seeking an opinion from an internal medicine specialist, if you haven't already, might also help you move forward.

    Best of luck,

    Maëlla

    Translated from French

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