How To Treat Feline Diarrhea
- 1). The presence of diarrhea alone, without any additional symptoms, can easily be treated from home. Replace your cat's normal food with a bland diet; broiled chicken breast (skinned and deboned) mixed with cooked white rice works well and, most cats will readily eat this mixture. Feed your cat the chicken mixture for a day or two and then slowly re-introduce your cat's normal food. Begin by mixing three parts chicken and rice to one part of his normal diet; at the next feeding mix half and half, then one part chicken to three parts of his normal diet. If diarrhea is still present or recurs after following this plan, a trip to the veterinarian is suggested. It is sometimes necessary to permanently change a cat's diet to control chronic diarrhea.
- 2). Often, diarrhea is caused by parasites or viral infections. Although these are relatively easy to diagnose and treat, veterinary assistance is required. Your veterinarian will perform a fecal analysis and if parasites are found, a simple deworming medication is all that your cat needs. However, if the fecal analysis is negative, your veterinarian will perform additional tests to determine the underlying cause of the diarrhea.
- 3). Because diarrhea is a common symptom of many different diseases, your vet may perform a complete blood count and a serum chemistry panel to check for diabetes, liver disease and kidney problems as well as any other systemic disease. He will likely perform tests for feline leukemia and feline AIDS as well. Once the underlying cause has been determined, your veterinarian will be able to begin treatment. Initial treatment will include supportive fluids to prevent dehydration and antibiotics to combat bacteria or damage to the intestines.
- 4). If your cat's blood work appears normal, your veterinarian will perform additional tests such as an X-ray or ultrasound. Cats are very inquisitive, and sometimes they swallow items that become stuck in the intestinal tract; even string or yarn can cause serious complications. Tumors and polyps can also interfere with the normal function of the bowel. Often with these cases, surgical intervention is required.
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