Do you know what is a colonic ulcer in cats? Well, actually, this is a feline condition, which is characterized by the ulcers on the lining of the colon of a cat, as well as the inflammation with PAS or periodic acid-Schiff positive histiocytes. If you want to learn more about this feline condition, give this article a read.
Colonic Ulcer in Cats: What is this feline condition?
Though the disease is uncommon in cats, it is very necessary to visit the vet in case your cat happens to exhibit some signs of a colonic ulcer. In the event that the cat declines to eat, suffers from gastrointestinal distress like diarrhea, or acts lethargic –ask with your vet immediately.
Moreover, colonic ulcers are ulcers or wounds that are in the covering of the colon. These often cause some gastrointestinal suffering. These ulcers may involve histiocytes inflammation. Histiocytes are the enormous white blood cells, which reside in the normal connective tissue, wherein they consume infectious microorganisms, as well as foreign particles. The cells are important to keep the immune system of the cat functioning well.
Causes of Cat Colonic Ulcer
The precise root of colonic cancer in cats isn’t really known. Additionally, a cat that’s experiencing gastrointestinal distress must be scrutinized by a vet –who may help in the determination of the root of the condition. Below are some of the risk factors for the colonic ulcer:
- Liver or kidney failure
- Tumors
- Medications like aspirin
- Gender
- Stress
Symptoms of Cat Colonic Ulcer
The hallmark of colonic cancer in cats is the gastrointestinal distress, yet some other illnesses might also be present. Some of these signs and symptoms include the following:
- Rapid heart rate
- Vomiting with or without blood
- Fever
- Refusal to eat
- Anemia due to chronic bleeding
- Lethargy or general weakness
- Weight loss
- Bloody diarrhea with mucus
- Frequent defecation or the urge to defecate
Prognosis of Cat Colonic Ulcer
If you are going to pay your vet a visit, he or she may exclude any other grounds for the gastrointestinal issues of the cat. You must inform the vet regarding the duration of these symptoms. As well as whether they’re intensifying or changing. Furthermore, the vet may also ask some questions regarding the occurrence of the bowel movement of the cat, as well as whether or not, there is blood in it.
The symptoms of a colonic ulcer in cats often overlay with some other sicknesses, so the vet may use a differential prognosis approach. This may involve a much deeper study of the outward symptoms of the cat, as well as constricting down the different causes up until a prognosis is finally reached.
The vet may also decide whether the ulcers are due to infection, allergies, or parasites. The exam may set aside other conditions, including colonic polyps, cancer in the glands, as well as irritable bowel disorder. Bacterial cultures and fecal samples are also used in checking for pathogens in the intestinal system of the cat.
In a lot of cases, the cat might need an endoscopy, in order to inspect the large intestines. This particular process involves a flexible or solid scope, which is inserted in the rectum. Because of the intrusiveness of this particular procedure, the colon examinations are usually controlled under wide-ranging anesthesia.
Moreover, the endoscopy might reveal obvious ulceration, thick mucus areas, tissue granulation, or the intestine shrinking. Sparse red foci might also be visible. Manifold specimens might be gathered as well before the prognosis. Following an endoscopy, the vet may advise you regarding the cause of the colonic ulcers, as well as the recommended treatment.
Treatment for Cat Colonic Ulcer
After the prognosis of colonic ulcer in cats, the vet might hospitalize the cat, in case it is desiccated from vomiting and diarrhea. The treatments may vary reliant on the reason of the ulcer. In the event that the ulcer’s due to tumors, they’ll be treated first, afore the ulcer. Further biopsies might be needed if the vet thinks cancer is present.
Colonic cancer due to medications can be treated with a meek switch on the prescription of the cat. Make sure to pay a visit to the vet regularly, in order to monitor the progress of the cat with its different medication.
Moreover, the vet might recommend anti-inflammatory medications, as well as antimicrobials in treating ulcers. A particular change in the diet might be recommended as well. This commonly involves the incorporation of the fermentable fiber in the meals of the cat.
It is important that you get to monitor the ulcers of your cat regularly. This is mainly done through endoscopy, which is essential in making sure that there is no other ulcer progression that took place. In the event that the ulcers don’t respond to any medications, the vet might suggest a biopsy of the cat’s small intestine. The cats that suffer from the colonic ulcers, as well as nonthreatening stomach tumors commonly have good diagnosis. Nonetheless, ulcers that come with kidney or failure gastric carcinoma have a pitiable diagnosis.
