Nonspecific intestinal inflammation in cats. Bowel disease in cats

Domestic cats sometimes have work disorders gastrointestinal tract. Most often, these troubles are due to poor quality food, but sometimes diarrhea indicates something more serious. For example, enterocolitis in cats. This is a rather dangerous pathology, which has a very negative effect on the health of the animal.

Enterocolitis is an inflammation of the small and large intestines. It should be noted that in some cases, pathology can also affect the stomach. In fact, here we can talk about the defeat of almost the entire digestive tract. Of course, the body tolerates such a state extremely hard.

Causes

The disease can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or helminths. Reactions to medications or even new foods should not be ruled out. In some cases, severe stress experienced by the animal may be a predisposing factor. In veterinary practice, there are also often cases of the development of enterocolitis against the background of thoughtless and non-professional treatment, which some cat lovers do. Believe me, paracetamol or aspirin is not good for cats at all; using them, you run the risk of simply killing your pet.

Clinical signs

The most common, bacterial enterocolitis, in cats most often causes uncontrolled, and sometimes there are cases of uncontrollable vomiting. Vomit may contain frothy, yellowish bile. Especially often it can be seen after the stomach has been empty for a long time, but the animal still bends from powerful vomiting spasms. As soon as a cat takes a couple of sips of water or eats a small piece of food, everything eaten immediately comes out. As for diarrhea, the diarrhea may not stop at all: it happens that the cat spends all day on the tray, at the end falling on it from weakness.

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The feces may have a mushy consistency and a faded color (in initial stages). When you try to feel the stomach, your cat will probably not be delighted with your idea, it will start to break out and scratch, while meowing loudly or growling in pain. Most cats with enterocolitis immediately lose their appetite and appear extremely lethargic. Intermittent fever is common. If vomiting and diarrhea persist for more than 24 hours, severe dehydration fraught with problems with excretory system and heart. It is very bad when hemorrhagic enterocolitis develops: in cats, with their small body weight, similar pathology may well lead to lethal outcome from severe internal bleeding.

How is enterocolitis detected in an animal?

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Your veterinarian may suggest the presence of other pathologies based on observed symptoms and/or practical experience. The first step to finding the source of vomiting, diarrhea, and coma is to collect a comprehensive medical history (anamnesis). The following factors should be in the field of view of the doctor:

Your cat's usual food, as well as the frequency of feeding and the amount of food that the animal eats at a time.

He needs to know about everything that your pet has eaten or drank in the last 48 hours.

Any new products, care products and even toys.

Contact, even possible, with pesticides, drugs, cleaning agents or other household chemicals.

Recent contact with alien animals or even humans.

Previous episodes of vomiting and diarrhea (including their cause and treatment).

Recent illness (within the last month).

Any chronic pathologies your pet.

Any medicines or supplements you have given your cat in the past month.

Upon receipt of the medical history, your veterinarian will perform a complete medical checkup animal. He will look for signs of dehydration, abdominal pain or bloating, or any other pathology. Your cat's body temperature and other vital signs will be checked first. At this stage, your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests, which may include:

Microscopic examination of a blood smear.

Identification of chemical indicators of blood serum and electrolytes. The information obtained will help the veterinarian in prescribing the correct replacement therapy.

A urinalysis done to look for urinary tract infections, kidney disease, dehydration, and glucosuria (glucose in the urine). The latter may indicate the development of diabetes mellitus, the symptoms of which may be similar to enterocolitis.

radiographs abdominal cavity For search intestinal obstruction and other pathologies.

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, performed for the same purposes.

Cats and cats have been independent by nature since the beginning of time. However, in modern times, pets have such diseases that it is impossible to cope alone, without the help of the owner. For example, - dangerous and unpleasant disease gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes it affects the whole stomach and then the whole digestive tract The animal is under serious threat. With such a disease, the recovery of a pet depends only on you, your approach, as well as your willingness to call a veterinarian and consult with him. After all, many owners in vain think that they are able to cure a pet on their own, without the intervention of an experienced doctor.

The article discusses causes And enterocolitis symptoms, as well as the subsequent treatment. It is presented only to familiarize you with the topic and with what you may one day encounter. However, the definition final diagnosis and treatment should be handled by an experienced and knowledgeable veterinarian.

Our center "I-VET" offers the service of visiting a doctor at home. With enterocolitis, it is difficult to transport cats, so the service will be convenient and useful, while it will save your time. A veterinarian gastroenterologist will conduct all the necessary tests on the spot, and then draw up a treatment plan, a course of diets and medications that the pet needs. He will also advise you on the further maintenance of the pet. Thanks to our system, you will find out the final price of the consultation at home and the course of treatment right on the phone, and not after the examination!

Enterocolitis in cats: causes

bacteria;
Viruses;
Fungi;
Helminths;
Reaction to medications or long-term use of one medication;
Food that may be of poor quality (mold, expired, cheap and violate the animal's diet) or simply new to which the animal is not yet accustomed;
The cat is under a lot of stress. Stress can be related to anything from moving to a new place to being attacked or having a sudden and loud sound.

