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Question

I've inherited two elderly cats, approx. 14-16 yrs., from an incapacitated relative so don't know who has been their vet. I've had them for 5 days. The one vomits several times a day. I remember him telling me some time ago that she has a chronic condition. The vomitus looks mostly thin, watery (bileish) although sometimes not. It seems to happen some hours after eating, not right away. They also don't seem to urinate or eliminate much, so wonder if that's related or just coincidence or age given don't eat alot in any case. I know cats do vomit, but this is obviously chronic. I'm wondering whether this is 1. known condition to elderly cats which can be diagnosed 2. if diagnosed can be treated with medication 3. certain foods help/exacerbate 4. danger related to lack of nutrition or kidney issues associated. They are both very thin but seem pretty spry, can jump up on bed for example.

Submitted: 109 days and 4 hours ago.
Category: Cat
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Pet's Sex: Female
Pet's Age: >12

Already Tried:
upgrading wet food to Candidae brand (w/out corn, wheat, soy etc.), not overfeeding. Not sure how much to give them given age & petite size, have only had them a few days and I know this has been chronic issue for her for sometime. Missing enzyme or something....

Posted by CriticalCareVet 109 days and 4 hours ago.

Info Request

Hi there,

Do you think that the cats, although thin - eat well?

Drink more than you would expect?

Diarrhea?

109 days and 4 hours ago.

Reply

I haven't seen diarrhea, just the one cat w/vomiting like clockwork a few hours after eating. The wet food goes, but I can't tell if they're both eating the same amount-- I've seen her eat a little and not been around enough to observe after it's first put down. They don't seem to drink much water. Her sister seems fine. Their owner had said she had some condition, just can't remember now or track down which vet. She sleeps a little more than the more active one not vomiting but doesn't seem listless. Their fur not horrible, not great.

Posted by CriticalCareVet 109 days and 4 hours ago.

Answer

Hi there,

Using your history - whenever I have an owner present to me with a case similar to what you write I discuss that there are a certain group of disease processes which tend to be more likely when there are chronic signs such as this in older cats.

Possibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid)
- Diabetes
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Disease
- etc.

With this information - the first step to evaluate underlying causes in older cats that are thin and have GI signs (notably vomiting) would be basic bloodwork. We need to look into specific values including:
- Kidney
- Glucose
- Thyroid
- Liver
- etc.

If those tests are non diagnostic - meaning they do not show an answer as to what is going on -
the next test would then be an abdominal ultrasound.

Based on the examination and the tests above - either specific treatment or supportive treatment recommendations can be made.

With that said - what would I be looking into with the ultrasound. Of course it would be part of a thorough evaluation - but notably I would be looking to see if there was evidence of intestinal thickening due to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

IBD is common in middle aged to older cats - as they commonly are thin, and have chronic vomiting (or diarrhea)

In these cases - we then target the cause - the hypersensitivity to the food - changing their food to either a hydrolyzed protein diet or a novel protein diet.

Other common treatments for cats with IBD including medications such as metronidazole (an antibiotic) and even a steroid (prednisone)

I hope this information helps! Please let me know if you have other questions!
_____________________________________________________________________
Please click "ACCEPT" if the information I have provided has been of help so I receive credit for my work. Bonuses are always welcome and Feedback is appreciated. Thank you.

The above is given for information only. Although I am a licensed veterinarian, I cannot legally prescribe medicines or diagnose your pet's condition without performing a physical exam. If you have concerns about your pet I would highly advise contacting your regular veterinarian.

109 days and 4 hours ago.

Reply

What's hydrolyzed protein diet or novel protein diet? specific description if not brands helpful (i.e. ground beef, no shredded chicken).

Posted by CriticalCareVet 109 days and 4 hours ago.

Answer

Hi there,

A hydrolyzed protein such as Hill's Z/D or Purina HA is a protein that is chopped up so small that the body can not recognize it.

A novel protein is a protein that the body has never seen before such as IVD Rabbit and Potato or Duck and Potato.

The problem with IBD is that the body is allergic to common proteins such as liver, chicken and beef - so these are proteins that need to either be manufactured by the company to be broken down so small that the body can not microscopically recognize them (as in the hydrolyzed diet) or avoided completely as in the novel protein diet.
_____________________________________________________________________
Please click "ACCEPT" if the information I have provided has been of help so I receive credit for my work. Bonuses are always welcome and Feedback is appreciated. Thank you.

The above is given for information only. Although I am a licensed veterinarian, I cannot legally prescribe medicines or diagnose your pet's condition without performing a physical exam. If you have concerns about your pet I would highly advise contacting your regular veterinarian.

109 days and 3 hours ago.

Reply

Thank you very much! very useful. I have a feeling that it is IBD and will try food switch first.

Accepted Answer

You are very welcome!
_____________________________________________________________________
Please click "ACCEPT" if the information I have provided has been of help so I receive credit for my work. Bonuses are always welcome and Feedback is appreciated. Thank you.

The above is given for information only. Although I am a licensed veterinarian, I cannot legally prescribe medicines or diagnose your pet's condition without performing a physical exam. If you have concerns about your pet I would highly advise contacting your regular veterinarian.

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Expert: CriticalCareVet
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 8/5/2009

Critical Care Veterinarian

Emergency and Critical Care Specialist

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