FELINE VET NEEDED - Spayed female - Age 4, recently developed

Ask Your Pet Question. Pet Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Pet Question?)

FELINE VET NEEDED - Spayed female - Age 4, recently developed liquid stool; has been checked for worms, parasites - all negative but prescribed Flagyl as a preventive measure. Yesterday began vomiting all food - taken to vet and diagnosed with heart murmur. To be rechecked in 3 months - put on bland diet - vomited within 20 minutes of eating. Stool has not improved since beginning treatment 48 - 72 hours ago. Does not appear lethargic, acting normal except for the chronic vomiting and liquid stool. Has been fed corn-free diet for quite some time. This is a personal friend and I'm at a loss as to what to advise at this point. We are attempting laxatone, since this girl is prone to huge hairballs, thinking there may be some obstruction from that; however, the diarrhea is the most concerning thing since no change with meds, she is now concerned about possible dehydration although this girl is able to hold down water.

Optional Information:
Age: 4; Female; Breed: Ragdoll; Feline

Already Tried:
Flagyl; fasting; bland diet; vet check x 2/p>

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $15

Heart murmurs in cats often indicate Cardiomyopathy. Is there any fluid in her chest, coughing, shortness of breath, etc.? That needs to be checked with a chest X-ray. A barium X-ray of the intestines may also be needed here to see if there is an obstruction anywhere or if the bowel is thickened.

There is a condition called Inflammatory Bowel Disease that shows up as you are describing. The treatment is very high dose prednisone to decrease the swelling in the bowel. We also use high fiber diets for these kitties. Ask the vet if that is a possibility.

I would not let the cat have anything to eat for 12 hours and I would give her a shot of metoclopramide to increase movememnt of liquids out of the stomach into the bowel.

Respond if you need more information or if my answer didn't exactly answer your question. If I have been helpful, please ACCEPT the answer and please LEAVE FEEDBACK!!

Dr. Louis Gotthelf
Animal Hospital of Montgomery
Pet Skin and Ear Clinic

Reply to dr4pets's Post: Thank you -- I am highly suspicious of HCM from prior history of other cats from this particular breeder. I'm certain her owner will have her scanned in the future although she is asymptomatic at this time. I will pass the other information on as well. One last question - based on the fact a murmur has been discovered, although HCM has not been diagnosed at this point, would you advise any preventative measures, such as lasix, elaipril, etc. or does she wait until symptoms develope? MY biggest worry is the history of saddle thrombosis with this particular breed and HCM histories that we've seen, and if there is something that she could do to possibly prevent that from happening, I think that would be helpful. I know she is also concerned about the diarrhea. Is it common for IBD to suddenly develop in a mature cat-literally overnite?

Please Press ACCEPT if my answer helped solve your problem.
Lori McLaughlin
Your veterinarian should ALWAYS be consulted first and foremost when your pet's welfare is at stake.

For HCM cats 1 baby aspirin twice weekly is recommended for prevention of blood clots. I would not recommend any heart medicine or diuretics until the X-ray, echo, and ECG are done.

IBD can be a fast onset disease. We think that there is an allergic component so if the cat gets into something that makes the gut swell up, that can be acute onset.

Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Pet

Feline Vet Requested - Uncontrolled Diarrhea, Vomiting, Heart Murmr

Related Answers