Ask the expert… Jan-Feb 2014

Dr KG Umesh (MVSc, MSc (UK)) is a Postgraduate in Clinical Medicine. He is working for WALTHAM as Regional Associate for South Asia.

I have noticed a pattern of my cat – vomiting out her food. This does not happen after every meal but has been happening 3-4 times a week since last 2-3 weeks. My cat is four years old.
–Srinivas, Pune

Dr KG Umesh: It is important to differentiate true vomiting from regurgitation which involves effortless expulsion of food and fluid from the food pipe. It is also important to differentiate vomiting from coughing followed by gagging which is often confused for vomiting. Vomiting, both acute and chronic, results from number of causes. In contrast to acute digestive problems, chronic ones are rarely self-limiting and it is

llusually essential to establish specific diagnosis and appropriate therapy. Frequent vomiting usually occurs as result of systemic, metabolic or endocrine disorders or severe inflammatory disorders of the primary digestive tract. Vomiting that occurs in the immediate after eating is usually suggestive of overeating, excitement, or disorders of the food pipe. Conversely, vomiting of undigested or partially digested food eight or more hours post-feeding would suggest a digestive tract motility disorder or obstruction. Cats from excessive grooming may develop hair balls may also cause vomiting. Therefore take your cat to the vet to establish the cause and appropriate treatment.

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