Vomiting in Cats

Vomiting in Cats

By: Dr. Debra Primovic

Section: Overview

Diagnosis

Optimal therapy of any serious or persistent medical condition depends on establishing the correct diagnosis. There are numerous potential causes of vomiting and before any treatment can be recommended, it is important to identify the underlying cause. Initial therapy should be aimed at the underlying cause. Tests may include:

  • Complete medical history and physical examination, including abdominal palpation. Medical history will most likely include questions regarding the following: vaccination history; diet; appetite; general health; character of vomitus (frequency, progression, presence of blood duration of vomiting); weight loss; past medical problems; medication history and presence of other gastrointestinal signs (such as diarrhea).

  • Your veterinarian may recommend a number of laboratory tests.
    These can include a complete blood count (CBC), a serum biochemical panel, and a urinalysis.

  • Fecal examination (to determine presence of parasites or blood).

  • Plain radiography (X-rays) or contrast X-rays (X-rays performed with a contrast material such as barium or aqueous iodine), can help to determine the cause of the vomiting.

  • Ultrasonography is an imaging technique that allows visualization of abdominal structures by recording reflection (or echo's).

  • Endoscopy – may be useful to diagnosis or remove certain foreign bodies that are in the stomach. Endoscopy can also be used for examination of the stomach and a portion of the intestine (and potentially obtain biopsies of abnormal areas).

  • Laparotomy - This is an exploratory surgery that involves the looking into the abdomen for evaluation of abnormalities.

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