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  • 1.  Need help with vomiting cat

    Posted 10-14-2022 08:49 AM
    Hi,

    I have an issue with my 14-year-old cat which numerous vets don't seem to able to help with.

    She has always been a cat prone to vomiting. She vomits her food from time-to-time, but it was never enough to cause alarm. A few months ago she began doing what I can only describe as projectile vomiting. There is a marked difference between this and the regular vomiting, both in the amount and in the manner in which she does it.

    The regular vomiting is preceded by the usual rhythmic bodily heaving before her undigested food comes out. But the projectile vomiting is quicker when it comes, preceded by what sounds like a coughing sound. And then there is a torrent of liquid, with some food but not a great deal. The force of it is quite alarming.

    She has had a number of blood tests and visits with three different vets (we were on the road for a while with her). It was suggested that she has pancreatitis, although our current vet disputes that, while being unable to offer an alternative view. Whatever the issue is it has begun to get worse. Where she was having these bouts of projectile vomiting once every few weeks, we are now at once every few days.

    Has anyone else ever experienced this problem? Were you given a diagnosis? Any ideas or suggestions would be gratefully received. Thanks.
    #PetSupportServices*

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    Richard Lamb
    Web Designer
    Inspired Lamb Design
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  • 2.  RE: Need help with vomiting cat

    Posted 10-14-2022 10:15 AM
    Hi Richard,


    I'm sorry for what you've been experiencing with your cat, it sounds very frustrating and must be very uncomfortable for her.  Is she losing weight? Given that her condition is worsening, I would definitely be bringing her in for further evaluation and testing.  When general practice veterinarians aren't able to determine an underlying cause for a problem, we either do further testing/evaluation or refer pets to specialist. An internal medicine specialist would be most appropriate for your cat. You can ask your vet for a referral or find one here: https://www.vetspecialists.com/    It sounds like your cat could be regurgitating and not vomiting, if you're not seeing the abdominal contractions/retching before it happens.  However, the coughing may be a form of retching. This is an important distinction for your vet - here's an article about vomiting vs. regurgitation. 

    Good luck and please let us know how she is doing!

    Sheila

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    Sheila Segurson, DVM
    Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
    Director of Outreach and Research
    Maddie's Fund
    9258608284
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  • 3.  RE: Need help with vomiting cat

    Posted 10-14-2022 02:35 PM
    Thank you so much for your response and advice, Sheila. There is a definite distinction in the behavior between the regurgitation, which we are used to, and the vomiting, which is far more violent and sudden. Our vet has recommended a change of diet and an ultrasound, which we will be following up with.

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    Richard Lamb
    Web Designer
    Inspired Lamb Design
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