What is diarrhea?
Contents
Diarrhea, or diarrhea, usually manifests itself as frequent and loose stool. This is the result of increased speed. passage of fecal matter through the intestine in combination with reduced absorption of water, nutrients and electrolytes. Diarrhea is not a disease, but rather, is a symptom of many other diseases. There are many causes of diarrhea. It may arise as single case, or may be periodic and accompanied other symptoms.
How to detect diarrhea in a cat?
If a well-trained cat suddenly begins to do its “thing” in unexpected places in the apartment or around the house, then diarrhea will be obvious. However, if the cat continues to use the tray for the toilet, or defecate outside, then you can initially do not notice diarrhea. In long-haired breeds, staining and contamination wool in the back of the body is often associated with diarrhea. Important remember that some variation in the consistency of stools in cats is normal. Changes in diet may lead to temporary chair changes. However, if loose or semi-liquid stools persists for more than two days, then you must consult with your veterinarian. If your cat appears and other symptoms of the disease, then do not wait and contact immediately to the vet.
What are the causes of diarrhea?
Diarrhea is not a disease in itself, but it can be a clinical sign of many other problems and diseases. Most often it is the result of some degree of inflammation of one or several sections of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Gastrointestinal tract is a continuous system along which food moves from the mouth and to the anus. Bacteria, viruses, coccidia and other helminths, either non-infectious irritants such as chemical poisons or poisonous plants are the most common causes of inflammation. Allergies to certain foods may also cause diarrhea. in the diet of a cat.
How to determine the cause of diarrhea?
It is important to inform the veterinarian about a detailed medical history. IN ideally, before you seek veterinary care, you should write a medical history in chronological order. Describe problem in as much detail as possible, starting from the day you first noticed diarrhea. Pay attention to any changes in normal life of your cat and your family. How often does chair? What is the color, texture and smell of the stool? Does the cat have any other symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy or weight loss?
Your vet may ask you to take a sample fresh stool. In addition to a thorough examination, he can recommend additional diagnostics. In mild cases of diarrhea diagnostics may be delayed, unless initial treatment failed or condition worsened. Advanced diagnostics may include blood tests, stool tests for parasites, radiographs and endoscopic study.
How to treat diarrhea?
Initially, non-specific an approach. For adult healthy cats, a veterinarian can advise abstinence from food for 24 hours (make sure the cat has constant access to clean and fresh water), then you should gradually begin to give the pet easily digestible food. Your veterinarian may recommend special feeds or soft recipes homemade dishes such as boiled rice with skinless boiled chicken. IN in some cases, antidiarrheal agents may be prescribed. Acute diarrhea, as a rule, is easy enough conservative treatment when the body copes with a problem by yourself. When the stool returns to its normal consistency, you can gradually switch to a normal diet, initially mixed with boiled rice and (or) boiled chicken.
If improvements are minor or changes within two or three days at all, if the cat does not drink water or if its health worsens, then you should inform the vet as much as possible faster. Your cat may need more aggressive treatment, based on the results of in-depth diagnostics. Fluid loss and dehydration is one of the most serious aspects severe or prolonged diarrhea. If, in addition, the cat vomiting is present, then dehydration can progress rapidly. In case of severe dehydration, the cat may need intravenous or subcutaneous fluid infusion.
Can I use antidiarrheal drugs to people?
Some of the drugs recommended for humans may be very dangerous for cats, therefore use only such preparations after consultation with a veterinarian. Preparations containing acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) or acetaminophen (tylenol) extremely poisonous to cats.
The cat has chronic diarrhea. Will she feel better?
Chronic diarrhea lasting more than two to three weeks may be more difficult to diagnose and treat effectively. Even extensive diagnosis and treatment do not always provide the final solution. However, in most cases, careful diagnosis, treatment with topical drugs and adjustment cats ’diet may lead to successful control or complete getting rid of diarrhea.
