My pet was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Could you explain it to me?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic, often life-long, abnormality in the lower digestive tract affecting both dogs and cats. Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and weakness. A proper diagnosis requires an intestinal biopsy. Without the biopsy, a doctor may suspect Inflammatory Bowel Disease by ruling out other causes of chronic diarrhea. Other diseases and similar symptoms include parasites and food allergies. These can be investigated by fecal analyses and special diets. Treatment of IBD includes restricted diets, supplements, and steroids. Since long-term steroid medication may result in other problems, physical examinations and bloodwork are performed semi-annually.

Sterling Sigmond, D.V.M.