Gastroesophageal reflux, or GER, is a common digestive condition that affects many cats. It is also known as acid reflux or regurgitation.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what GER is, the symptoms, possible causes, how it is diagnosed, and treatment options for cats with GER. What is Gastroesophageal Reflux in Cats?
GER occurs when stomach contents back up, or reflux, into the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. In normal digestion, a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus opens to let food pass into the stomach and then closes to keep stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus.
In cats with GER, this ring of muscle is weakened or doesn’t close properly, allowing stomach acid and contents to flow back up into the esophagus.
Symptoms of GER in Cats
The most common symptom of GER in cats is regurgitation, where food or liquid comes up into the mouth and may be expelled. Other symptoms include pain while swallowing, lack of appetite, weight loss, fever, and extreme salivation.
The cat may also show signs of discomfort during or after eating.
Possible Causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Cats
There are several possible causes of GER in cats, including anesthetics, hiatal hernia, and chronic vomiting. Anesthetics can temporarily weaken the ring of muscle that separates the esophagus and the stomach, leading to reflux symptoms.
A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach moves up through the diaphragm and into the chest. This can weaken or damage the muscle that separates the esophagus and stomach, leading to GER symptoms.
Cat owners also need to be aware that chronic vomiting can cause GER symptoms since vomiting can weaken the esophageal sphincter over time.
Diagnosis of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Cats
If your cat has any of the symptoms of GER, it is essential to get a diagnosis from your veterinarian. One of the most common diagnostic procedures used for GER in cats is esophagoscopy, where an internal camera is used to visualize the mucus lining of the esophagus.
This procedure can help identify any signs of inflammation or irritation, known medically as esophagitis, which may be indicative of GER. Alternative diagnoses for GER might include ingestion of a caustic agent, foreign body or tumor in the esophagus, hiatal hernia, throat or mouth disease.
In some cases, additional tests like blood work, urinalysis, and X-rays may be needed.
Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Cats
The treatment for GER will depend on the severity of the symptoms, any underlying medical conditions, and the extent of damage to the esophagus. In most cases, your veterinarian will recommend a combination of medication and lifestyle changes to help manage GER symptoms.
Some common medications used to treat GER in cats include antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and H2 blockers. These medications help to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, which can help prevent reflux episodes.
In terms of lifestyle changes, feeding your cat smaller and more frequent meals, keeping them upright for 30 minutes after meals, and avoiding foods that trigger GER symptoms can all be helpful to manage GER symptoms. Cat owners also need to provide adequate hydration and high-quality food that is easy to digest.
For cats with moderate to severe GER, surgery might be required.
Closing Thoughts
Gastroesophageal reflux is a common digestive condition seen in cats and requires prompt medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of complications.
If you notice any signs of GER in your cat, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. With proper treatment and management techniques, most cats with GER can lead happy and healthy lives.
Gastroesophageal reflux, or GER, is a common digestive condition seen in cats. In our previous article, we discussed the symptoms, causes and diagnosis of GER in cats.
In this article, we will discuss the different treatment options for GER in cats, living and management with GER, and some preventive measures to help reduce the risk of future incidences.
Home Treatment Options for Gastroesophageal Reflux in Cats
One of the most effective ways to manage GER in cats is through dietary management. In cats, low-fat and low-protein meals that are easy to digest can be helpful in reducing the incidence of reflux episodes.
It is also recommended to feed your cat small and frequent meals as opposed to larger meals. This helps to reduce the amount of food in the stomach at any given time, reducing the likelihood of reflux.
It is worth noting that not all cats with GER will respond to dietary management alone, and additional medical treatment may be required.
Medications for Gastroesophageal Reflux in Cats
There are several medications available that can help manage GER symptoms in cats. Gastrointestinal pro-kinetic agents are a common medication used to manage GER.
These drugs work by increasing the motility, or movement, of the gastrointestinal tract, helping to clear the stomach contents faster, reducing the risk of reflux.
Warning Against Bismuth Subsalicylate for Cats
Cat owners should be aware that bismuth subsalicylate, commonly known as Pepto-Bismol, is unsafe for cats. Bismuth subsalicylate contains salicylates, which can be toxic to cats, especially in high doses.
If you suspect that your cat has ingested bismuth subsalicylate, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Living and Management with Gastroesophageal Reflux in Cats
With proper treatment, most cats with GER can still lead happy and healthy lives. However, there are some things to keep in mind when living with GER in cats.
Prevention of Future Incidences
One of the most important things to do when managing GER in cats is to continue with the recommended dietary regimen, even after symptoms have subsided. Feeding your cat a low-fat and low-protein diet can help reduce the risk of reflux.
It is also important to avoid high-fat foods, as these can aggravate GER symptoms.
Follow-up Esophagoscopy
If initial treatment for GER in cats fails, follow-up esophagoscopy may be advised. The procedure can help determine if any further medical intervention is required.
The frequency of the follow-up esophagoscopy will be determined by your veterinarian.
Monitoring for Signs of Discomfort
If your cat has GER, they may experience some discomfort, especially after meals. It is important to continue monitoring your cat for signs of discomfort, so you can take appropriate action if necessary.
Your veterinarian may recommend using a raised feeding platform to reduce the amount of air the cat swallows during a meal.
Conclusion
GER is a common digestive condition that can be effectively managed with the right treatment and management strategies. While dietary management and medication can be useful, it is also important to follow-up with esophagoscopy if initial treatment fails.
It is also important to stay alert to any discomfort or behavioral changes in your cat and to take appropriate action if needed. With proper care, most cats with GER can lead healthy and happy lives.
In summary, gastroesophageal reflux is a common digestive condition that affects many cats. Symptoms include regurgitation, pain while swallowing, lack of appetite, weight loss, fever, and extreme salivation.
Causes of GER can include anesthetics, hiatal hernia, and chronic vomiting. Diagnosis is important and can be done through esophagoscopy.
Treatment and management options for GER in cats include a low-fat and low-protein diet, small and frequent feedings, and medications such as gastrointestinal pro-kinetic agents. It’s also essential to avoid certain foods and monitor your cat’s discomfort levels.
Living and management with GER depends largely on following appropriate dietary regimens and monitoring your cat for any further changes in symptoms. Ultimately, with proper diagnosis and treatment, most cats with GER can still lead healthy and happy lives.