Can Cats Be Treated with Chinese Medicine for Vomiting?

Cat Vomiting Symptoms:

When a cat is suffering from vomiting, it often exhibits several telltale signs. The affected animal may appear disoriented, lose its appetite, and frequently shows signs of nausea and unease. This can be accompanied by dry heaving, drooling, and a general restlessness.

In cases of acute onset, vomiting may occur immediately, sometimes in a forceful, projectile manner, resulting in large volumes of vomit that is often foulsmelling and has an unpleasant odor. The color of the vomit can vary depending on what the cat has eaten. The duration of vomiting can differ greatly; in cases with shorter intervals, dehydration can set in quickly, and the skin's elasticity may take a long time to return to normal when pinched.

If the illness persists for more than two or three days, the vomit may contain bilelike fluids or even blood and feces. The amount of vomit decreases, and the cat's condition deteriorates rapidly, with a decline in spirits, unsteady gait, and a condition known as refractory vomiting.

In cases of a slower onset, vomiting may be heard without visible vomit, which can be referred to as dry heaves. Sometimes, there may be a small amount of vomit, and the condition is usually mild. However, there are instances where such cases can progress to refractory vomiting.

Treatment for Cat Vomiting:

Antiemetic Formula:

Pinellia (Banxia) 10.0g

Dried Ginger (Shengjiang) 5.0g

Ficus Carica (Shidan) 5.0g

Tangerine Peel (Chenpi) 8.0g

These ingredients are ground into a fine powder and mixed with honey to form pills, each weighing 5.0g. During the hot summer months, it is recommended to add Huoxiang (Agastache rugosa) to the formula.

Benefits of the Formula:

Pinellia has the effect of drying dampness, resolving phlegm, and reversing adverse movements to stop vomiting.

Dried ginger is effective for epigastric cold pain and vomiting with diarrhea.

Ficus Carica is particularly effective in stopping hiccups, as it is good at lowering adverse gas and calming the stomach.

Tangerine Peel helps regulate Qi, harmonize the stomach, strengthen the spleen, and relieve coughs and reverse adverse movements.

This combination of herbs is effective for treating vomiting caused by various factors.

Treatment Approach:

Identify the cause of the vomiting and take appropriate measures. If vomiting is due to improper diet (such as overindulgence in rich foods), it's best not to immediately administer antiemetic medication. Instead, encourage the cat to vomit naturally, and offer small amounts of water frequently.

For toxic vomiting (due to drugs or spoiled food), a human解毒敏注射液 (Detoxification Sensitivity Injection) can be administered intramuscularly at a dose of 0.1 to 0.2 mL/kg, typically once a day, for 1 to 3 doses.

In cases of refractory vomiting with severe dehydration, it is essential to first administer intravenous fluids such as 5% glucose, 0.9% saline, and other solutions. If cardiac function is compromised, strengthen the heart with appropriate medication. Afterward, administer the antiemetic herbs at a dose of 0.5 to 1.5 g/kg. If vomiting continues, repeat the dose, and typically after 2 to 3 doses, vomiting should cease. Then, continue with half the dose for 1 to 2 more doses to solidify the effect.

Regardless of the cause of vomiting, ensure the cat receives adequate hydration to counteract dehydration. In severe cases, administer large volumes of intravenous fluids, including 0.9% saline, compound sodium chloride, and 5% glucose, until the cat urinates or the skin's elasticity returns to normal. During fluid administration, consider adding cardiac support to reduce the heart's workload.

Once vomiting has stopped, offer the cat small, easily digestible meals and gradually increase the portion size until it reaches its normal diet. Fasting is not advisable, as food is necessary to replenish nutrients and speed up recovery. Avoid fasting to prevent longterm nutrient deficiencies that can lead to weakness and, ultimately, death.