There are many reasons and some cannot be explained and identified. They forever remain a mystery, and here it is important not to identify the cause, but to cure the pet.

It is also not uncommon for enterocolitis develops due to unprofessional self-medication, which is traded by inexperienced owners, saving their time and money. In an unsuccessfully treated animal, symptoms can only worsen. But thanks to our I-VET center, you can save time and money with our home visit services! You can find out the prices directly by phone, and an experienced veterinarian gastroenterologist will advise on issues of interest, as well as make up a treatment that will certainly help your pet.

Enterocolitis in cats: clinical signs

Enterocolitis in cats has a fairly common symptom - uncontrolled diarrhea or vomit. It contains yellow bile with foamy elements. Similar vomit can be seen after the stomach is empty. The cat suffers and is exhausted from powerful vomiting spasms. This format is terrible because that as soon as a cat eats even a small piece of food or takes a sip of water, it will immediately be outside and will not have time to digest. This leads to severe physical exhaustion, starvation and dehydration. Diarrhea can also be very severe when the kitten spends most of the day on the litter box and cannot do anything. Wherein feces look like gruel, colorless.

Due to dehydration, cats stop eating, there is apathy between diarrhea and vomiting spasms. The worst stage is hemorrhagic enterocolitis. This pathology often leads to lethal outcome.

Enterocolitis in cats: all the symptoms

The complexity of determining enterocolitis in that the symptoms are rather superficial and are found in many diseases. The following will review the most dangerous symptoms, which are not necessarily an indicator of enterocolitis, but can still be serious or even fatal diseases for animals, especially when they are associated with inflammation of the gastric tract.

Our veterinarians "I-VET" have repeatedly encountered various symptoms with enterocolitis, so this list can be supplemented by those that were encountered in personal experience at the doctor's.

diagnosis of enterocolitis in cats

What kind of food does the cat eat?
The frequency of food consumption, as well as the amount of food that the pet consumes at one meal;
Everything that the pet consumed and drank within 48 hours before the first symptoms began to appear;
What new care products, products or even toys have appeared in the cat's life lately;
Were there any contacts with household chemicals, cleaning agents;
Of course, he will ask about what medications the pet uses and how often;
Have you had contact with other animals in the last 48 hours;
recent illnesses;
Chronic diseases.

Read this list carefully and be prepared to answer each question in as much detail as possible. Our doctors can come to you and perform all tests (for example, a microscopic examination of a blood smear). But only detailed information about everything related to the animal can help determine the diagnosis correctly and take action. necessary treatment. If necessary, additional tests will be prescribed: ultrasound, X-ray, determination of chemical parameters of blood serum, urinalysis and others.

Enterocolitis in cats: treatment

After exact definition diagnosis of enterocolitis in cats, our expert will prescribe a course of treatment that your pet will undergo. The therapy eliminates dehydration, water balance, as well as electrolyte balance.

When especially acute stage a water-tea diet is prescribed. Sometimes gastric lavage is performed. If diarrhea and vomiting continue and dehydration reaches critical maximum, then the fluid in the body has to be controlled with the help of droppers. If the animal is frankly suffering, then a course of antispasmodics is prescribed, which reduce pain.

In the event that the pet's condition is completely critical or bacterial infection, antibiotics can be prescribed, as well as sulfonamide preparations along with drugs against dysbacteriosis. Antidiarrheal agents may also be prescribed, but only after complete exclusion of intestinal obstruction. Otherwise, death is possible.

Enterocolitis in cats: diet

In food and water, the pet must be limited, especially at first. All essential vitamins and minerals he can get through a drip. Then, gradually and very slowly, the volume of the usual food for the cat is brought to the standard values that were before the illness. Our veterinarian gastroenterologist will advise you in all matters of diet and nutrition, which is necessary for full recovery pet, and also so that this does not happen again.

Briefly, then cats are contraindicated spicy, sour, salty, and fried foods. Often removed from the diet coarse fiber, dairy products and various complex proteins. It is worth giving the cat drugs that improve digestion and food intake, the so-called probiotics and prebiotics. They help restore the intestinal microflora, as well as normalize vitamin and mineral complexes.

Enterocolitis in cats is severe, but a chance at full recovery great. Especially it strongly depends on how soon the owner turned to the veterinarian for help and how soon the cause of the disease was identified. Early diagnosis absolutely always lies at the head of your cat's painless recovery. Keep in mind that a disease such as enterocolitis is very common in cats.

Monitor your pet's health and behavior and contact your veterinarian gastroenterologist immediately in case of symptoms. Our experts "I-VET" can examine the animal at home, quickly and efficiently do tests and give necessary advice on how to feed the cat further and how to treat it. We work according to European quality standards and are responsible for our work. Also, all our employees love animals, so we guarantee a responsible approach even more! It is important to remember that in no case should you self-medicate, choose medicines yourself, and also try to make a course and diet using methods from the Internet. Entrust your pet to professionals who know what to do!

