Cats Colitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Management Explaine

Section 1: Clinical Symptoms of Feline Colitis

The initial symptoms of feline colitis often include longterm, irregular constipation, dry and small stools with a deep color. In severe cases, affected cats may pass granular, hard stools that can last for several months. Diarrhea may occur occasionally, but it usually resolves quickly on its own.

As the condition progresses, diarrhea becomes more frequent and severe, with increasingly loose stools, sometimes watery and even containing blood, pus, and tissue fragments, accompanied by an unpleasant odor. While the cat's appetite and body temperature may not show significant changes, they may quickly become emaciated, suffer from dehydration, anemia, and potentially lead to exhaustion or death.

Upon postmortem examination, the colon mucosa appears congested and hemorrhagic, with a dark red appearance, coated in thick fluids or pus. Severe cases may show larger ulcerative lesions, even with the mucosa of the large intestine sloughing off.

Section 2: Common Causes of Acute Colitis in Cats

1. Stress or severe fright can trigger a stress response in cats, potentially leading to colitis.

2. Intestinal parasites are a common cause of feline colitis.

3. Food allergies, drug intolerance, or malabsorption, as well as intolerance to certain antibiotics, can disrupt the intestinal flora.

4. Cats with immunodeficiency viruses, pancreatitis, leukemia, or feline infectious peritonitis may be predisposed to colitis.

5. Cats with fragile intestines may develop colitis due to sudden changes in diet.

Section 3: How to Treat Feline Colitis

Cats with colitis typically experience acute or chronic diarrhea. After diagnosis, symptomatic treatment is usually administered to address the underlying causes.

Medications like bismuth subsalicylate tablets may be used to alleviate diarrhea, protect the intestinal mucosa, and reduce the absorption of harmful substances. Acute cases may require corticosteroids for targeted treatment, and it is advisable to consult a veterinarian for medication recommendations.

Once the symptoms are relieved, the owner should improve the cat's living environment to eliminate the cause of the illness. Additionally, providing a nutritious, easily digestible diet can help the cat gradually regain its strength.

Since the causes and symptoms of colitis can vary from one cat to another, the treatments and medications mentioned may be somewhat generalized. If your cat is不幸 suffering from colitis, it is recommended to consult an online veterinary doctor for personalized advice.