Feline IBD vs. Lymphoma: The Diagnostic Tightrope

Dr. Rosemary Stolzer, DVMFelinePre-RACE approval · credit hours set at approval

Chronic vomiting with weight loss in a middle-aged cat is one of the most common presentations in feline practice — and one of the most diagnostically consequential. Inflammatory bowel disease and low-grade alimentary lymphoma share nearly identical clinical signs, laboratory findings, and ultrasonographic features, yet require fundamentally different treatment approaches. Follow Mochi, an 11-year-old DSH, from initial presentation through full-thickness biopsy, IHC, and PARR clonality testing to a confirmed diagnosis and personalized treatment protocol.

Learning Objectives

  • 1Distinguish inflammatory bowel disease from low-grade alimentary lymphoma using the integrated diagnostic triad of histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and PARR clonality testing
  • 2Interpret ultrasonographic muscularis propria thickening as a discriminating feature between IBD and LGAL and apply the evidence regarding endoscopic versus full-thickness biopsy selection
  • 3Design a treatment protocol for low-grade T-cell alimentary lymphoma using chlorambucil and prednisolone, including dosing, taper schedule, and CBC monitoring for myelosuppression
  • 4Apply evidence-based integrative therapies — novel protein diets, cobalamin supplementation, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids — as adjuncts to conventional therapy for feline chronic enteropathy
  • 5Identify clinical and ultrasonographic warning signs of high-grade lymphoma transformation and establish an appropriate long-term monitoring schedule for cats in clinical remission

Course Syllabus

  1. 1
    The Cat That Won't Stop Vomiting — Meet MochiPreview

    module-1-opening-case

    Coming soon

    8 min
  2. 2
    The IBD–Lymphoma Continuum — Why the Line Is Blurred

    module-2-pathophysiology

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    9 min
  3. 3
    The Diagnostic Toolkit — From Blood to Biopsy

    module-3-diagnostic-workup

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    10 min
  4. 4
    Conventional Treatment — Immunosuppression and Chemotherapy

    module-4-conventional-treatment

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    9 min
  5. 5
    Integrative Approaches — Beyond the Prescription Pad

    module-5-integrative-medicine

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    8 min
  6. 6
    Mochi's Resolution — Treatment Response, Monitoring, and Clinical Takeaways

    module-6-case-resolution

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    7 min

Final Assessment

10 questions · Passing score: 70%

Complete all course modules to unlock the assessment. Upon passing, your certificate of completion will be generated automatically.