Sourced from www.merckmanuals.com

Inflammation of the colon in cats.

If possible, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the cause of inflammation. When treating, strictly follow the recommendations of the veterinarian on diet. For example, it may be suggested not to feed the cat for 24 hours to allow rest. digestive system. When feeding is resumed, it is often recommended to add soluble fiber to the diet. Gradually, the amount of fiber can be reduced or fiber completely removed from the diet. For the first time after refeeding, it may be recommended to replace the protein source with one that the cat has not previously eaten, such as mutton, lamb, venison or rabbit. This is done to identify foods that cause food allergies in a cat. For some types of inflammation, a change in diet may be enough to treat it (for example, switching to lamb with rice, or other prepared foods). medicinal feed). To quickly eliminate the symptoms of the disease, in addition to changing the diet, anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. Some cats require additional short-term drug treatment to thicken the stool until the inflammation is brought under control.

Constipation in cats.

constipation are a common problem in cats. As a rule, constipation is fairly easy to manage. However, in more severe cases, symptoms can be severe. The longer the fecal matter remains in the colon, the drier and tougher it becomes and the more difficult it is to pass. obstipation- These are systematic constipations that are difficult to treat.

Prolonged constipation can cause obstruction inside the intestines, narrowing of the intestines from external influences or neuromuscular problems in the colon itself. Obstruction is the most common cause, usually due to the inability to pass poorly digestible, often hard materials (eg, hair, bones) that are mixed with the fecal matter. Some cats with long-term constipation or constipation may experience megacolon, an expansion of the intestines due to weakened bowel muscle strength. The cause of megacolon often remains unexplained. Some medicines, among side effects may cause constipation.

Symptoms of constipation are difficult bowel movements, hard and dry stools. Some cats show lethargy, depression, loss of appetite, nausea, and discomfort in the abdominal region.

Constipated cats need to drink more water. Mild constipation can often be relieved by feeding the cat a high-fiber diet and constant access to water, and by using (usually short-term) appropriate laxatives. It is clear that laxatives can only be used as prescribed by a veterinarian, since human medicines can be extremely dangerous for cats. In severe cases, veterinarians may remove faeces with an enema or other method while the cat is under general anesthesia. At chronic constipation or megacolon, not amenable to conventional treatment, an operation is performed to remove the affected section of the colon.

Read more about constipation in cats in a separate article.

Coronavirus enteritis in cats.

Coronavirus enteritis cats - very contagious disease transmitted through close contact. The disease is very closely related to the virus, which causes more serious illness- feline infectious peritonitis. Infection with the feline enteritis coronavirus causes inflammation in the small intestine, which is fortunately not usually fatal.

The virus is spread through feces infected cats. Close contact between cats is necessary for transmission, although the possibility of infection through contaminated objects also remains. In nurseries, the virus can cause intestinal inflammation ( varying degrees severity) in kittens from 6 to 12 weeks. Recently weaned kittens may experience fever, vomiting, and diarrhea lasting 2 to 5 days. In more severe cases, kittens may refuse food for 1 to 3 days. In adult cats, the disease often occurs without visible signs.

Feline enteritis virus is extremely widespread, many recovered cats remain carriers. infection coronavirus enteritis can only be prevented by minimizing contact of cats with faeces. Most cats develop an effective immune response after infection that persists after recovery. At intestinal form disease, there are no symptoms of feline infectious peritonitis. However, if signs of the disease develop in cats with feline infectious peritonitis, the disease becomes fatal. Currently does not exist specific methods control the disease, cats should receive supportive care and, if necessary, fluid infusions.

Inflammation of the stomach in cats.

Gastritis(or inflammation of the stomach) in cats often begins due to the ingestion of objects that violate the integrity of the lining of the stomach. A common symptom of gastritis is nausea. With long-term gastritis, vomit may contain leftover food (such as grass), bile, foam, fresh blood, or digested blood (looks like coffee grounds). Often the inflammation is accompanied by diarrhea. Short-term or solitary vomiting usually does not cause the development of any additional violations. On the contrary, nausea, continuing for a long time, can lead to weakness, lethargy, weight loss, dehydration, and salt balance in organism. The prognosis for recovery depends on the cause, nauseating and success in treating the primary disease.

Cat bowel cancer.

bowel cancer it is very rare in cats, accounting for less than 1% of all cancers. As a rule, cancerous tumors develop in the small intestine, more often in older cats. For most intestinal tumors, specific causes have not yet been identified. It is believed that the alimentary form of lymphoma (even with negative result tests for the virus), causes the feline leukemia virus. Intestinal tumors in cats, they are usually malignant and grow and spread rapidly.

