Colitis in cats - causes, symptoms and treatment

One of the most common diseases of the digestive system in cats is colitis. Its development can be triggered by various factors, but the main thing is to provide timely assistance to the pet in order to avoid the development of serious consequences. To learn how to determine colitis in a cat and whether this disease can be treated, see below.

Read in this article:

Colitis - what is it? Forms of the disease: how does it occur in cats? Causes of colitis in cats Signs of inflammation Complications – why is the disease dangerous? How to determine colitis? Prognosis Treatment of colitis in cats Diet for inflammation of the large intestine Prevention of colitis: recommendations from a veterinarian

Forms of the disease: how does it occur in cats?

Acute colitis . Most often it is provoked by poor-quality food or a sharp change in diet (for example, a transition from natural food to industrial food). Symptoms of acute colitis increase very quickly - within 2-3 hours. There are bouts of vomiting, loss of appetite or complete refusal to eat, and a lethargic and painful state of the pet.

Chronic colitis . Often the causes of chronic colitis cannot be determined. Such an inflammatory process, the symptoms of which develop over a long period of time (for example, several days or even weeks), is called idiopathic. Treatment for chronic colitis usually includes a special diet high in fiber. The disease itself is long-lasting and difficult to treat.

Laryngophangeal reflux and GERD

Although stomach acid is common to both LPR and GERD, many differences exist, making LPR a distinct clinical entity.

A prerequisite for GERD is heartburn, which is reliably observed only in 40% of patients with LPR.
Most patients with GERD have evidence of esophagitis on biopsy, while patients with LPR have evidence of esophagitis in only 25% of cases.
GERD is thought to be a problem of the lower esophageal sphincter and occurs primarily when lying down. In contrast, LPR is seen primarily as a problem of the upper esophageal sphincter, and occurs primarily in an upright position during exercise.
To form LPR, much less acid exposure is required than with GERD.

There are significant differences between the mucous membrane of the esophagus and larynx.

The upper limit of normal for acid reflux into the esophagus is considered to be up to 50 episodes per day, while 4 episodes of reflux into the larynx is no longer considered normal.
In the larynx, unlike the esophagus, which eliminates acid through peristalsis, refluxate persists much longer, causing additional irritation.
The epithelium of the larynx is thin and poorly adapted to combat caustic chemical damage from the same pepsin and acid.

Causes of colitis in cats

The most common cause of colitis in cats is poor quality nutrition. Expired foods, foods from the human table (for example, smoked sausages, sausages, pates, fried, salty or spicy foods) - all this can lead to disruption of the functioning of the digestive system and the development of colitis.

Frequent overeating or lack of a balanced diet in combination with low-quality products can also provoke the development of pathogenic bacterial microflora in the cat’s body, nausea and vomiting, as well as an inflammatory process - colitis.

Other factors that trigger the development of ulcerative colitis in cats include:

drinking raw water
taking prohibited foods (for example, baked goods),
invasive (parasitic) diseases,
problems with metabolism in the animal’s body,
dysbacteriosis (disturbance of microflora),
damage to the intestinal walls (for example, from swallowing small foreign objects or bones).

Another reason that can lead to the development of colitis in pets is stress. They may be associated with a change in place of residence or the appearance of another pet in the house (for example, another cat).

Why does diarrhea occur after taking antibiotics?

The development of complications during antibacterial therapy in the form of diarrhea is associated with a decrease in beneficial microflora, which is involved in a complex of digestive processes:

breakdown and absorption of nutrients from food;
evacuation of the contents of the stomach and intestines;
residual digestion of food;
removal of toxins and metabolic products;
secretion and absorption of water in the intestine;
formation of feces, regulation of their excretion.

Even with standard antibacterial therapy, leading to a slight imbalance, side effects may occur in the form of disruption of intestinal function.

In addition, bacterial infections themselves can contribute to diarrhea, which is the basis for taking antibiotics. The waste products of pathogenic bacteria have a toxic effect, and stool liquefaction may be associated with an increase in body temperature. Antibiotics fight the underlying agent and root cause of the disease, and in many cases they are truly necessary. However, this group of medications can worsen the digestive system.

Signs of inflammation

The first thing that indicates the development of colitis in a cat is acute and frequent diarrhea. Blood clots and mucus are present in the stool. Some cats experience pain during defecation, so they meow loudly. In some cases, animals try to stop defecating, which only provokes the development of constipation.

