Expert: Jessica - 10/20/2009

Question
First of all, I love siamese and am envious of your pictured kitty!  We do however have a sick 6+yr old Bengal, male neuter. About a week ago he showed signs of loosing wt., rough coat, excess salivation, and lack of appetite.  When he does it, within a few moments he cries and then throws-up.  He cries a lot and stays secluded(he used top be an in-your-face lap cat).  We have not seen any flees,but are suspicious of worms.  He does not seem to be dehydrated ,but has lost a LOT of wt.  2 days ago we applied Profender...have seen no change as of yet.  Any clues???  He is strictly an inside cat, with one other Bengalliving there without any symptoms.  thanks, joan

Answer
Hi Joan, thank you for your complements.  She was featured in Cat Fancy Magazine this month!

Sorry to hear about your Bengal.  I think it's time for a vet to look at him.  An antibiotic that targets gastrointestinal infections would generally be recommended.  Cats can carry protozoan parasites, coccidia and giardia, without having any symptoms for years.  They only become a problem when the germs multiply out of control.  Bacterial infections can also do a number on a kitty's belly.  Most cats are placed on metronidazole (Flagyl), an antibacterial/anti-flagellate/anti-inflammatory medication for 10-14 days.  Tagamet or an anti-nausea medication like metoclopramide (Reglan) or mirtazapine (Remeron) may also be given.

Your vet might also want to run some blood tests.  Kidney and liver failure are two reasons for serious nausea and vomiting.  Pancreatitis is a less common cause.  Kidney and liver values are shown on the standard blood chemistry tests, as well as some vague pancreatic function indications.  

Sometimes x-rays are helpful, and these will be especially important if the vet feels any abnormal thickening, fluid or masses in the abdomen.  They can help detect growths as well as foreign bodies that can cause gastrological upset.

There is a condition called Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which causes vomiting in some cases and diarrhea in others.  This is diagnosed when all other possible causes of the symptoms are ruled out, as there is no test.  It appears to be caused by a sensitivity to food, bacteria or to the lining of the intestines themselves.  Treatment is usually prednisone.  This disease tends to be chronic, though, and I haven't seen any cases come on so acutely (but I am not a vet).

Hopefully it's just an infection that's gotten really out of hand.  Hope he's feeling better soon!

Jessica