Rectal diseases in cats can result from injuries, tumors, or infections.
Anal Sac Disease
The anal sacs are glands located on each side of the anus. They are analogous to the scent glands in skunks and produce small amounts of dark, foul-smelling liquid which is normally squeezed out during defecation. Anal sacs may become clogged (impacted), infected, abscessed, or cancerous. Anal sac disease is much les
The liver performs numerous functions. It has a large storage capacity and functional reserve and is capable of regenerating. These properties provide some protection against permanent damage. However, the liver is also susceptible to injury because of its role in metabolizing, detoxifying, and storing various toxic compounds.
Functions of the Liver
The pancreas is an organ that has 2 main functions: endocrine and exocrine. The endocrine pancreas produces the hormones insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels. The exocrine pancreas produces enzymes that are essential for the digestion of complex dietary components such as proteins, triglycerides, and complex carbohydrates. The exocrine pancreas also secretes large amounts of bicarbonate, which buffers stomach acid.
Disorders of the exocrine
Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can sometimes cause disease. They may be free-living or parasites. Some of the more common diseases caused by protozoa in cats are discussed below.
Amebiasis
Amebiasis is a disease caused by the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica. It causes inflammation of the large intestine, which produces persistent diarrhea. Amebiasis is common in pe
Many parasites can infect the digestive system of cats ( see Table: Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cats). The most common ones are described below.
Table
Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cats
Table
Certain bacteria may cause gastrointestinal disease in cats. The most common of these are discussed below.
Campylobacter Infection
Gastrointestinal campylobacteriosis is a bacterial disease. It is caused by bacteria of various Campylobacter species. These organisms can be isolated from carrier cats (those that do not show signs) as well as
Diseases that affect the stomach and intestines include infectious diseases (such as bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases) and noninfectious disorders (such as tumors and obstruction.)
Inflammation of the Large Intestine (Colitis)
The large intestine (also called colon or large bowel) helps maintain fluid and electrolyte (salt) balance and absorb nutrients; it also temporarily stores feces and provide
Vomiting in cats is the forceful ejection of the contents (such as food or fluids) of the stomach and upper small intestine through the mouth. It is normally preceded by excessive salivation, repeated swallowing, retching, and forceful contractions of the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm. There are many causes of vomiting in cats. Vomiting can be caused by digestive system disease, kidney or liver failure, pancreatitis, or nervous system disorders. Some additional causes of vo
Signs of problems with the esophagus include difficulty swallowing and regurgitation (return of food or fluid before it has reached the stomach). Congenital abnormalities of the esophagus are discussed elsewhere.
Inflammation of the Esophagus (Esophagitis)
Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) is usually caused by certain drugs (such as doxycycline
The upper throat is called the pharynx. Pharyngeal paralysis refers to paralysis of the upper throat (pharynx) that makes swallowing difficult or impossible. It may be caused by a nervous system disorder or other disease or trauma that causes collapse, obstruction, or malfunction of the pharynx.
Throat and pharynx, cat