Other symptoms of colitis in cats:

loss of appetite,
bouts of vomiting,
lethargic state
apathy,
weakness,
refusal to play,
plaintive meow,
lack of response to any calls,
pain when palpating the abdominal area.

With colitis, the condition of cats worsens sharply. In advanced cases, body temperature rises (we remind you that in normal conditions it is 38-39 °C), and the mucous membranes acquire a violet-bluish color. In acute colitis, if you do not contact a veterinarian in a timely manner, severe convulsions are possible.

Diseases of the genitourinary system

The concept of the genitourinary system means the totality of organs that form the urinary and reproductive systems: kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, ovaries, testes, uterus, prostate gland.

Diseases of these organs are usually manifested by a violation of their function and a demonstration of anxiety in the animal. The main specific signs of such pathologies include:

disturbance of normal urination (from frequent to complete absence);
pain when urinating;
hematuria (appearance of red blood cells in the urine);
the presence of mucus and blood on the genitals;
frequent licking of the genitals;
increased thirst;
abdominal pain (pain in the abdomen).

Among the most common diseases that can manifest themselves in this way, it is worth noting kidney disease (acute and chronic renal failure), urolithiasis, inflammation of the bladder (idiopathic and infectious cystitis), inflammation of the urethra, inflammation of the uterus - endometritis.

If the above symptoms are detected, you should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible to receive qualified advice, carry out the necessary diagnostics (ultrasound, blood and urine tests) and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Controlling the animal’s fluid intake in this situation can be considered not only prevention, but also, to a certain extent, treatment. Sufficient saturation of the body with water helps to improve urine production and reduce symptoms. To maintain a cat's sufficient fluid intake, a combined type of feeding is best, which involves the daily use of dry and wet food. The use of wet food in this case helps to increase the level of moisture consumed.

The most effective ways to prevent diseases of the genitourinary system also include compliance with feeding standards. Thus, the diet must be balanced with macro- and microelements and contain sufficient amounts of vitamins and essential amino acids. These standards are fully met by Purina® PRO PLAN® cat food. Feeding cats complete Purina® PRO PLAN® diets has been proven to help maintain normal urine acidity and prevent the formation of urolithiasis. If you feed your animal non-commercial food and prepare it yourself, you should seek the advice of a professional veterinary nutritionist.

Complications – why is the disease dangerous?

If you do not respond to changes in your pet’s condition and do not seek veterinary help, colitis can lead to serious consequences - intoxication of the cat’s body. Toxins affect the functioning of all internal organs, including the liver and kidneys. The functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted, the pet completely refuses to eat, and the absorption of vitamins and nutrients worsens. All this leads to exhaustion, dehydration, and in severe cases, death.

To prevent complications, contact a veterinary clinic in a timely manner - doctors will examine your pet and prescribe effective treatment to fully restore the animal’s body!

Prognosis for cats with VKD

Inflammatory bowel disease can only be controlled, not cured. Usually the prognosis in cases of severe illness is poor.

Be patient with the form of treatment suggested by your veterinarian and strictly adhere to the recommendations. Control depends on the correct selection of diet, dosages of medications, careful monitoring by the veterinarian and owner, and the absence of other concomitant diseases.

(c) Veterinary center for the treatment and rehabilitation of animals “Zoostatus”. Varshavskoe highway, 125 building 1. tel.
8 (499) 372-27-37

How to determine colitis?

Only a veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis. If you notice signs of inflammation or other changes in your cat's behavior, take her to a veterinary clinic immediately. We strongly do not recommend doing treatment yourself - this can lead to serious and irreversible consequences for the animal’s health.

To make an accurate diagnosis, the veterinarian palpates the abdominal area, interviews the cat’s owner, and also prescribes tests:

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity,
stool analysis,
general and clinical blood tests,
biopsy,
endoscopic examination of the large intestine.

The veterinarian not only makes a diagnosis, but also prescribes treatment taking into account the characteristics of the pet’s condition.

Symptomatic treatment

Abdominal pain is not a separate disease. It is a symptom of a disease or pathological condition of the cat. But it will take time to establish the true cause. And I want to help my pet here and now. In this case, information about what methods of eliminating abdominal pain in cats exist will be relevant.

