How to Treat Cat Gastric Ulcers

Cat gastric ulcers mainly involve two methods: symptomatic treatment and causal treatment. Symptomatic treatment mainly consists of selecting appropriate drugs based on the specific symptoms of the cat. Causal treatment mainly involves identifying the cause of the gastric ulcer and then conducting targeted treatment. Cats may develop gastric ulcers due to prolonged fasting or stimulation of the gastric mucosa by other foods. If not treated promptly, it can lead to gastric perforation and the passage of chyme into the abdominal cavity.

1. Symptomatic Treatment

Symptomatic treatment mainly involves correcting water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance through infusion, using antacids and sucralfate to inhibit gastric acid secretion and protect the ulcer surface, and supplementing nutrition intravenously. For example, if the cat vomits, it requires anti-vomiting drugs. If the cat refuses to eat or drink, it needs to be supplemented with nutrition intravenously to prevent dehydration. If the cat's temperature rises, it requires antipyretic drugs. If the medication is ineffective or life-threatening bleeding occurs, surgery is necessary.

1. Causal Treatment

Gastric ulcers can be caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, shock, gastric foreign bodies, mast cell tumors, gastrinomas, and other diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that owners take their cats to a pet hospital as soon as possible for inspection to determine the cause and then conduct targeted treatment.

Note: During treatment, owners also need to pay attention to the cat's diet. They should not let the cat eat anything randomly, especially hard foods. It is recommended to feed the cat mainly with digestible foods, such as softened cat food.