The symptoms of tumors depend on the size and location of the tumor. These can be nausea (sometimes with blood), diarrhea (also with blood), weight loss, constipation and difficulty defecation, abdominal pain, bloating, abdominal infections associated with intestinal damage. Cats with intestinal tumors may show signs of anemia, such as pale gums.

Diagnosis is based on the results of physical examinations and a study of the medical history. For confirmation, a biopsy of tissue samples is performed. The preferred treatment is surgical removal of the tumor. The prognosis of treatment depends on the prevalence of tumors of their type and the possibility of removal, therefore, it can be either very good or bad.

Obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract in cats.

The inability to pass food from the stomach develops due to tumors, foreign objects, polyps and overgrowth stomach tissues.

Intestinal obstruction may be complete or partial. Causes include foreign objects, intussusception (a condition in which one part of the intestine is embedded in another), strangulation (or incarceration, such as compression in a hernia), or tumors. Long thin objects (thread, yarn, fibers) can get stuck at the base of the cat's tongue. If the object is long enough to reach the intestines, then it normal movements cause a tearing and cutting effect on the walls, leading to perforation of the intestine and increasing the risk of abdominal infections.

Obstruction symptoms small intestine include lethargy, poor appetite, nausea, diarrhea, pain in the abdomen or when swallowing, fever or low temperature, dehydration. For diagnosis, the veterinarian needs all possible information about the cat's eating habits. It is important to know whether the cat had access to threads, needles, etc., whether any items (for example, toys) were missing. Palpation of the abdominal region (gently feeling the internal organs with the hands) sometimes allows experienced veterinarians to determine the increase in some parts of the body, thickening of intestinal loops, or the presence of gases. An x-ray, ultrasound, or endoscopy is also used to identify the problem.

Cats with generalized signs of illness such as depression or fever may benefit from intravenous administration liquids. If the obstruction cannot be removed using an endoscope, a surgical operation. Cats with sudden onset of abdominal symptoms for which no cause is known and whose condition worsens may also require surgery. Many cats recover well after surgery.

Intestinal ulcer in cats.

intestinal ulcer are wounds in the stomach or intestinal surface caused by the action of gastric juice or digestive enzymes. Causes that can cause ulcers to form include certain medications, tumors, infections, and generalized illnesses.

Cats with intestinal ulcers may not show visible signs of illness. In other cases, there may be cases of nausea, sometimes with blood, and abdominal discomfort, which can be relieved after eating. Dark, tarry stools mean the presence of blood in it, pale gums (a sign of anemia). There may also be symptoms of the disease that led to the formation of the ulcer (for example, signs related to kidney failure).

If a cat has nausea, abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, or sudden weight loss, veterinarians use special tests to determine the cause. An abdominal ultrasound or x-ray is used to confirm the diagnosis. In cases where the cause remains unclear or with obvious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, endoscopy and biopsy of the stomach and intestines are often used for diagnosis.

For the treatment of intestinal ulcers, it is very important to determine the cause of the disease in order to eliminate it or bring it under control. It is critical to provide your cat with supportive care. Medications in the treatment of ulcers serve to reduce the acidity of the stomach, which prevents further destruction of its surface tissues and promotes healing of ulcers. As a rule, treatment lasts from 6 to 8 weeks. During treatment, follow light diet(for example, with cottage cheese and rice or with chicken and rice).

Ideally, ulcer healing should be monitored by endoscopy. If the ulcers do not respond to medication, the next step is to take samples from the stomach and small intestine for biopsy. Prognosis for cats with peptic ulcer and benign tumors is good. In ulcers associated with renal or hepatic insufficiency, as well as with gastric carcinoma or gastrinomas, it is bad.

Inflammatory bowel disease in cats.

Idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease- this is a group of diseases of the digestive system, for which stable signs are certain, and inflammation begins without a clear reason. Forms of intestinal inflammation are classified according to the location and type of cells involved.

Inflammatory bowel disease can occur in cats of all ages, genders, and breeds, although it is slightly more common in purebreds (and possibly treated more frequently). On average, the disease begins in cats older than seven years. Symptoms are often seen long time, sometimes disappearing periodically - nausea, diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight. Inflammations can be difficult to diagnose, as their symptoms are characteristic of many other diseases.

Your veterinarian may recommend switching your cat to hypoallergenic or eliminated foods. This means that the cat will eat food with a source of protein that has not been eaten before. Foods with this composition are usually available in veterinary clinics, pharmacies, stores or can be made at home. The cat should be fed only such food for at least 4 - 6 weeks and not take any medications not prescribed by a doctor. This type of diet is effective in controlling symptoms in some cats with inflammatory bowel disease, but is not effective in food sensitivities or food allergies. Only adding fiber to a cat's diet is rarely effective in severe cases.

Although inflammatory bowel disease in cats can often be controlled with a combination of diet and medication, the disease is rarely completely cured, so relapse is always a possibility.

Malabsorption in cats.

