My mother has a cat that is of unknown age--7-9 yrs old? He has never been a really healthy cat. We just found out he has hyperthyroidism. He has lost some weight, and has an unkempt coat. He is also a bit lethargic. Yesterday my mother saw him vomit, and it was a white foamy substance. Is there an explanation for that, or is just one of those things that happens from time to time?
Thanks.
Cat vomiting foamy substance
Re: Cat vomiting foamy substance
Weight loss, lethargy and vomiting white foamy stuff which is probably bile is reason enough for me to get the cat to the vet ASAP.
Re: Cat vomiting foamy substance
He has been to the vet, diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, has been on medication. The vet knows all of the symptoms. The only thing different is that just last night he had the foamy vomit.
Re: Cat vomiting foamy substance
When exactly was he diagnosed?
You said he has "never been a really healthy cat", so other health conditions/problems could indeed be contributing to any number of symptoms, and could be exacerbating the hyperthyroidism. The vomiting may or may not be related to the thyroid condition, but if he is lethargic, do not wait, get kitty rechecked and rule out reaction to the thyroid medication, or other health problems. If he has only been diagnosed as hyperthyroid within the last couple months, there is every potential that the medication's doseage is too high....one MUST frequently recheck thyroid levels within the first three months or so post diagnosis, so that the medication can be adjusted when necessary. It isn't uncommon for cats to have reactions to the medication, so it's imperative this is ruled out! Otherwise, definately get him checked for secondary health problems. With hyperthyroidism, in a large percentage of cats, there is also another primary health condition present, like renal disease, so make sure this is ruled out ASAP (even if bloodwork done weeks ago was normal, it can change at any time!)
You said he has "never been a really healthy cat", so other health conditions/problems could indeed be contributing to any number of symptoms, and could be exacerbating the hyperthyroidism. The vomiting may or may not be related to the thyroid condition, but if he is lethargic, do not wait, get kitty rechecked and rule out reaction to the thyroid medication, or other health problems. If he has only been diagnosed as hyperthyroid within the last couple months, there is every potential that the medication's doseage is too high....one MUST frequently recheck thyroid levels within the first three months or so post diagnosis, so that the medication can be adjusted when necessary. It isn't uncommon for cats to have reactions to the medication, so it's imperative this is ruled out! Otherwise, definately get him checked for secondary health problems. With hyperthyroidism, in a large percentage of cats, there is also another primary health condition present, like renal disease, so make sure this is ruled out ASAP (even if bloodwork done weeks ago was normal, it can change at any time!)
..........Traci
Re: Cat vomiting foamy substance
He was diagnosed about a month ago. Mom is going to bring him to the vet tomorrow. He vomitted today and it was for the most part clear.
He's got that "bartonella" thing too. I can't remember the entire name for it. That has been under control (we know that through recent bloodwork). Also, he was attacked by 2 chows but was really lucky. He was a little sore internally, but no real damage. He came to us as a stray. He had an x-ray after the attack, and the vet said that he also has a BB in his leg. Poor precious. He's the sweetest thing.
He's got that "bartonella" thing too. I can't remember the entire name for it. That has been under control (we know that through recent bloodwork). Also, he was attacked by 2 chows but was really lucky. He was a little sore internally, but no real damage. He came to us as a stray. He had an x-ray after the attack, and the vet said that he also has a BB in his leg. Poor precious. He's the sweetest thing.
Re: Cat vomiting foamy substance
Glad to hear mom's getting him rechecked. Always err on the side of caution when thyroid meds are given, that's why the need for levels checked frequently in the first few months of diagnosis, so that the vet can adjust as necessary and gauge the effectiveness.
Hopefully it is nothing else, but please advise mom that a secondary condition could be developing, this is very common with primary health conditions. Renal disease would be amoung one of the first ruleouts.
Do the chows belong to mom or? Is kitty indoors only now?
Hopefully it is nothing else, but please advise mom that a secondary condition could be developing, this is very common with primary health conditions. Renal disease would be amoung one of the first ruleouts.
Do the chows belong to mom or? Is kitty indoors only now?
..........Traci
Re: Cat vomiting foamy substance
The chows belonged to a man in our neighborhood. They were always getting loose. One had G.G. by the front part (his neck I guess) and the other chow had him by the butt/back leg area. G.G. at the time was a stray, neutered, with shots (that we had done) but hadn't been brought in because we were already a 5-cat family.
My mother's other cat had recently passed away and she didn't want one so soon. But after that attack, she took G.G. in. It took him awhile to get over the attack, but it was more of kind of a depression thing I think. He is just soooo sweet. Has such a sweet little face and you just melt when he looks up at you.
All our cats are indoor only. I can't bear the thought of something happening to them outside.
My mother's other cat had recently passed away and she didn't want one so soon. But after that attack, she took G.G. in. It took him awhile to get over the attack, but it was more of kind of a depression thing I think. He is just soooo sweet. Has such a sweet little face and you just melt when he looks up at you.
All our cats are indoor only. I can't bear the thought of something happening to them outside.
Re: Cat vomiting foamy substance
By the way.....we called the police and the owner of the dogs kept saying that they weren't mean. I told the police that I had witnessed the attack. The owner of the dogs is just an idiot. The cops did NOTHING. I called animal control and gave them a statement. They also did nothing. My town doesn't have a great reputation for the way Animal Control handles things. They have put several cats to sleep that actually had microchips in them because they are "too busy to check for that."
Re: Cat vomiting foamy substance
That is so sad for your town to think like that. G.G. is blessed to have you for his family. Thank you for taking care of him and taking him in.
Good luck at the vet tomorrow. Hopefully it's just a medication adjustment needed and all else will be okay. Cats do vomit on occasion, usually undigested food from eating too much or too fast. Anything clear, thick and/or foamy always warrants a check. Glad to know you're bringing him in.
Good luck at the vet tomorrow. Hopefully it's just a medication adjustment needed and all else will be okay. Cats do vomit on occasion, usually undigested food from eating too much or too fast. Anything clear, thick and/or foamy always warrants a check. Glad to know you're bringing him in.
Re: Cat vomiting foamy substance
Well, you're paying their salaries (the police, and probably the AC), so you could take that up with your city council rep or the entire council. They should be able to refer to the dog bite laws and unleashed dog laws in your city (providing they have such laws) and you could threaten suit against the city (although that would be prohibitive), they need to enforce the laws.
As for not checking microchips in pets at the shelter, that is just WRONG, and they need to be called on that! If there is proof of this, notify your local newspaper and news stations!! (the freedom of infomation act comes in handy for such things, if the newstation requests reports of the AC, they are most likely required by law to provide them, as long as it is not privately owned)
As for not checking microchips in pets at the shelter, that is just WRONG, and they need to be called on that! If there is proof of this, notify your local newspaper and news stations!! (the freedom of infomation act comes in handy for such things, if the newstation requests reports of the AC, they are most likely required by law to provide them, as long as it is not privately owned)
..........Traci