Pet Health > Hairball Question >

Ask Your Pet Question. Pet Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Pet Question?)

I think my cat is trying to release a hairball..But her attitude has changed dramatically. It seems her stomach really hurts and she isnt active at all.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $5

Hairballs don't cause pain and lethargy unless they are stuck and causing obstruction in the gi tract. Your cat needs a vet ASAP.

Dr.V

Dr. D.A. Vamvakias
Veterinarian

Reply to Dr. Vamvakias's Post: My cat has been vomiting all morning and now seems very lethargic. Earlier was very unsettled and as of right now is just sitting in the sunlight with her eyes closed. She is usually very active and outgoing. I thought it may have been a hairball since she is shedding again. We gave her some hairball treatment and since then has not vomited. Is there anything I can do for her or what else should I be looking for.

You can continue to watch her today, but I would take her into a vet first thing in the morning. I feel like you may have more of a problem so ...for now just keep an eye on her.

Dr.V

Dr. D.A. Vamvakias
Veterinarian

Reply to Dr. Vamvakias's Post: I took her to the vet. They took some zrays of her and they showed nothing. The vet said that their might be some infection in her somewhere that is causing all the pain..they gave me clavamox.. I gave some to her today...As of right now she is still all sprawled out over the chair and vomiting a yellow color ..She still isnt eating or drinking. I did notice hair in her vomit. What should i be looking for here. The vet is now closed. Thanks Dr. V you have been a great big help and comfort.

Well, I guess my concern is that a hairball doesn't show up on an xray.

Did they think she was stable?? with not drinking and eating? and vomiting? Did they give her a shot?
Where did she exhibit pain during the exam?

Dr.V

Dr. D.A. Vamvakias
Veterinarian

Reply to Dr. Vamvakias's Post: No the hairball did not show up. I told him it might be a hairball problem and he dismissed that theory and sent us on our way with clavamox. When kittie and I arrivied at the vet she was very active and walked around and meowed. He said he was not so concerned with her not eating as he was with the not drinking. At that point no show was given or no blood was taken...Only an xray wad done and everything looked fine. When I got home she vomited shortly and didnt seem to hold down the clavamox. I was then instructed to hold off on the meds and try to give her some water. I just did that and I am waiting to see if she can keep that in.

You may want to give her 1/2 tsp of maalox. She has got so much acid in her stomach...see if she can hold that down.

BTW clavamox without food can also cause vomiting.

Dr.V

Dr. D.A. Vamvakias
Veterinarian

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 Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer 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 Just Answer! 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. Just Answer! 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.

Just Answer! > Pet Health

Related Answers