Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) in Cats

What Is Feline Dysphagia?

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing, and it can be a distressing condition for both cats and their owners. If you notice your cat having trouble swallowing, it's essential to understand that this symptom could point to a wide range of underlying issues—some minor, others potentially serious. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving your cat’s quality of life and preventing complications like malnutrition or aspiration pneumonia.

Recognizing Dysphagia in Cats

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, so spotting dysphagia can be tricky. However, common signs include:

• Excessive drooling, sometimes tinged with blood
• Gagging or retching
• Repeated attempts to swallow without success
• Food falling from the mouth or collecting on one side
• Coughing or regurgitating food
• Weight loss despite a normal appetite
• Pain or sensitivity around the mouth, head, or neck
• Foul odor from the mouth or nasal discharge
• Signs of muscle weakness elsewhere in the body

If your cat is having trouble swallowing, these symptoms should prompt an immediate visit to the veterinarian.

Causes of Swallowing Difficulties

Dysphagia can result from a variety of conditions, including:

• Neurological disorders affecting cranial nerves
• Trauma to the jaw, tongue, or mouth
• Inflammatory conditions like glossitis, gingivitis, or stomatitis
• Dental disease or abscesses
• Foreign objects lodged in the throat or mouth
• Tumors, cysts, or masses obstructing the pharynx
• Cricopharyngeal achalasia (a swallowing coordination disorder)
• Rare toxicities such as rabies or botulism

Each cause requires a different approach to treatment, making accurate diagnosis crucial.

Diagnostic Approach

Veterinarians use a combination of physical exams and diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause of dysphagia:

• Oral examination under sedation
• Bloodwork (CBC, biochemical profile, urinalysis)
• X-rays of the head, neck, and chest
• Ultrasound or endoscopy of the throat
• Barium swallow studies to observe swallowing mechanics
• Biopsies of abnormal growths
• Hormonal testing for conditions like hyperthyroidism
• Electrodiagnostic tests for nerve and muscle function

These tests help determine whether your cat having trouble swallowing is dealing with a localized issue or a systemic disease.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

Supportive Care

• Nutritional support: Soft or liquefied diets, elevated feeding positions, or feeding tubes may be necessary.
• Antibiotics: Used to treat or prevent secondary infections.
• Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications: Especially if inflammation is present.

Specific Treatments

• Surgery: To correct fractures, remove foreign bodies, or excise tumors.
• Dental care: Extraction of diseased teeth and treatment of oral infections.
• Hormonal therapy: For conditions like hyperthyroidism.
• Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation in the mouth and throat

Home Care and Recovery

Caring for a cat with dysphagia at home requires patience and consistency. Follow your vet’s instructions closely, including:

• Administering medications on schedule
• Feeding your cat in a way that minimizes discomfort
• Monitoring for signs of improvement or worsening symptoms

Recovery can take time, especially if nerve or muscle damage is involved. With proper care, many cats regain their ability to eat and swallow normally.