You are viewing the article How to Diagnose the Cause of Your Cat’s Abdominal Distension at Thptlaihoa.edu.vn you can quickly access the necessary information in the table of contents of the article below.
Abdominal distension in cats can be worrisome for pet owners, as it can be a sign of an underlying health issue. A swollen belly can range from mild to severe, and it is important to diagnose the cause to ensure proper treatment and care for your furry friend. In this guide, we will explore the various factors that can contribute to abdominal distension in cats and discuss how to diagnose the underlying cause. By understanding the possible reasons behind your cat’s swollen belly, you can take the necessary steps to help improve their well-being and ensure a happy and healthy life.
This article was co-written by Deanne Pawlisch, CVT, MA. Deanne Pawlisch is a Certified Veterinary Technician specializing in corporate veterinary training in Illinois. She has been a board member of the Veterinary and Urgent Care Foundation in San Tonio, Texas since 2011. She holds a Master’s degree in Anthropology from Northern Illinois University.
There are 7 references cited in this article that you can see at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 64,392 times.
Abdominal distention is an underlying symptom of many medical conditions in cats. This can happen quickly or gradually over time. However, regardless of how quickly or slowly the condition progresses, you should treat it as a potentially serious condition and try to get a diagnosis as early as possible. By observing your cat, consulting with your veterinarian, and considering possible medical conditions, you can increase your chances of an accurate diagnosis.
Steps
Consider possible causes
![Image titled Diagnose the Cause of a Swplen Abdomen in Cats Step 1](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/07/Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-1-Version-2.jpg)
- eat home cooked food.
- fed on vegetarian food.
- lack of vitamin E, copper, zinc and potassium.
- Eat foods rich in vegetable oils.
![Image titled Diagnose the Cause of a Swplen Abdomen in Cats Step 2](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e2/Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-2-Version-2.jpg)
- Consult your veterinarian and/or the nutritional information on the cat food packaging. [1] XResearch Source
- You can use a cat health chart to determine if your cat is overweight, such as the one here: https://www.wsava.org/sites/default/files/Body %20condition%20score%20chart%20cats.pdf.
![Image titled Diagnose the Cause of a Swplen Abdomen in Cats Step 3](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7a/Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-3-Version-2.jpg)
- FIP can be diagnosed with blood tests to check levels of liver enzymes, bilirubin, and globulin. [2] XResearch Source
- Wet FIP can be diagnosed by testing a sample of peritoneal fluid.
![Image titled Diagnose the Cause of a Swplen Abdomen in Cats Step 4](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/32/Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-4-Version-2.jpg)
- Metritis, which is an infection of the reproductive organs in female cats. Cats with metritis often show signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, or frequent urination.
- Worm infection. The most common symptom of worm infection in cats is the appearance of rice-like particles in the cat’s feces or around the anus. [3] XResearch Sources
![Image titled Diagnose the Cause of a Swplen Abdomen in Cats Step 5](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f9/Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-5-Version-2.jpg)
![Image titled Diagnose the Cause of a Swplen Abdomen in Cats Step 6](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/65/Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-6-Version-2.jpg)
- If you suspect your cat has digestive or metabolic problems, you may want to take your cat to the vet for blood tests to help confirm or rule out these conditions. [5] XResearch Sources
Seek help from a veterinarian
![Image titled Diagnose the Cause of a Swplen Abdomen in Cats Step 7](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b4/Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-7-Version-2.jpg)
- Your cat quickly swells up overnight or over several days.
- Cats have a bloated belly over a period of weeks or months.
![Image titled Diagnose the Cause of a Swplen Abdomen in Cats Step 8](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/81/Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-8-Version-2.jpg)
- eat less.
- eat more.
- absolutely no interest in eating.
- vomiting after eating.
- Just switched to another food. [6] XResearch Source
![Image titled Diagnose the Cause of a Swplen Abdomen in Cats Step 9](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/98/Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-9-Version-2.jpg)
- Blood tests can provide information about your cat’s immune system. If the cat has an infection, such as metritis, the number of white blood cells in the cat’s blood will be elevated. [7] XResearch Sources
![Image titled Diagnose the Cause of a Swplen Abdomen in Cats Step 10](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8b/Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Diagnose-the-Cause-of-a-Swplen-Abdomen-in-Cats-Step-10-Version-2.jpg)
- X-ray. X-ray tests can help your doctor identify cancerous tumors or infected organs.
- Supersonic. Ultrasound can provide doctors with a wealth of information and help rule out or confirm a diagnosis of cancer. In addition, this method also tells the doctor if there is fluid accumulation in or around the abdominal cavity.
- Biopsy. If a tumor or infection is identified in your cat’s abdomen, your veterinarian may have to take a biopsy sample. [8] XResearch Sources
This article was co-written by Deanne Pawlisch, CVT, MA. Deanne Pawlisch is a Certified Veterinary Technician specializing in corporate veterinary training in Illinois. She has been a board member of the Veterinary and Urgent Care Foundation in San Tonio, Texas since 2011. She holds a Master’s degree in Anthropology from Northern Illinois University.
There are 7 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 64,392 times.
Abdominal distention is an underlying symptom of many medical conditions in cats. This can happen quickly or gradually over time. However, regardless of how quickly or slowly the condition progresses, you should treat it as a potentially serious condition and try to get a diagnosis as early as possible. By observing your cat, consulting with your veterinarian, and considering possible medical conditions, you can increase your chances of an accurate diagnosis.
In conclusion, diagnosing the cause of a cat’s abdominal distension requires careful observation, analysis, and veterinary expertise. It is essential for cat owners to be attentive to any changes or abnormalities in their pet’s behavior or appearance. By examining the cat’s medical history, conducting a physical examination, and potentially ordering additional diagnostic tests, veterinarians can identify potential causes such as weight gain, fluid accumulation, organ enlargement, or tumors. Remember, prompt evaluation and treatment are crucial in addressing abdominal distension, as some underlying conditions can be life-threatening if left untreated. It is always recommended to consult with a veterinarian to ensure the best possible care for a cat experiencing abdominal distension.
Thank you for reading this post How to Diagnose the Cause of Your Cat’s Abdominal Distension at Thptlaihoa.edu.vn You can comment, see more related articles below and hope to help you with interesting information.
Related Search:
1. Common causes of abdominal distension in cats
2. Symptoms and signs of abdominal distension in cats
3. How to perform a physical examination on a cat with abdominal distension
4. Diagnostic tests for identifying the cause of abdominal distension in cats
5. What imaging techniques can help diagnose the cause of abdominal distension in cats
6. How to differentiate between fluid accumulation and organ enlargement in a cat’s abdomen
7. Possible gastrointestinal causes of abdominal distension in cats
8. Common metabolic disorders associated with abdominal distension in cats
9. How to assess for signs of internal bleeding in a cat with abdominal distension
10. When to seek veterinary assistance for a cat with abdominal distension