Here are some of them:

Spastic pain can be easily eliminated with the help of antispasmodics.
If the pain is caused by malnutrition or swallowing air, then introducing porridge, thermally processed vegetables and meat, cottage cheese and kefir into the cat’s diet will help.
If abdominal pain is accompanied by diarrhea, you can give your cat absorbent medications. A good folk remedy for diarrhea and abdominal pain is strong rice water. But giving too much of it to your cat is not recommended. If the animal does not want to drink the broth on its own, you can add it to its usual food or pour it into the mouth using a syringe without a needle. A single dose should not exceed a tablespoon.
If abdominal pain occurs, it is important to provide rest to the animal: do not pick up the cat, do not touch the stomach unnecessarily.
If your cat allows you to stroke its abdomen, especially if it is bloated, you can try to alleviate its condition with a gentle massage. To do this, gently stroke the cat's belly using smooth circular movements in a clockwise direction.
If the pain occurs suddenly, experts do not recommend feeding the cat, but immediately show it to a veterinarian. To alleviate the animal's condition, you can apply cold to the stomach.

Treatment of colitis in cats

On the one hand, treatment of colitis is aimed at eliminating the cause that provoked the development of the disease (for example, helminths), and on the other, at restoring the animal’s digestive system. Various methods are used for this, including drug therapy and diet.

Drug therapy involves the use of various drugs (probiotics, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents). Additionally, medications are prescribed that affect intestinal motility and restore its normal functioning.

Most often, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. If necessary, additional methods are used, one of which is anthelmintic treatment of the animal or surgery (prescribed if elimination of ulcerative colitis is required).

Additional treatment methods also include infusion therapy (drip), prescribed for severe dehydration, as well as taking antihistamines if inflammation of the large intestine is caused by an allergic reaction.

Diet for inflammation of the large intestine

For exacerbations of colitis and frequent relapses, it is recommended to use special dietary foods designed to correct digestion. They are available in different brands, but it is best to consult a veterinarian before purchasing. He will tell you which food is best suited in this case.

On a note! If colitis is caused by allergic reactions of the body, then choose hypoallergenic food.

A diet for colitis requires a mandatory refusal of all foods “forbidden” for cats:

sweet, salty, pickled and fried foods,
bones,
nuts,
legumes,
liver,
pork and lamb,
mushrooms,
sausages,
sausages, etc.

Diseases of the skin and coat. Allergic reactions

The skin and fur of cats are a natural barrier that protects the body from the negative effects of environmental factors. In addition to protective, the skin performs thermoregulatory, excretory, and receptor functions. Many metabolic processes take place in the skin, which in one way or another affect the functioning of all body systems. It is not surprising that general ill health and metabolic imbalances often manifest themselves in the form of deterioration in the quality of the skin. The main symptoms of skin and coat pathologies are:

itching The animal becomes restless and constantly scratches itself;
changes in the appearance of certain areas of the skin, rashes, formation of redness, weeping spots, swelling, etc.;
the appearance of a large amount of dandruff and/or sebum;
excessive shedding;
complete loss of hair in certain areas (focal baldness).

These signs can be both symptoms of severe systemic diseases (for example, allergies) and true skin problems, for example, flea or tick infestation, fungal skin infections, injuries and burns.

The treatment that a veterinarian can prescribe for a cat will be mainly aimed at eliminating the root cause of the pathology and relieving symptoms.

Prevention of skin diseases includes regular treatment of the animal for parasites, preventing the cat from coming into contact with caustic substances and dangerous objects, and providing balanced feeding.

Diets suitable for cats with problem skin should have the following characteristics:

sufficient vitamin A and zinc content - promotes better skin regeneration, necessary for collagen synthesis;
high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) – reduces skin inflammation and improves coat quality;
high content of antioxidants (vit. E and vitamin C) – enhances the protection of skin cells from the harmful effects of free radicals;
high protein content to ensure regenerative processes.

The Purina® PRO PLAN® Cat® line of foods are perfectly balanced to provide all body functions, including healthy skin. For animals with problem skin, the Purina® PRO PLAN® Derma Plus® specialized diet is especially suitable. It contains salmon meat as a source of protein, which ensures excellent taste of the food and additionally saturates the diet with polyunsaturated fatty acids. A limited amount of protein sources in the diet reduces its potential allergenicity, which has a beneficial effect on the health of cats with sensitive skin. It has been proven that animals that consume Purina® PRO PLAN® Derma Plus® on an ongoing basis significantly improve the quality of their skin and normalize the molting process.