Malabsorption is poor absorption nutrients due to disorders in digestion, assimilation, or both at the same time. Digestive disorders in cats are usually associated with a lack of certain pancreatic enzymes (pancreatic insufficiency), and most cases of insufficient absorption are caused by diseases of the small intestine.

The symptoms of malabsorption are mainly due to insufficient absorption and loss of nutrients through the faeces. Typical symptoms include prolonged diarrhea, weight loss, and changes in appetite (decreased or increased excessively). However, diarrhea may be absent even in severe cases. Weight loss can be significant despite a good appetite. Cats with malabsorption usually remain otherwise healthy unless they have severe inflammation or cancer. Nonspecific signs include dehydration, anemia, and accumulation of fluid in the abdomen or other tissues. Thickening of the intestinal loops and an increase in the lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity are possible.

Diagnosing malabsorption in cats can be difficult because prolonged diarrhea and weight loss are common symptoms in many diseases. Special laboratory tests help determine if symptoms are caused by an underlying multisystem or metabolic disease (eg, hyperthyroidism).

Malabsorption in cats is treated by prescribing special diet, treatment of complications and primary diseases(if they can be found). Diet - important element treatment. Meals should generally contain moderate levels of protein from a limited number of sources, highly digestible carbohydrates, and moderate amount fats (to reduce fatty diarrhea). Your veterinarian may put your cat on an elimination diet that contains only one type of protein (such as lamb or venison) as a test for food sensitivities. If the response to the elimination diet is disappointing, the cat may be prescribed oral anti-inflammatory drugs.

This article focuses on the most common viral diseases of cats. These include diseases such as rabies, Aujeszky's disease, panleukopenia, feline immunodeficiency, calicivirus, coronavirus, herpetic and other infections.

Viruses cause in domestic cats serious illnesses often leading to death. The source of viral particles is not only sick animals, but also virus-carrying animals that excrete the infection with feces, urine, discharge from the eyes, nose, contents of pustules, etc.

Transmission of viruses occurs both through direct contact with a sick animal and / or virus carrier, and through the air when the patients are kept together. healthy cats, through bedding, cages, dishes, etc. The spread of viruses is facilitated by factors such as crowded keeping of animals (especially at exhibitions), non-compliance with elementary hygiene measures, the tendency of cats to wander, as well as stress factors (long-term transportation, visiting a veterinary clinic, malnutrition, hypothermia).

Treatment of viral diseases is very laborious and not effective enough, because. until recently, veterinarians had no drugs (with the exception of sera) with direct antiviral activity in the arsenal of veterinarians, and treatment actually boiled down to combating symptomatic manifestations such infections.

Therapy of viral diseases should be aimed at restoring the protective barriers of the mucous membranes, fighting viruses, correcting immunity (stimulating natural resistance, protecting against secondary infections), eliminating or weakening the manifestations of the disease (symptomatic therapy), as well as replacing impaired physiological functions body (replacement therapy). In addition, in viral diseases it is important proper diet, balanced content of vitamins, macro- and microelements. It's not only important component therapy, but also a way to release the body from toxins accumulated during the illness, which is especially important after a period of anorexia or a starvation diet.

In such cases, the most effective proved to be new drug Gamavit (contains placenta extract, sodium nucleinate, a physiologically balanced mixture of other components: 20 amino acids, 17 vitamins, nucleic acid derivatives, essential minerals and trace elements), the components of which are selected taking into account the violations occurring in various diseases. Gamavit enhances the effect of drugs, normalizes metabolic processes, neutralizes the action of toxins, increases natural resistance, normalizes the ratio of calcium and phosphorus, increases appetite.

At the most early stages viral infection specific antiviral globulins and sera are quite effective (Vitafel, Vitafel-S, etc.). The period of their exposure to viral particles is limited (about a week from the onset of the disease) by the period of viremia. In addition to sera, in the initial stages of a viral infection, preparations of interferons and their inducers are effective: Cycloferon, discontinued for veterinary medicine, Kamedon, Maksidin 0.4%, Neoferon, immunostimulants are effective (Immunofan, T-activin, Mastim, Anandin), etc., on late stages some viral diseases, their use is not recommended.

One of the most effective drugs for the treatment of viral diseases of cats, Fosprenil has proven itself. Fosprenil is obtained by phosphorylation of polyprenols isolated from the processing of tree needles. It was developed as a result of many years of cooperation between leading scientists of the Moscow Institute organic chemistry them. N.D. Zelinsky, and the Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology. N.F.Gamalei. The drug mobilizes defensive forces organism, having the most powerful antiviral activity. For more than 10 years of use, Fosprenil has saved thousands of lives of hopelessly ill cats and dogs. The combined use of Fosprenil with Maksidin and Gamavit is especially effective. IN Russian Federation the drug is patented as a treatment viral enteritis, hepatitis, panleukopenia, canine distemper and other severe viral diseases. Convincing results have been achieved in the treatment, and, no less important, in the prevention of panleukopenia, coronavirus and other infections in cats.

