 Vomiting
Vomiting is defined as the forceful ejection of
gastric and occasionally, proximal small intestine content through the mouth.
Most cats will very occasionally vomit.
Because humans hate to vomit we assume that the same applies to our pets. The concern is
not the act of vomiting but the frequency and the potential cause.
How the disease works in the body
Vomiting occurs under the control of a series of
complex activities originating in the vomit center of the brain and a chemical receptor in
the heart. Between them they recognize stimuli from elsewhere in the body which triggers
gastric and diaphragmatic contraction leading to vomiting. Many animals will have
increased salivation indicating nausea prior to vomiting.
Owner's assessment
The importance of the owner's assessment is to
determine the importance of the symptom and whether it warrants professional help by
visiting the veterinarian or whether home care and nursing will suffice. The following
symptoms should be noted?
- How often does your pet vomit? Weekly, daily,
hourly?
- How long has it been vomiting for? One hour, one
day, one week?
- How is your pet? Is it bright, dull, collapsed?
- Are there other symptoms? Diarrhoea, inappetance,
incontinence?
Unfortunately only experience, common sense and
professional knowledge can give you all the answers but the general rule is that if the
vomiting is only occasional, of recent duration and if your pet is reasonably bright, then
probably there is not too much to worry about and, vice versa.
Causes of Vomiting
There are too many causes of vomiting to list here.
However the article will look at a few of the more interesting causes and solutions.
- Fur balls in the cat is probably the most common
cause. See the Health advice Furballs and Constipation
- Swallowed 'foreign bodies'. This can be anything
from an undigested mouse to a sewing needles in the cat. Many smaller foreign bodies
will cause initial vomiting but then pass on their own accord. However, they occasionally
become lodged and become a surgical emergency. If your pet is vomiting regularly (several
times per day) and NOT passing faeces, there is a potential intestinal blockage and you
should visit your veterinarian.
- Parasitism is divided into Roundworm and Tapeworm
categories. The former is often incriminated in causing partial intestinal blockages,
especially in kittens. If you have not wormed your cat in the past 3 months it may be
worth doing so with Endorid and Droncit. We suggest
that you read the article on Roundworms and Tapeworms
- Dietary problems are a common cause of vomiting
whether they are primary (over eating, gorging, too rich, too fatty food) or secondary to
some other cause of vomiting (such as a gastric infection). If your cat has a delicate
stomach we would suggest a low fat, easily digested, medium protein diet fed in several
small portions over the day. Hills d/d Feline Diet or Hills Feline i/d Diet are
very effective.
- Metabolic diseases such as kidney disease, liver
disease, sepsis, changes in mineral balance can all lead to vomiting. They usually present
with other symptoms as well and will need veterinary attention.
- Poisons. It depends on the type of poison. If known
consult your vet.
- Infections of the stomach (gastritis) often also
effect the upper intestine so that your pet may also present with diarrhoea. Certain
infections such as Salmonella may also affect yourself. Use gloves when handling vomit and
faeces and wash well afterwards with an antiseptic solution. Most infections are self
limiting after a couple of days when the bodies immunity overcomes the bacteria or virus.
- Gastric ulcers and stomach tumours are rare in cats.
However if your pet vomits blood on several occasions and / or black, tar like faeces
(digested blood is present) are passed we would recommend a rapid trip to the vet.
- Certain intestinal conditions such as colitis may
cause vomiting. Other symptoms such as mucoid, diarrhoea will also be present.
Treatment for vomiting
Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms.
If your cat is reasonably bright, passing faeces and vomiting just a couple of times per
week then home nursing may be all that is required.
Starve for 24 hours
Keep in the house for 3 days with
a litter tray to evaluate faeces and to prevent eating elswhere.
Remove water and offer Lectade to
prevent dehydration. In the first 24 hours this should be given at the rate of 5 to 10ml
every half hour by mouth. If too much is given at once, vomiting will reoccur. This can be
continued on an ad lib basis for a further 3 days along with bottled water as required
Change to a low fat, low fibre,
medium protein diet such as Hills Feline i/d for a minimum for three days or if a dietary
sensitivity / allergy is suspected Hills Feline d/d Feed
4 small feeds daily.
Worm your pet with tapeworm
Droncit and roundworm tablets Endorid
If vomiting persists for more
than 48 hours seek veterinary attention.
We would advise that you
keep several sachets of lectade in your pet's 'First Aid Kit' at all times. |
- All rights reserved