It is worth noting that manifestations of allergic reactions include not only diseases of the skin and its integument, but also diseases of a variety of organ systems, for example, respiratory, digestive. This means that allergies can also manifest themselves in the form of conjunctivitis, sneezing, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea. A veterinarian will help you identify an allergic disease in a timely manner and prescribe qualified therapy.

Prevention of colitis: recommendations from a veterinarian

The most effective way of prevention is proper nutrition. When creating a diet, use only high quality feed with a balanced composition. If possible, consult a veterinarian - he will tell you what diet you should follow.

Make sure your animal always has access to fresh and clean water. Give him only boiled or at least filtered water - it is better to avoid raw water from the tap. Teach your cat to eat only at home and do not give anything from your table.

Other recommendations to help prevent your cat from developing colitis or other diseases of the digestive system:

carry out deworming in a timely manner;
Vaccinate your cat annually;
adhere to a proper and balanced diet;
make sure that the cat does not pick up anything from the floor or ground (small parts, threads, bones, etc.);
take care of the absence of stress in the life of your furry pet;
Pay attention to any changes in his health.

And most importantly, attend regular checkups at the veterinary clinic!

Dental diseases

The most common dental pathologies in cats include:

periodontal disease is a non-inflammatory disease characterized by the occurrence of degenerative processes in the tissues surrounding the tooth, exposure of the tooth root and increased mobility;
Tartar deposits;
resorptive dental disease - a disease manifested by the appearance of pockets of cavities in the tooth structure;
juvenile gingivitis - inflammation of the gums that occurs during the process of changing teeth and is protracted;
dental injuries: fractures, enamel chips, thermal burns.

Most often, an animal owner may suspect oral diseases by the appearance of bad breath, increased salivation, and bleeding gums.

Treatment of the animal is prescribed by a veterinary dentist after a thorough examination of the oral cavity (most often under anesthesia). Often, therapeutic and diagnostic procedures involve radiography and ultrasonic teeth cleaning.

To prevent oral pathologies, regular brushing of teeth with specialized toothpaste, as well as the use of professional foods that help remove plaque, are recommended. Cats predisposed to plaque formation are recommended to use specialized diets from Purina® PRO PLAN® Dental Plus®. Their unique formula helps prevent the appearance of tartar and reduce plaque formation by up to 40%.

Intestinal parasites

Quite common in kittens. Roundworms and hookworms are the most common intestinal parasites and many kittens become infected with these worms soon after birth, either through the mother's milk or through contact with a contaminated environment. Other parasites such as tapeworms, coccidia and giardia may also be seen. To diagnose intestinal parasites, your veterinarian will examine a sample of your kitten's stool under a microscope and then prescribe a treatment regimen based on the type of parasite.

Author's technique for removing a retroperitoneal tumor

The critical stages of the operation are isolation of the tumor, establishment of its connection with surrounding organs and vital structures, revision and mobilization of the tumor. I always give preference to the laparoscopic approach, which is less traumatic and effective.

A special feature of my laparoscopy technique is the method I developed for installing trocars, which allows me to place surgical instruments at an optimal manipulation angle. Excision of pathological formations in this complex area is thus quick and safe.

During surgery, I also use modern ultrasonic scissors and a device for dosed electrothermal tissue ligation “LigaSure” (USA), which eliminates the need to use surgical threads and clips. The absence of bleeding in the surgical area ensures the safety of the intervention and maximum precision when manipulating the smallest structures. In the case of a primary retroperitoneal tumor and the presence of damage to adjacent structures, radical surgery is performed as a single block. The removed tissues are sent for histological examination, which is important for further treatment and prognosis.

I have been performing laparoscopic interventions since 1997; I have performed more than 200 operations to remove retroperitoneal tumors using laparoscopic access. Any patient who contacts me can count on my knowledge and experience. Based on the examination results, I select treatment tactics in such a way as to achieve the most effective result.

Sawstones in the stomach

This is the name given to hairballs in the stomach, typical of cats. This problem is especially common among owners of long-haired breeds. Wool balls interfere with the normal passage and digestion of food masses and can cause intestinal blockage.

The symptoms are similar to those of gastritis (deterioration of appetite and vomiting are especially characteristic). In mild cases, Vaseline oil helps remove fur from the stomach, but surgery is often necessary.