Infectious panleukopenia

This is one of the most contagious diseases of viral origin, which is called otherwise. distemper, feline ataxia, feline fever, contagious agranulocytosis, or infectious parvovirus enteritis. natural reservoir virus - animals of the weasel family and wild cats. Pathogens - small DNA-containing parvoviruses, are contained in the saliva of sick animals, separated from the nose, in urine and feces. Viruses are very persistent (they persist in the crevices of the floor and furniture for more than a year), resistant to treatment with trypsin, phenol, chloroform, acids, they also spread with water and food, in particular, through food bowls and even, according to some sources, with the participation of blood-sucking insects. The vertical route of transmission is also characteristic: from a sick mother to offspring. In recovered animals, virus-neutralizing antibodies in high titer are detected for a long time.

Mortality due to panleukopenia exceeds 90%, and not only kittens die, but also adult animals. Recovered cats acquire lifelong immunity, often remaining virus carriers for a long time.

After introduction into the body, panleukopenia viruses primarily affect epithelial cells mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as lymphohemopoietic cells, incl. stem cells bone marrow responsible for lymphopoiesis. As a result, severe panleukopenia develops (against the background of normal erythropoiesis function), the severity of which determines both the main severity and the outcome of the disease.

Since almost all organ systems are affected with panleukopenia, it can be difficult to recognize it right away - the symptoms are very diverse. Incubation period is 3-10 days. More often the disease is recorded in spring and autumn.

Symptoms. With a lightning-fast form, animals die suddenly, like “thunder among clear sky' without any noticeable symptoms. acute form begins with lethargy, appetite suppression, a sudden and sharp rise in temperature to 40-41 ° C. Cats are thirsty, but do not drink water. Observed frequent vomiting, mass yellowish color often with mucus. Later, diarrhea with an admixture of blood (very offensive) may develop, or, on the contrary, constipation is observed. On the skin, the appearance of reddish spots is sometimes noted, which grow and turn into pustules filled with serous fluid. After drying, grayish-brown crusts form. With respiratory complications, mucopurulent discharge from the eyes is observed. Bradycardia and/or arrhythmia are also observed. Animals tend to retire in a secluded place, lie on their stomachs, stretching out their limbs. Sometimes they sit for a long time over a saucer of water, but do not drink - perhaps due to severe nausea.

The disease affects all organs and is terrible for its complications. Without treatment, the animal can die in 4-5 days. If the illness drags on for 9 or more days, cats usually survive, acquiring lifelong immunity, but remaining virus carriers, so a mother who has been ill can infect her offspring.

Diagnosis confirmed by KLA, in which there is a pronounced leukopenia (decrease in the number of leukocytes in 1 ml of blood to 3-5x10 6 or less) - agranulocytosis, then neutropenia and lymphopenia.

Treatment. Before the doctor arrives, treatment with Vitafel, Fosprenil should be started (administered daily at 0.2-0.4 ml / kg, depending on the severity of the disease, 3-4 times a day) in combination with Maksidin and Gamavit. Treatment is stopped 2-3 days after the normalization of the general condition and the disappearance of the main symptoms of the disease. Then the drug is canceled for 3-6 days with a gradual decrease daily dose. In case of damage to the upper respiratory tract repeated instillation of fosprenil into the eyes and nasal passages is recommended, provided that the drug is diluted with saline 3-5 times ex tempore and gamavit (or intensive vitamin therapy in combination with iron-containing preparations), provide complete peace, warmth and good care. Be sure to prescribe a starvation diet. In the treatment at the initial stages of the disease, maxidin is effective (ED Ilchenko et al., 2002). To prevent complications, use beta-lactam antibiotics: penicillins and cephalosporins (Albipen LA, Amoxicillin, Neopen, Cefadroxil, Cefa-kure), kittens - Ampiox, to combat dehydration - metoclopramide, Ringer's solution. If a sick cat does not die within 5-7 days, then the prognosis is usually favorable.
During the rehabilitation period - Gamavit, protein-vitamin-mineral supplements: SA-37, Phytomins, Gamma, Tsamaks and others.

If panleukopenia is suspected, in no case do not give analgin to the cat!

Prevention. To prevent cat distemper, timely vaccination of kittens with polyvalent vaccines can be recommended: Nobivac Tricat (used to protect cats from viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia), multifel-4 or vitafelvac (against rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia and chlamydia).

In doing so, it is desirable to take into account immune status cats and existing risk infections. Normally, the first vaccination is carried out at the age of 12 weeks, at 15-16 weeks - again. If the level of colostral antibodies is not high enough and there is a risk of infection, then the first vaccination can be carried out at 9 weeks and the second at 12 weeks.

If there were cats with panleukopenia in your house, then it is advisable to purchase new kittens no earlier than a year later. If you suspect panleukopenia, be sure to treat the floor, carpets, furniture and cat hygiene with 3% sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), or 3% sodium hypochlorite solution, which destroys the viruses that cause panleukopenia.

