Understanding How Vets Treat Gastritis in Cats
Gastritis, or the inflammation of the stomach lining, is a common condition in cats that can manifest as either acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-lasting or recurring). Prompt veterinary treatment is crucial to ensure a cat's quick recovery and to prevent complications. Here's a comprehensive guide on how veterinarians diagnose and treat gastritis in feline patients.
Symptoms of Gastritis in Cats
- Vomiting (with or without food, bile, or blood)
- Decreased appetite or anorexia
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Lethargy and weakness
- Weight loss and dehydration
- Black, tarry stools (melena)
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling or lip licking
- Behavioral changes like hiding
- Fever in some cases
Common Causes of Gastritis
- Dietary indiscretion: Eating spoiled food or non-food items
- Toxin ingestion: Exposure to cleaning agents, plants, or antifreeze
- Drug sensitivity: Reaction to antibiotics or NSAIDs
- Infections: Parasitic, bacterial, or viral causes
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Hairballs or foreign bodies
- Underlying diseases: Such as kidney or liver disease, IBD, pancreatitis, or tumors
- Stress and anxiety
- Unknown/Idiopathic causes
Diagnostic Approach by Veterinarians
When diagnosing gastritis, vets take the following steps:
- Thorough physical examination
- Review of medical history and diet
- Bloodwork to assess infection, organ function, and dehydration
- Urinalysis and fecal panels to check for parasites and infection
- Abdominal X-rays and/or ultrasound
- Endoscopy and sometimes gastric biopsies
- Allergy testing if food sensitivities are suspected
Veterinary Treatment Options
The treatment plan depends on whether the gastritis is acute or chronic, and any identified underlying causes. Treatment may include:
For Mild-to-Moderate Acute Gastritis
- Withholding food for 8–24 hours, while offering fresh water
- Feeding a bland diet (such as plain chicken and rice or prescribed GI diets)
- Gradual reintroduction of the regular diet
- Probiotic supplements
- Anti-nausea medications (antiemetics)
- Stomach-protecting medications (e.g., sucralfate)
- Acid reducers like famotidine or omeprazole
- Pain medications if needed
For Severe or Chronic Gastritis
- Intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous fluids to correct dehydration
- Advanced diagnostics to identify infections, obstructions, or disease
- Endoscopic or surgical removal of foreign bodies
- Anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive drugs for IBD-related gastritis
- Appropriate antibiotics if bacterial infection is confirmed
- Special diets (hypoallergenic or novel protein diets)
When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Attention
Owners should contact a vet right away if their cat:
- Vomit repeatedly over 24 hours
- Has blood or 'coffee ground' material in the vomit
- Is lethargic, weak, or refuses to eat or drink
- Is a kitten, senior, or has pre-existing health issues
- Shows signs of severe abdominal pain
Preventing Gastritis in Cats
- Feed a consistent, high-quality diet
- Avoid sudden food changes
- Prevent access to toxins and foreign items
- Provide regular parasite prevention
- Manage and reduce stress
- Groom long-haired cats regularly to reduce hairballs
Long-Term Management and Prognosis
Most acute gastritis cases resolve within 1 to 3 days with proper care. Chronic gastritis might require ongoing dietary management, medications, and regular vet check-ups. When associated with underlying conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, or cancer, the focus shifts to managing those diseases alongside gastritis treatment.
Prognosis is generally good for acute gastritis. The outlook for chronic cases depends on the underlying cause and the response to treatment.