We care about your health

Diseases of the large intestine do not always manifest themselves clearly and clearly. More often than not, the initial phase is accompanied by vague symptoms that people do not attach importance to. This may be a burning sensation, discomfort in the intestines, and periodic mucus discharge. The specificity of the intestines is that for a long time it may not give such signs that would indicate the need to visit a proctologist. Even when a person begins to be bothered by pain, bloating, discharge from the anus and other symptoms, he does not rush to see a doctor. At first, the patient persistently tries self-medication and those remedies that modern advertising intrusively offers. Meanwhile, the symptoms change, become more noticeable, painful and often aggressive.

Sometimes the symptoms may not indirectly indicate intestinal diseases; the symptoms may be specific:

sudden weight loss;
weakness in the body;
disturbances in metabolic and hormonal processes;
hair loss.

These signs accompany the most severe intestinal lesions: cancer, malignant tumors, polyposis. The intestine is the only organ that simultaneously belongs to two important systems of the body: the immune and gastrointestinal tract. For a full life and health, it is important to be able to recognize those symptoms and signs that indicate a pathological process in the large intestine:

constipation;
pain of varying intensity in the abdomen;
bleeding during bowel movements;
discharge of clear or purulent mucus;
anemia;
flatulence;
intestinal obstruction;
stool disorder;
tenesmus;
incontinence.

Intestinal constipation With constipation, difficulties with defecation are observed, up to the complete exclusion of stool for several days. Constipation can be constant and persistent and not respond to the effects of laxatives. An upset bowel movement can be replaced by constipation - this is a common picture with irritable bowel syndrome, dysbacteriosis, and functional disorders. The intensity of pain depends on the type of constipation: atonic and spastic. In the first case, the pain is aching, often not aggressive. With spastic constipation, there may be persistent pain in the groin area. The presence of frequent constipation indicates the possibility of fecal impaction or intestinal obstruction. The conditions are extremely dangerous in nature and can threaten life.

Abdominal pain Pain in the abdomen and groin often accompanies organic and functional disorders in the large intestine. Thus, with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the pain is in the nature of spastic contractions. Such pain often radiates to the lumbar region and radiates along the outside of the legs. It is difficult to determine the locality, since the pain “spreads” across the lower abdomen, often involving the perineum in the process.

Constant pain is a sign of a progressive inflammatory process. Such pains are aching, pulling, persistent. Manifested in IBS, various colitis, diverticulosis. The nature of the pain indicates the likelihood of developing peritonitis or a purulent lesion.

Bloody discharge and bleeding Bleeding occurs in diseases of the rectum and colon. Usually, the location of the lesion is visually determined by the color of the blood: the brighter the blood, the closer to the exit the lesion is. Thus, the appearance of clear and bright scarlet blood indicates internal or external hemorrhoids. Sometimes blood loss can be significant and cause weakness and dizziness.

If the stool is homogeneous and contains uniform bloody impurities, then this is a symptom of the formation of a tumor in the upper intestines. Sometimes such masses occur with nonspecific colitis and diverticulosis. The higher the lesion is, the more uniform the blood clots in the stool will look and the darker their color.

In Crohn's disease, blood may be released in pure form or in large clots. In some cases, scarlet blood may be a sign of a disintegrating tumor in the intestine.

Discharge of mucus or pus Such discharge is either constant or appears during bowel movements. Most often this becomes a sign of the formation of a fistula in the anus. With constant mucus secretion and pain, sphincter insufficiency can be assumed. In this case, numerous erosions and cracks form, which causes itching and pain.

Such discharge is characteristic of irritable bowel syndrome, proctitis, and the formation of tumors in the sigmoid colon. Often the discharge is combined with blood and the appearance of clots.

Pain in the anus Pain can be aching and periodic, bursting in the area of the passage. This happens with deep cracks; they heal with difficulty, especially if there is constipation. Jerking and unbearable pain occurs when hemorrhoids rupture or there are multiple nodes in the intestines. Regular hemorrhoids without complications do not cause such pain; they are only felt as distension and swelling in the anus.

Anemia Anemia develops when a person has lost a lot of blood. This occurs with severe intestinal lesions, cancerous formations, and rapid tumor progression.

Bloating and flatulence Bloating is a common sign for almost any pathology in the gastrointestinal tract. The feeling of bloating and heavy gases is typical with constipation, intestinal obstruction, and fecal impaction. Often flatulence is the result of enzyme deficiency and may indicate disturbances in the functioning of other internal organs. Bloating and flatulence often accompany those who suffer from dysbiosis and eat poorly. In some cases, bloating occurs with a feeling of discomfort and heaviness in the stomach, but with excess gas, severe abdominal pain may occur.

