Acid Reflux in Cats
Acid Reflux in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Acid Reflux?
In healthy upper digestive systems, the stomach’s sphincter valve closes to prevent the digestive fluids from refluxing upward. However, stomach fluids might overwhelm this sphincter when the acids residing in the stomach become too great, which is usually caused by dietary influenced gastritis. Overtime, the feline’s esophagus becomes inflamed and painful, a condition veterinarians term esophagitis. The smooth tissues become scarred and narrowed, and tighten to protect the acids from further damaging the esophagus, forever affecting the cat’s ability to easily consume food.
Acid reflux in cats is a condition in which fluids within the stomach flow upward into the esophagus. Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, veterinarians do not know the exact cause of this chronic disease, but hypotheses have been made. The up flow of stomach acid chronically irritates the esophagus lining, medically termed mucosa, causing clinical signs of regurgitation. 
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Acid Reflux Average Cost
From 526 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$800
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Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Cats
Symptoms of acid reflux in cats mimic the clinical signs associated with human acid reflux disease. Vets assume a feline feels the same heartburn sensation paired with the feeling of a throat obstruction, which is why they display clinical signs similar to that of humans. Although the way a cat feels cannot be determined, cats do display clinical signs of acid reflux that clue pet owners in to an underlying problem. Symptoms of acid reflux in cats include: 
  • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) 
  • Decreased appetite
  • Weight loss 
  • Pain upon swallowing (noted by vocalization or pawing at the neck)
  • Regurgitation of food
  • Salivation 
  • Drooling 
  • Frequent vomiting 
  • Chronic non-productive cough 
  • Chronic nasal discharge 
  • General discomfort 
  • Change in the nature of the meow
Causes of Acid Reflux in Cats
Acid reflux can affect cats of any breed, any sex or age, although acid reflux has been reported in more young cats than older felines. Felines that eat table scraps or have a diet that constantly changes are more prone to developing acid reflux than a feline that is fed a properly balanced diet. Acid reflux is also found in felines that are diagnosed with chronic vomiting and hairballs. Veterinarians have also hypothesized the possibility of a hiatal hernia being one underlying cause, as this hernia causes a tear in the feline’s diaphragm. Anesthesia is known to cause acid reflux in felines for a period of time following surgery, but this form of acid reflux is usually temporary and resolves on its own with time.
Diagnosis of Acid Reflux in Cats
Following a thorough review of your cat’s medical history and performing a physical exam, the veterinarian will proceed to perform logical diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the problem. The veterinarian will likely request the following diagnostic tests: 
  • A CBC (Complete Blood Cell Count): blood test used to evaluate the number of circulating platelets, red and white blood cells. 
  • A biochemistry profile: a blood test that provides information on the level of electrolytes and gastrointestinal enzymes the feline is producing. This blood test also indicates the functionality of the cat’s organs and overall internal health. 
  • Urinalysis: examination of the urine to screen for infection, metabolic conditions and damage to the kidneys. 
  • Radiographs: thoracic (chest) x-rays of the chest containing the heart, lungs and upper digestive tract, and abdominal x-rays of the abdominal cavity. 
  • Endoscopy: the use of a fiber-optic camera placed inside the esophagus, lower airways, or trachea for evaluation purposes. 
Treatment of Acid Reflux in Cats
The treatment goal of acid reflux in cats is to address the underlying cause and protect the esophagus from further damage. Your veterinarian will likely recommend a dietary change, focusing on low-protein sources and feeding small, frequent meals. By decreasing your cat’s dietary intake, the esophageal sphincter can strengthen while the acids residing in the stomach will be decreased.  Additionally, the veterinarian may prescribe an antacid to reduce the amount of acids the stomach produces. He or she may also recommend a mucosal protectant to prevent further damage to the esophagus. A common esophageal mucosal protected medication is sucralfate. Lastly, drug therapy to improve the esophageal sphincter’s tone is often prescribed to cats with acid reflux, as it is beneficial to correcting the problem. 
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Recovery of Acid Reflux in Cats
It may take a few weeks to a few months for a cat to fully recover from the symptoms of acid reflux. Acid reflux in itself may not be curable, but the symptoms can be managed with the prescribed medications to reduce stomach acid and protect the esophagus from further damage. Dietary changes and other recommendations made by your veterinarian should be followed exactly to gain the best prognosis possible for your cat.
Acid Reflux Average Cost
From 526 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$800
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Acid Reflux Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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Dom SH cat
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Six Years
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5 found this helpful

