Gastroenteritis
Cats vomit a lot: hairballs, nondigestible remnants f a mouse carcass, parts of houseplants show up in most inappropriate places. Certain brands or flavors of foods induce vomiting (or diarrhea) in some cats. This could be from an abrupt change in diet disrupting the normal "ecology" of the gastrointestinal system, or from one of the main ingredients, preservatives, additives, or dyes used in some pet foods. Unlike dogs, cats don't often eat inanimate objects like socks or small toys, but they do raid the trash and eat rancid chicken bones and other leftovers if they're hungry enough. And cats do not ask for a health certificate before devouring a bird. If the cats caught it, it might have been too sick to escape.
Episodes of diarrhea are a little more difficult to discover unless the cat uses a litterbox. Defecation in inappropriate places or fecal soiling of the fur around the anus are two signs if direct observation is not possible. Any of the above cause of vomiting can also cause diarrhea alone or in conjunction with vomiting. Intestinal parasites, bacteria, or viruses cause these signs in young animals with immature immune system.
Acute minor vomiting and diarrhea can escalate. Botulism or other food or chemical poisoning can cause kidney or liver failure, and both include vomiting and diarrhea as part of the clinical picture. The stomack or intestines can leak or rupture if a bone becomes lodged. Heavy parasite infections, and viral and bacterial diseases in kittens can begin suddenly and progress to gastroenteritis, severe dehydration, and rapid decline.
Acute minor cases can become chronic. It's important to take note of vomiting and diarrhea and watch for inexplainable episodes that signal a potential problem. Diabetes and hyperthyroidism are examples of serious illnesses that may initially begin with intermittent low-grade gastroenteritis.
Most acute cases of vomiting and diarrhea are minor and self-limiting; they resolve on their own without treatment. These cats act fairly normally, avoid food for a day or so, or may continue to eat.
Causes of severe or chronic gastroenteritis are detrmined based on the history of the illness, physical examination and blood, urine and fecal analysis. Treatment depends upon the causes. This can include drugs, surgery, and supportive care. Dietary management is almost always an important part of treatment. The cat with an upset stomach does this on his own when he stops eating for a day. Dietary management usually means withholding food and/or water so the gastrointestinal tract can rest and begin to heal. It also means feeding highly digestible, carbohydrate-based diet with a single source high-quality protein, low in fat and low to moderate in the amount of fiber. Some diarrheas respond to higher fiber diets than others. Both homecooked and prescription diets are used.
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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