Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
to humans or other species.When possible, an exact cause for vomiting
should be determined.
Other Causes of Vomiting
A cat who is vomiting and is unable to hold down food and water can
get dehydrated and feel quite poorly. If you have a cat with these symp-
toms, have him checked out as soon as possible. A veterinarian may
want to treat the cat with fluids to improve hydration and also use other
injectable medications. Injecting the medications will ensure that they
get into the cat's system, rather than being vomited up.
Although blood tests are not very specific when it comes to diag-
nosing gastrointestinal disease, your veterinarian should perform them
nonetheless. Other diagnostic tests that may be needed include:
• Fecal exam
•X rays
•
Abdominal ultrasound
•
Barium upper GI series
•
Endoscopy
•
Abdominal exploratory surgery
•
Biopsy of the stomach and intestines
•
Hypoallergenic food trial
Veterinary medicine is quite advanced with diagnostic options.
Depending on where you live, some of these tests are readily available.
Tests that use high-tech equipment tend to cost more money but are
very effective at reaching a diagnosis.
What Is a Foreign Body?
A foreign body is an inanimate object a cat swallows and cannot digest.
Any time a cat eats something other than his food, veterinarians call it
dietary indiscretion. Cats may ingest plants, strings, cat toys, holiday
decorations and even pieces of shoes and clothing.
We think of cats as being picky and extremely discriminating. So
how is it that they willingly swallow inanimate objects that can lodge
in their intestines? The answer to the question of dietary indiscretion is
a mystery. It could be cats' hunting and stalking behavior gets the best
