Acid reflux is a relatively common affliction for cats, and it may occur for a variety of reasons. If your cat has recently undergone anesthesia, the muscle opening between the stomach and esophagus may have relaxed. Improper positioning and recovery from anesthesia could lead to acid reflux.
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Gastroesophageal Reflux in Cats
Gastroesophageal reflux is the medical term for the uncontrollably reverse flow of stomach or intestinal fluids into the tube that connects the throat and the stomach (esophagus). This could be caused by both chronic vomiting and a momentary relaxation of the sphincter, the muscular opening at the base of the esophagus. Cats can experience gastroesophageal reflux at any age, but younger cats are more likely to experience it.
The protective mucus lining the esophagus is harmed by gastric stomach acids, pepsin, bile salts, and other digestive juice constituents. This can result in inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis).
Gastroesophageal reflux can cause esophagitis with varying amounts of damage. More severe ulcerative esophagitis damages the deeper layers of the esophagus, whereas mild esophagitis only results in a slight inflammation of the esophageal lining.
The behavioral history of your cat may provide insight into symptoms like weight loss, lack of appetite, and regurgitation of food, as well as indications of pain during swallowing (such as mewling or howling). A physical exam will often not reveal any concrete findings. Severe esophagitis may include symptoms of fever and extreme salivation.
When an anesthetic is given, the gastroesophageal sphincter (the opening between the stomach and the esophagus) relaxes, which can lead to gastroesophageal reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux can also be brought on by improper patient positioning during anesthesia and improper animal fasting before anesthesia.
Congenital hiatal hernia is a condition that is linked to increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux. Because their gastric sphincters are still developing, young cats are also more susceptible to this illness. Long-term or chronic vomiting is another risk factor.
An esophagoscopy, an examination that views the lining of the esophagus using an internal camera, is typically the most effective method of diagnosis. This is the best method for figuring out whether alterations in esophageal mucus are indicative of esophagitis brought on by gastroesophageal reflux disease. Additionally, an irregular mucus lining surface or active esophageal bleeding may be discovered during the examination.
Other possible diagnosis include ingesting a caustic substance, having a foreign body or tumor in the esophagus, having a hiatal hernia, or having a sickness of the mouth or throat.
Most treatment will be done at home. Your veterinarian may suggest that you refrain from eating for one to two days and then stick to a diet consisting of small, frequent feedings of low-fat, low-protein meals. Limiting dietary fat and protein is recommended because they weaken the muscle that connects the stomach to the esophagus and encourage the secretion of gastric acid.
Medications are an additional option. Medication referred to as gastrointestinal pro-kinetic agents strengthens the gastroesophageal sphincter and facilitates better passage of stomach contents through the intestines. It is recommended to alter one’s diet regardless of whether medication is administered.
Do NOT provide your cat Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). It is considered unsafe for use in cats due to a cats sensitivity to salicylates.
It’s best to keep an eye out for reflux after starting treatment and making dietary changes. Watch for signs of discomfort. Future occurrences can be avoided by maintaining a low-fat, low-protein diet, and high-fat foods should be avoided as they may exacerbate reflux disease.
In the event that your cat does not improve after receiving initial medical care, a second esophagoscopy may be recommended.
High-fat foods can worsen acid reflux. A balanced diet low in fatty foods is the best defense against
What is Acid Reflux?
The stomach’s sphincter valve shuts in healthy upper digestive systems to stop digestive fluids from refluxing upward. Yet, when the amount of acids in the stomach increases—usually due to dietary factors influencing gastritis—the stomach’s fluids may overflow this sphincter. Veterinarians refer to the cat’s painful and inflamed esophageal condition as esophagitis. The smooth tissues tighten, narrow, and scar to stop the acids from doing more harm to the esophagus, which permanently impairs the cat’s ability to eat with ease.
Cats with acid reflux syndrome experience an upward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. Veterinarians are unsure of the precise etiology of this chronic illness, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, although theories have been put forth. The mucosa, the medical term for the lining of the esophagus, is chronically irritated by the upflow of stomach acid, which results in clinical signs of regurgitation. Youtube Play.
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