Page 271 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

16 – THE CAT WITH ACUTE DEPRESSION, ANOREXIA OR DEHYDRATION 263

● Acute heart failure* (p 292)
Non-specific signs of lethargy and inappetence may occur prior to dyspnea. An arrhythmia, mur-
mur and/or a weak pulse may be evident. Abnormal lung sounds consistent with edema or pleural
fluid may be auscultated.

NEOPLASTIC
● Neoplasia* (p 293)
Many tumors may cause acute signs, and non-specific signs of lethargy and inappetence often
appear prior to specific signs.
● Central nervous system neoplasia (p 297)
The tumor may acutely affect alertness or appetite. Other neurologic signs may or may not be
present.
NUTRITIONAL

● Unpalatable food* (p 294)
Primary anorexia may occur due to a change in the diet. History of a diet change, together with normal
physical examination findings are suggestive.
● Alternate food source* (p 294)
Physiologic anorexia may occur after consumption of an unknown source of food.

PHYSICAL
● Separation or situation anxiety** (p 270)
Change in environment and routine may cause primary anorexia and depression. Withdrawal or
hiding may occur.
● Environmental stress* (p 294)
Temperature extremes may cause primary anorexia and inactivity.
INFLAMMATION
● Fever*** (p 267)
Acute fever and its underlying disorder may cause acute depression, anorexia and dehydration.
Localizing signs may or may not be present.

● Pancreatitis* (p 272)
Non-specific signs of depression and/or anorexia dominate the clinical picture. Unlike the dog, vomiting and
abdominal pain are not consistent findings.

● Gastrointestinal foreign body and inflammation*** (p 268)
Non-specific signs often predominate and vomiting and diarrhea may or may not be witnessed.
Occasionally, a linear foreign body is evident wrapped around the base of the tongue.
● Esophageal foreign body and inflammation (p 299)
Regurgitation and gagging may not be witnessed, and non-specific signs may predominate.
● Acute intranasal, oral or pharyngeal inflammation ** (p 269)
Sneezing, nasal discharge and stertor may not be witnessed initially and non-specific signs predominate
including depression, anorexia and pyrexia. Careful examination may reveal a mild serous ocular

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