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5 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Throwing Up Clean Fluid And White Foam
My cat has thrown up for the last day white foam and clear fluid. He seems like he doesn’t feel well. I don’t know what to do to calm his stomach.
July 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If your cat is continually throwing up, it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian. There are many reasons for vomiting like that, including intestinal infection, foreign bodies, systemic disease, or parasites. Your veterinarian will be able to examine your cat, see what might be causing this, and get treatment. I hope that everything goes well for your cat.
July 26, 2020
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Cat
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Snickers
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9 Years
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24 found this helpful

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24 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
My cat was prescribed Omeprazole from the vet. I am having a hard time administering the capsules. Can the capsules be opened and sprinkled on food? Does it have a bad taste?
Aug. 26, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
24 Recommendations
I"m not sure if the formulation that you were prescribed has a bad taste without knowing which one it was... you should be able to open the capsule and sprinkle it on some canned food, though, and that might make it easier to give. Just make sure that you put it on a small amount of canned food so that you can see if Snickers eats it all before giving more food.
Aug. 26, 2018
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American Shorthair
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Joey
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12 Years
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3 found this helpful

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3 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
My cat is vomiting about twice a day. He has been on several different foods in the last few months while the vet tried to figure out his itchy skin. He was put on 2 hydrolyzed foods, both of which caused him to vomit. His skin didn’t improve so the vet told me to put him back on his prior limited ingredient diet. Each time his diet changes he’s fine for about a week then the vomiting starts usually twice a day - the middle of the night and the middle of the day. He eats wet and dry food but has recently been resistant to the wet food. What might be causing his vomiting?
Aug. 21, 2018
3 Recommendations
It is difficult to say what specifically is causing the vomiting especially if he is alright for around a week after a diet change; you should revert back to the limited ingredient diet and follow up with your Veterinarian. It is important also to keep track of the ingredients in the foods you give to see if any particular ingredient is a common issue. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 21, 2018
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Siamese mix
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Yolandie
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9 Years
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16 found this helpful

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16 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss
Vomiting
I’ve been to numerous vets about my cats fluctuating vomiting and weight loss and they said acid reflux. I put probiotics with enzymes in her wet food but she is a picky eater. I use to keep her hard food out so she can nibble on when she doesn’t want wet food but then she pukes and the wet food dries out. What is the best hard food for reflux?
July 6, 2018
16 Recommendations
It is more important to find a food which is tolerated well by Yolandie, however you may want to use a restricted ingredient gastrointestinal sensitive diet to see if there are any improvements in symptoms. There is rarely a one diet fits all solution so you should try her on a simple diet for a few weeks to see if there are any improvements, also using an acid reducer may also help but discuss with your Veterinarian especially if she is on other medication. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 7, 2018
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American Shorthair
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Lola
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14 Years
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15 found this helpful

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15 found this helpful

My cat has times (much more rarely now than in the past) when she smacks her lips and swallows repeatedly. It can go on for a few minutes. (Today it went away when I gave her a plate of food). It looks like she has hiccups between the swallowing. She has IBD. Could she have GERD, too?
June 20, 2018

15 Recommendations
It is possible that Lola is having some issues with acid reflux, you should think about feeding her smaller meals more often so the stomach isn’t empty for long between meals; see how she goes with the change in meal frequency but if there is no improvement you should discuss with your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 21, 2018
Thank you!!!!! I have noticed that she stops when she eats. Thanks for the help!
June 21, 2018
Lola's Owner
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Siberian
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Steve
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17 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Sneezing
Smacking Lips
Steve the cat was diagnosed with gastro lymphoma, for which he is takes steroids and chemo (has been for past 6 months). Last month he has thrown up a few times, vet thought maybe acid reflux from the drugs and thought I should try prilosec (which I did for a week, but his appetite took a nose dive, so I took him off). He's also started sneezing a lot. Two questions, read that prilosec can suppress appetite and also prevent absorption of drugs and B12 (so important for his survival!) - is this true? Question 2: could acid reflux cause sneezing??
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short hair
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Zoey
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10 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Burping
Vomiting White Foam
My cat has been throwing up very small amounts of clear foamy liquid or just white foam for maybe 36 hours, & sometimes nothing. It's not constant, but has happened at least 10 times or more - one of those 3. She is eating fine, mostly at meal times - wet & dry food. She is also acting normal. I treated her for hairballs twice yesterday, with no results.
Acid Reflux Average Cost
From 526 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$800
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