- Home
- Cat Conditions
- Inflammation of the Abdomen in Cats
Inflammation of the Abdomen in Cats
What is Inflammation of the Abdomen?
The severity of the condition will depend on the cause of the inflammation. Peritonitis must be treated promptly as the condition can become septic, putting the cat's life at risk.
The peritoneum is a thin membrane that lines the abdominal, or peritoneal, cavity. When the peritoneum becomes inflamed due to injury or infection, peritonitis results. Peritonitis can be extremely painful and will make a cat sensitive to anything that touches its abdomen.
Inflammation of the Abdomen Average Cost
From 574 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$600
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
Symptoms of Inflammation of the Abdomen in Cats
Because peritonitis can lead to a systemic infection, symptoms may vary depending on what organs are involved. Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Reluctance to move
- Positioning itself in a "praying" position in order to relieve pain
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Increased heart rate
- Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Shock (septic)
Types
There are two main types of peritonitis:
- Primary peritonitis
- Secondary peritonitis, which can be further classified into septic and non-septic peritonitis
Causes of Inflammation of the Abdomen in Cats
The different types of peritonitis also have differing causes, which include:
- Feline infectious peritonitis
- Injury or trauma to abdomen or other body organ
- Presence of foreign substances, such as glove powder or barium
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Introduction of foreign bodies or contaminants during surgery
- Liver abscesses
- Rupture of bile duct, gallbladder or urinary bladder
- Pus filling the abdominal cavity
Diagnosis of Inflammation of the Abdomen in Cats
The veterinarian will need to know the cat's health history, which will include any recent surgeries or injuries, when the symptoms first began, and a detailed list of all of the cat's symptoms. The veterinarian will examine the cat, listening to its heart and lungs with a stethoscope, gently feeling the abdomen for signs of sensitivity, and taking its blood pressure.
Various labs will need to be performed in order to determine what has caused the peritonitis to occur and what organ systems are involved. These labs include a biochemical profile, a complete blood count, an electrolyte panel and a urinalysis. Ultrasounds and X-rays will also be utilized in order to look for free gas in the abdomen due to bacteria or a perforation, organ abscesses, or free fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Free abdominal fluid may be collected for further lab analysis by abdominocentesis. During the abdominocentesis, the veterinarian will use an ultrasound to guide a thin needle into the abdominal cavity, where a sample of the fluid will be taken. This sample will be sent to an outside lab for further testing. Alternatively, a diagnostic peritoneal lavage can be done to test the fluid if an abdominocentesis isn't possible.
Treatment of Inflammation of the Abdomen in Cats
Fluid Therapy
The cat will need to be hospitalized in order to receive intravenous fluid and electrolyte therapy. During the time, the veterinarian will monitor the kidneys and heart to ensure that the fluids aren't taxing the organ systems.
Medications
Broad spectrum antibiotics will be prescribed at first in order to stop the spread of infection. Blood culture and sensitivity labs will be performed in order to determine the right antibiotic for the infection.
Surgery
Peritonitis due to chemicals, bacteria or trauma will need to be treated with surgery. Surgery poses a risk as it can cause bacteria to spread throughout the body. After surgery, peritoneal drainage will be maintained with either an open or closed drain implantation.
Dietary Changes
If an underlying heart condition was found, the cat will need to be placed on a low-sodium diet. Nutritional support may be given during hospitalization via a feeding tube or injection while the cat recovers from the abdominal inflammation.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Recovery of Inflammation of the Abdomen in Cats
Peritonitis is a serious condition that can cause death even with surgical intervention. The veterinarian will need to do frequent bloodwork in order to monitor the inflammation and its effect on the organs during recovery in the hospital. Once the cat is released, follow up appointments with the veterinarian will be necessary in order to monitor the cat's progress.
Follow any dietary restrictions that were recommended by the veterinarian in order to help the cat get the nutrients it needs without taxing its heart or kidneys. The cat should be allowed to recover in a quiet, stress-free environment. Keeping other animals and young children away from the cat while it recovers is essential. The cat may need to wear an Elizabethan collar as recommended by the veterinarian in order to keep it from biting or licking its sutures. The prognosis for peritonitis is guarded as a full recovery depends on the cause and extent of the inflammation and the promptness of treatment.
Inflammation of the Abdomen Average Cost
From 574 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$600
Top
Inflammation of the Abdomen Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Short hair tabby
Lily
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Restless
Short Of Breath
Discomfort
Flush Toes And Nose
Hot Toes And Nose
I have a indoor single cat that isn’t herself. I do not have funds for vet visit, would like to know if she’s at risk of emergency. Her pads and nose are bright pink and warm (ears are not) she still eats and drinks water occasionally, no vomit no diarrhea. She seems to be very uncomfortable in the lower stomach area, restless changing positions a lot. She’s irritable and sad and has short fast breathing (not panting). Seems like she could have inflamed intestine or appendicitis. I know she should go to vet but they won’t see me without full payment. I just lost a 20 year old cat to kidney disease and all my funds are rapt out from that. Advice-help?
July 20, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
From the signs that you describe, I'm not sure what might be going on with Lily, as I can't see her, unfortunately. She does sound uncomfortable for whatever reason, whether it is a GI problem, or urinary. Part of being a veterinarian is using signs and subtle changes as clues to what is going on, since our pets can't talk. It would probably be a good idea to have Lily seen, although it does not seem to be an emergency, as with an examination, they will be able to give you a better idea as to what might be going on, and what needs to be done for her. If you let them know that you don't have funds to have any major treatment done, we can sometimes think of things to try to help. I hope that all goes well for her.
July 20, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
domestic short hair
Ebony
2 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My cat went into the vets last thursday with low temp, hypoglycemoc, lethargic with abdominal pain and she vomited one time after i syringe fed her. After i opened a can of tuna and it illicet no response i knew something was wrong. He thought it was pancreatitis. We did a CBC and her white blood cell count was 60. She had fluid in her abdomen. She's been on lactated ringers. She had an abdominal x-ray. No blockage was shown on the X-ray. She's been treated with antibiotics, Baytril a pain shot. I took her home Wednesday morning after being in the hospital for 5 days. I took her back to the vet today for more fluids more Baytril and he gave her an injection of prednisone. He thinks it may be either pancreatitis or peritonitis. She'll eat dry food I have tried several different what foods that should leave a little bit of but not a whole lot. I've syringe fed her baby food. My concern is she's not had a bowel movement yet today is one week without a bowel movement. I have completely changed her her diet she's on grain-free Instinct food that has raw ingredients. She's also on grain-free wet food her vet bills were already over $1,000 I'm on limited funds what else can we try
June 22, 2018
3 Recommendations
If there is fluid accumulating in the abdomen, it would be an idea to have a sample taken so that it may be evaluated to see if it sheds any light on the underlying cause of the symptoms; the white blood cells are very high (reference 5.0–14.1×10^3/μL) but a differential blood cell count would tell you more. I would continue to syringe feed her for the time being and see about possibly getting a fluid sample from the abdomen which should give you more information regarding the origin. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.ivis.org/proceedings/scivac/2008/denicola8_en.pdf?LA=1
June 22, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Inflammation of the Abdomen Average Cost
From 574 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$600
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