Herpes

The causative agent of this infection is a DNA-containing herpes virus with a lipoprotein envelope. Respiratory herpesvirus infection in 1-2 month old kittens was first identified in the United States in 1958.

Cases are also described when herpesvirus infection leads to abortions and / or the birth of a dead offspring.
The virus is usually transmitted transplacentally. The incubation period is short - 2-3 days. An asymptomatic course of infection is possible, in which the virus passes into latent form, however, later (after stress, immunosuppression, the use of glucocorticoids) - the virus can become more active.

Symptoms: depression, anorexia, fever, purulent conjunctivitis, keratitis, rarely bilateral protrusion of the third eyelid, diarrhea (usually yellowish-green), oral ulceration, tracheitis, in severe cases, pneumonia is possible. Herpesvirus encephalitis has also been described.

Treatment appoints a veterinarian. Such antiviral agents like Fosprenil and Maksidin. Therapy using Maksidin allows to achieve clinical improvement on the 2nd-3rd day of the disease, and complete recovery on the 8th day (ED Ilchenko et al., 2002). For stimulation cellular immunity- Immunofan. As a supporting and strengthening agent - Gamavit, vitamin and mineral supplements. With diarrhea - Diarkan, Vetom-1.1.

Prevention. Vaccination with a subunit oily vaccine against feline herpesvirus (Ron-Merier), composed of antigens of the glycoprotein shell and not containing capsid proteins, is effective. Thanks to the latter, the vaccine lacks residual virulence and allergic properties. The vaccine is produced in association with vaccines against other feline infections.

Infectious rhinotracheitis

Infectious rhinotracheitis (viral rhinitis) is a contagious disease that occurs in cats at any age. It is most often caused by certain viruses of the herpes group, as well as caliciviruses and reoviruses. The DNA-containing feline rhinotracheitis virus, belonging to the group of herpesviruses, has a lipoprotein envelope, is sensitive to treatment with chloroform and acids. Infection occurs through the respiratory tract. Incubation period: 2-4 days. The mouth, nose, eyes and respiratory organs are affected. The disease can be complicated by keratoconjunctivitis and pneumonia. Among kittens up to 6 months, mortality reaches 30%. Adult cats usually recover, however, infection with one of these viruses may be complicated by another virus (or more), and mortality can be as high as 80%. Most of the recovered animals remain virus carriers, the process of isolation of contagious viral particles increases significantly under stressful conditions.

Symptoms. Lethargy, loss of appetite, cough, photophobia, purulent discharge from the nose and eyes, glossitis, ulcerative stomatitis, hypersalivation, fever.

Create a calm environment for a sick animal, keep it warm, let's warm milk and liquid food.

Treatment. A sick cat is injected with Maksidin (E.D. Ilchenko et al., 2001) in combination with Fosprenil (according to the instructions) and Gamavit, or Vitafel, s / c 3-4 times, or specific sera against feline picornaviruses, parvoviruses and herpes virus 5 ml per day (produced in France). Antibiotics: Ampicillin (Albipen LA) s / c, 10-20 mg per kg of body weight per day, Tetracycline (oral 10 mg per kg of body weight 2 times a day).

The effectiveness of treatment with Fosprenil and Maksidin in combination with symptomatic therapy in these diseases approaches 100%.

Prevention. Timely vaccination with polyvalent vaccines Nobivak Tricat, Multifel-4, Quadricat, etc.

Calcivirus infection (calicivirus)

Acute viral disease accompanied by sharp rise temperature and respiratory infections. The causative agents are small RNA-containing non-enveloped viruses of the Calicivirus genus of the Caliciviridae family. The name was given because of the characteristic cup-shaped recesses (from "calices" (lat.) - "calyx").

Infection occurs through contact by airborne droplets. Viruses multiply in the epitheliocytes of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, in the tonsils and submandibular lymph nodes. Kittens and young animals are more commonly affected. Recovered cats acquire immunity for about 6 months, while neutralizing antibodies are found in their blood. Many cats remain carriers of caliciviruses.

Incubation period A: 1-4 days.

Symptoms: depression, intermittent fever, loss of appetite, emaciation, anemic mucous membranes, shortness of breath. Inflammation and ulceration of the tongue, lips and mouth, which is very characteristic of this disease, develop. oral cavity(stomatitis), glossitis, rhinitis, serous conjunctivitis, less often - bilateral protrusion of the third century. With the latter, photophobia appears, often the eyelids stick together due to the drying of pus on them. In the later stages, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia are possible. Some strains of caliciviruses cause intermittent claudication, without evidence of oral ulceration.

Prevention: Avoid drafts and hypothermia, contact with sick cats or carrier animals. At the slightest suspicion of such contact, give the cat Fosprenil according to the instructions, it will also protect the cat from infection at the cat show. Disinfect the area where cats are kept in a timely manner. Virkon is well suited for this purpose, but in no case should bleach be used, since chlorine vapors are poisonous.

