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
Diseases of the mouth in cats can be caused by infections, injuries, tumors, or inflammatory disorders. A complete oral examination should be a part of your animal’s routine physical examination, because oral diseases are most effectively treated with early diagnosis. Otherwise, many will remain hidden in the mouth and progress to an advanced stage.
Inflammatory and Ulcerative Diseases of the Mouth
Many of the dental disorders of cats are similar to those found in people. However, cavities almost never occur in cats. Treatment methods are also similar to those used with people. Proper dental care can help keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy. Learning the terms your veterinarian uses to describe dental disorders will help you understand and discuss any dental problems your cat may develop (see table Dental Terms below).
Each type of companion animal has its own unique type of teeth, depending on what type of food the animal normally eats. For example, a meat-eating animal, such as a cat, has quite different teeth compared to a grass-eating animal, such as a horse. However, all domestic animals have 2 sets of teeth during their lives, as humans do: a set of deciduous (“baby”) teeth that fall out, and a set of permanent teeth that come in later.
Most cats have 26 deciduous tee
Congenital abnormalities are conditions that an animal is born with; they are often referred to as “birth defects.” Some of these conditions are inherited and tend to occur within particular families or breeds, while others are caused by chemicals or injury during pregnancy. For still others, the cause is unknown. Some of the most common congenital abnormalities of the digestive system in cats are described below.
Mouth
The digestive system includes all the organs that are involved in taking in and processing food. It begins with the mouth and includes the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, rectum, and anus.
The process of digestion begins when your pet picks up food with its mouth and starts chewing. Enzymes found in saliva begin breaking down the food chemically. The process continues with swallowing, additional breakdown of food in the stomach,