STRATEGIES TO BATTLE FELINE IBD

By Anita Greenberg,DVM. member of Old Bridge Township Council since 2016

Chronic vomiting or diarrhea may signal that your cat has inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. These frequent bouts of an irritated and inflamed gastrointestinal tract occur most often in middle-aged and older cats.

If the stomach is the primary site, the condition is called gastritis. If the small intestine is inflamed, it is referred to as enteritis. And if the site is the large intestine, it is called colitis. The clinical signs of IBD can mimic that of other disorders, making diagnosis challenging without a fairly thorough work-up.

Common signs of feline IBD include vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, bloody stool, lethargy and decreased appetite.

Inflammation of the stomach and small intestine in the cat may cause chronic vomiting. While, inflammation in the colon will likely lead to chronic diarrhea.

Making a diagnosis of feline IBD requires an extreme work-up, starting with baseline blood work, fecal exam, x-rays and an ultrasound. B vitamins - B12 and folate - are measured in the bloodstream, as IBD hinders the absorption of these vitamins from the gastrointestinal [GI] tract. A hypoallergenic food trial may also be conducted if food allergies are suspected.

To achieve a definitive diagnosis of IBD, an intestinal or gastric biopsy is necessary, either by endoscopy or exploratory surgery.

Treatment involves suppression of the inflammatory response in the GI tract by using prescription diets and immuno-suppressive drugs. Hypoallergenic diets use a protein source new to the cat. Hydrolyzed diets are those in which the proteins are in fragments so small that they are not detected by the immune system, preventing it from overreacting.

Metronidazole is used for its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-protozoal properties.

Prebiotics and probiotics promote good bacterial populations in the GI tract, establishing good GI health. Supplementing with folate or vitamin B12 is recommended.

Although IBD is not curable, it can be controlled so that affected cats can live a comfortable life. Keeping the disease in check requires strict compliance with dietary and medical therapies.

Sobfd Fire Fighter Of The Month Rob Bell

Ward Gribben has been a South Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Company member since December 2014 and is the current Captain of Engine Company #2. In his first nine years of active service with the company, he has responded to thousands of calls and completed Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Incident Level 3 Certification, all at the Middlesex County Fire Academy.

At 16, Captain Gribben started his firefighting career with his father at Robertsville Fire Company in Marlboro, NJ. After a long break, he decided to rejoin a fire company.

In the upcoming months, he plans to attend courses at the National Fire Academy located in Maryland. Later in

Run, which honors the lives of the 343 FDNY firefighters, law enforcement officers, and thousands of civilians who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. He is currently a manager for Lowe’s Home Improvement, Marlboro. In his spare time, he can be found at the gym, his local camping site, or walking along the Keyport Waterfront.

National Police Week is celebrated on whatever week May 15 falls in, under President Kennedy’s decree to honor the men and women who risk their lives every day in the line of duty. This year it takes place from May 15th to 21st.

One of the most important parts of National Police Week is to dedicate some time for police officers to honor their fallen colleagues, make sure those surviving them are supported, as well as to remember their commitment to keeping people safe. In years past, members of Old Bridge PBA Local 127 have participated in the Police Unity Tour. The Unity Tour is a 4-day bicycle ride which starts in New Jersey and ends in Washington D.C. The purpose of the ride is to raise awareness of those law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Citizens and civilians can also celebrate the day by showing some love and gratitude to the policemen around them. National Police Week is all about honor, gratitude, remembrance, servitude, and peer support.

Two ways citizens can observe National Police Week are, hold a vigil for the fallen. You can attend the official you can’t make it down to D.C., you can organize a memorial service or vigil of your own or simply light a candle in honor of the fallen police officers you know. Secondly, appreciate a local police officer. Police work can sometimes be a thankless job. You can take some time out during National Police Week to appreciate your favorite local police officer. Find out how you could help out, whether it is by giving them a meal during a long night shift or just writing a thoughtful note to keep them going.

The members of Old Bridge PBA Local 127 are always grateful for the support they receive from all members of the community.

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$18.50 per person

Starting At (min. 25 People)

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COLD BUFFET

Starting At (min. 15 People) $9.50 per person

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Starting At (min. 20 People)

$16.95 per person

Choice of Chicken Cacciatore, Sausage Peppers & Onions, Eggplant Rollatini, Stuffed Shells, Chicken Francaise, Chicken Marsala, Shrimp Scampi, Sliced Roast Beef with Mushroom Gravy, Barbeque Ribs, Pepper Steak, Tortellini with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce & Much More!

Choice of Homemade Italian Bread or Rolls, Green Tossed Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Package Includes: Sterno , Chafing Dishes And Free Cookie Tray

9-5

$339.99

(Feeds 18-20)

Choice of 1 (Full Tray)

Chicken Parmigiana

Chicken Francaise

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Modena

Choice of 3 (Full Tray)

Italian Meatballs

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Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Tortellini & Broccoli

Chicken Meatballs

Penne Vodka • Lasagna

Sausage & Peppers

Broccoli & Garlic

Eggplant Parmigiana

Roasted Potatoes

Baked Ziti • Stuffed Shells

Roasted Vegetables

Choice of 1

Garden Salad

Caesar Salad

Mixed Baby Green

Italian Bread or Rolls, And Sternos included