A.V. Sanin, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor,
NIIEM them. N.F. Gamalei RAMS, Moscow

A disease of the gastrointestinal tract is a disease in which so-called inflammatory cells- cells formed in the body during wounds or injuries - lymphocytes and plasma cells responsible for immune reactions organism, eosinophils, neutrophils responsible for cleaning damaged tissues. At chronic inflammation normal tissue may be replaced by fibrous (scar-like) tissue.

Causes of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in cats. Exact reasons The occurrence of this type of disease in cats is unknown. Genetic predisposition, diet, various infections and malfunction immune system. Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract may not be a disease per se, but a characteristic reaction of the body to certain conditions caused by various factors.

Nevsky masquerade cat Ginseng Reve Bleu Fleur de l'Amour. Vl. Ksenia Budanova

The types of cells that invade the intestine determine the shape inflammatory disease.

What are the symptoms of gastrointestinal disease in cats? The disease is characterized by diarrhea and vomiting that occur depending on the area of the gastrointestinal tract. Damage to the stomach and upper small intestine causes vomiting, and damage to the large intestine causes diarrhea. Sometimes the stool becomes more frequent, but each time it becomes less and less. Mucus and blood often appear in the stool. In severe cases, the animal is depressed, refuses to eat, loses weight, and has a fever. In some cats, the only symptoms of intestinal inflammation are bloody stool or weight loss. Others stop using the litter box when defecation.

A veterinarian may suspect an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract if the animal has a long period time of vomiting, diarrhea, the presence of mucus or blood in the stool.

On examination, the animal looks thin; in some cats, a thickened intestine can be felt.

Laboratory studies, as a rule, show nothing. With very serious inflammation, the lesion can affect neighboring organs - the liver and pancreas. As a result of this, the content of liver enzymes and amylase, which is produced by the pancreas, increases in the body. In the blood, a decrease in protein levels is possible, and with severe vomiting there may be a decrease in the level of electrolytes, especially potassium.

In most cases, the blood test is normal, although anemia can sometimes develop. Some animals have eosinophils in their blood.

X-ray and ultrasonography usually does not provide any information. Sometimes thickening of the intestines and accumulation of gas can be noticeable, but this happens with many diseases.

The only way to diagnose an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract is through a biopsy. It will show the presence increased amount inflammatory cells in the walls of the small intestine and the type of these cells. A biopsy will reveal microscopic changes in tissues that are not visible to the naked eye. In other diseases, damage to the gastrointestinal tract is quite obvious.

Treatment of inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment usually consists of different diets and medicines.

Diet. At the first stage of treatment, a food test is needed - use hypoallergenic products, sources of protein and carbohydrates that the animal has not previously eaten, such as duck and potatoes. The animal should not eat anything else and should not take any medication. Such a test should continue for 2-3 months.

If the health of the animal does not improve with such a diet, then you need to try other foods.

If the disease is mainly affected colon, then it is useful to give food rich in fiber. You can add oat bran to the feed. If the lesion has affected the small intestine, then some animals may benefit from a well-digestible, low-fiber diet. Low gluten carbohydrates are also helpful.

Do not give food containing wheat, oats, rye and barley. Sometimes the animal is fed natural homemade food, but it is rarely balanced and therefore a commercial feed is preferable for a long period of time.

Obviously you can try a large number of different diets before the animal shows a visible improvement in health. This requires a lot of patience from the owner.

Fatty acid. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to help reduce gastrointestinal inflammation. Eicosapentanoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid ( fatty acid derived from fish oil) are beneficial to humans, but further research is needed to determine if they also have a beneficial effect on cats.

Medication treatment. To reduce the number of inflammatory cells, various drugs are used. Azathioprine and cyclophosphamide: These medicines suppress the immune system and are usually used only when other treatments have failed or in combination with corticosteroids. These medicines may negative impact on the function of the bone marrow, so that when using them, careful monitoring of the state of health and regular tests blood.

Metronidazole: Metronidazole may be used alone or in combination with corticosteroids. This drug also suppresses the functions of the immune system.

Constituents sulfasalazine and mesalamine: They are part of drugs for dogs that are used for lesions of the small intestine. Sulfasalazine belongs to salicylates (which also includes aspirin), and these substances are very toxic to cats.

Medications that affect bowel movement (motility): Medications for diarrhea such as loperamide (Imodium) or diphenoxylate (Lomotil) can be very helpful. In some cases, antispasmodics also have a positive effect.

New drugs have been invented for people that are used to treat Crohn's disease and inflammation of the intestines. However, there are no data yet on their use in cats. Some of these medications include cyclosporine, sodium chromoglycate, and clonidine.

Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can be controlled, but not cured. Control means choosing the right diet and medications, not violating the dosage, constantly monitoring the health of the animal and contacting the veterinarian, preventing the appearance of concomitant diseases. But even in spite of this, an exacerbation of the disease can occur.