Intestinal obstruction Intestinal obstruction can be complete or partial. More often you have to deal with partial, which is characterized by:

bloating;
pain;
flatulence;
prolonged constipation;
the appearance of impurities and blood;
vomit;
loss of appetite.

More often this indicates severe damage to the large intestine of organic origin. The condition is extremely painful and dangerous to human health. As it progresses, signs of poisoning of the body and inflammation of the peritoneum appear. With partial intestinal obstruction, stool is rare, scanty, and often replaced by profuse upset. Temporary improvement occurs under the influence of taking laxatives or cleansing enemas.

Stool disorder Diarrhea accompanies milder intestinal diseases, a common sign of dysbiosis. Also, stool disorder can be combined with other symptoms, such as constipation or various discharges. This happens with exacerbation of colitis, IBS.

Tenesmus Tenesmus is a false urge to have a bowel movement. With such urges, a small amount of mucus is released, sometimes along with diarrhea. Tenesmus is usually frequent, persistent, tiring a person with its frequency. Characteristic of excited motility of the rectum, they become a consequence of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the anus.

Incontinence Incontinence of fecal masses of secreted gases manifests itself with congenital or acquired changes in the sphincter. Another reason could be dysregulation due to psychological factors.

In what cases can the owner provide assistance himself?

For example, a kitten cut its paw on a sharp object. Minor abrasion. And is it really necessary to take him to the doctor? Well, of course, the owner can handle this on his own. It is enough to wash the cut with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and then treat it with a chlorhexidine solution. But at the same time, you also need to evaluate whether the cut is deep and observe whether the bleeding has stopped. If the cut is deep and the bleeding does not stop for a long time, then it is still worth showing your pet to a specialist.

What if the owner discovered ringworm on his pet? He can handle this on his own too. Purchase ointment from a veterinary pharmacy and treat the affected area with it. It is important to maintain hygiene for the animal and all family members, since the disease is contagious.

Allergic and infectious diseases of the eyes and nose, and damage to the ears by ear mites can also be treated by purchasing the appropriate drops and ointments from a veterinary pharmacy. But you need to monitor the condition of the cat. If there is no improvement within 3-4 days, then still consult a specialist.

If there are signs of poisoning in a pet, an adsorbent (smecta) and drinking in large quantities is necessary. If the pet refuses water, forced drinking through a syringe is used. And again, if there is no improvement in the condition, a doctor’s examination is required.

First aid at home: how to relieve pain from an attack

A very important rule for providing first aid at home is not to administer painkillers to relieve spastic attacks unless prescribed by a specialist.

You can numb the attack while waiting for a specialist to arrive by gently massaging your abdomen and applying a heating pad with ice to the sore spot.

It is allowed to use adsorbent and carminative drugs when administered orally.

If the condition is critical, the cat screams in pain, there is vomiting and diarrhea with blood, you must immediately inform a specialist about this, you can even by phone. Most often, in such a situation, the doctor recommends an injection of an anesthetic drug to avoid painful shock.

Diagnostics

There is considerable controversy regarding the appropriate way to diagnose LPR.

Most patients are diagnosed clinically, based on symptoms associated with LPR.

During laryngoscopy (examination of the larynx), swelling and hyperemia (redness) of varying degrees are noted. However, the relatively weak correlation between symptoms and endoscopic findings argues against the use of endoscopic diagnostic methods.

The Reflux Symptom Score and Reflux Symptom Index are well suited for both diagnosis and monitoring response to therapy.

Daily Ph-metry with a dual sensor probe, despite its excellent sensitivity and specificity, is questioned, since the results of this diagnostic method often do not correlate with the severity of symptoms.

Another diagnostic option may be empirical PPI therapy.

What to do and how to deal with the problem?

An x-ray will help provide a complete picture of the animal’s condition.
If your cat has abdominal pain, you need to contact a veterinarian, who will conduct a comprehensive diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Diagnostics includes the following manipulations:

urine and blood analysis;
Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
biopsy;
X-rays of the peritoneum.

When a cat has severe stomach pain, treatment is selected after diagnostic measures. It is possible to eliminate pain only by influencing the underlying problem. To relieve symptoms, antispasmodic drugs are used, which are prescribed by a veterinarian. A sick cat needs to be kept at rest and a cold compress applied to the sore stomach. Severe gastrointestinal diseases may require surgery.