Gastritis in Cats

What is Gastritis in Cats?

Gastritis in cats refers to inflammation of the stomach lining. The stomach lining, also known as the gastric mucosa, can become irritated and inflamed due to various factors. Gastritis can be acute, which means it occurs suddenly and lasts for a short period, or chronic, where it persists over a longer duration.

Chronic Gastritis vs Acute Gastritis

Symptoms of Gastritis in Cats

• Vomiting: Cats with gastritis often experience recurrent episodes of vomiting. The vomit may contain partially digested food, bile, or even blood if the inflammation is severe.
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Abdominal discomfort
• Drooling and lip licking (feeling sick)
• Changes in bowel movements
• Dehydration
• Lethargy

Causes of Gastritis in Cats

• Dietary factors

Your cat may have eaten something it shouldn't have, such as foreign objects like glass, string, metal, grass, hairballs, bones, or plastic. They may also have eaten spoiled or contaminated food can also contribute to gastritis. 

• Infections

Bacterial or viral infections can cause gastritis in cats. The most common bacterial infection associated with gastritis in cats is caused by Helicobacter pylori. Viruses such as the feline panleukopenia virus can also lead to inflammation of the stomach lining.

• Parasitic Infections

Certain parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii or Giardia, can infect the gastrointestinal tract and cause inflammation, including gastritis.

• Stress and anxiety

Cats can develop gastritis as a result of stress or anxiety. Significant changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home or the introduction of a new pet, can trigger gastritis in susceptible individuals.

• Medications

Certain medications, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin, can irritate the stomach and cause gastritis in cats. It's important never to give human medications to cats without veterinary supervision.

Several diseases and medical conditions can contribute to the development of gastritis in cats.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
• Liver Disease
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
• Hyperthyroidism
• Gastric or Intestinal Tumors
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

How is Gastritis Diagnosed?

The veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination of your cat, assessing their overall health and looking for any signs of abdominal pain or discomfort. You must provide the veterinarian with a detailed medical history, including information about your cat's diet, recent dietary changes, medications, and any known exposure to toxins or stressful events, which can assist in the diagnostic process.

• Laboratory tests

Blood work, including a complete blood count (CBC) and a serum biochemistry panel, can help evaluate the overall health of your cat and provide information about organ function.

• Fecal analysis

A microscopic examination of your cat's feces can help identify the presence of parasites or signs of infection that may contribute to gastritis.

• Imaging

X-rays or ultrasound imaging may be recommended to assess the stomach and other organs for any abnormalities or signs of inflammation. These imaging techniques can also help rule out other underlying conditions.

• Endoscopy

In some cases, an endoscopy may be performed, where a flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted into the stomach to directly visualize the gastric mucosa and obtain biopsy samples for further examination.

• Biopsy

If an endoscopy is performed, biopsy samples may be taken from the stomach lining to evaluate the extent of inflammation and rule out other diseases.

These diagnostic methods help veterinarians differentiate gastritis from other gastrointestinal conditions and identify any underlying causes, such as infections, inflammatory diseases, or tumors. Determining the cause of gastritis is essential for formulating an appropriate treatment plan.

Gastritis in Cats Treatment

Treatment is based on the underlying cause or condition. Most acute cases resolve without medical intervention.

In some cases of gastritis in cats, nonmedical therapy may involve withholding food for a period of time to allow the stomach to settle and reduce further irritation. This approach is known as fasting or a food restriction period. Typically, fasting lasts for 8 to 12 hours after the last episode of vomiting.

Medical treatment for cats with gastritis may include:

• Anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) medications, such as cimetidine (Puainta®) or metoclopramide (Reglan®)
• Probiotic Care, such as Puainta supplement
• Antacids to reduce stomach acidity, and gastro protectants to help protect and heal the stomach lining.

Dietary modifications

Switching to an easily digestible, bland diet can help reduce stomach irritation and support the healing process. Your veterinarian may recommend a prescription diet formulated for gastrointestinal health or suggest specific dietary modifications to follow.

Fluid therapy

If your cat is dehydrated or experiencing severe vomiting, intravenous or subcutaneous fluids may be administered to restore hydration and electrolyte balance.

Recovery and Management of Gastritis in Cats

Triggers such as food allergy may need lifelong management in the form of a special diet, whilst underlying causes such as kidney disease will also need long-term treatment. However, if the trigger is a hairball then simple actions such as brushing the cat daily can bring about a complete and permanent resolution to the problem. 

Acute Gastritis in Cats

Dietary adjustments

Your veterinarian may recommend feeding a bland, easily digestible diet during the recovery phase. This may include commercially available prescription diets formulated for gastrointestinal health or a homemade diet recommended by your veterinarian.

If your cat continues to ingest anything inappropriate, it is important to take precautions to reduce the risk of recurrence once your cat has recovered from acute gastritis. If your cat continues to ingest anything inappropriate, acute gastritis may return, so it is important to eliminate these things - such as fine rope, toxins, and plants - and to avoid sudden changes in diet. 

Chronic Gastritis in Cats

Chronic gastritis can be exacerbated by stress. Minimizing stressors in your cat's environment, providing a calm and quiet space, and engaging in regular play and interactive sessions can help reduce stress levels and promote overall well-being.

The prognosis of chronic gastritis also depends on the underlying cause. Usually, a change to a novel protein diet (a new protein never introduced to pets before) or a hydrolyzed protein diet and probiotic therapy is recommended throughout the cat's life.

FAQs

Does Gastritis in Cats Go Away?

Acute gastritis, which is a sudden onset of stomach inflammation, can often be resolved with proper treatment and management, symptoms can subside within a relatively short period.

Chronic gastritis refers to ongoing inflammation of the stomach lining. The management of chronic gastritis aims to control symptoms, reduce inflammation, and provide long-term care. While it may not completely go away, proper treatment and management can help minimize symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups, and improve the quality of life for affected cats. 

How Long Does Gastritis in Cats Last?

Acute gastritis in cats is typically a temporary condition that lasts for a few days to a couple of weeks. It often occurs in response to dietary changes, ingestion of irritants, or other transient factors. With appropriate treatment and management, acute gastritis can resolve relatively quickly, and cats can recover fully.

Chronic gastritis, on the other hand, refers to inflammation of the stomach lining that persists over a longer period, usually for weeks or months.