Page 272 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

264 PART 5 CAT WITH ACUTE ILLNESS

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discharge or tongue ulceration. Acute oral and oropharyngeal inflammation will cause pseudoanorexia.
The associated pain and underlying condition may cause non-specific signs. Salivation and halitosis may
be evident.

● Central nervous system inflammation (p 297)
Acute meningitis or encephalitis may initially be characterized by non-specific signs. Careful neurologi-
cal examination may reveal cranial nerve or proprioceptive deficits.
INFECTIOUS
Viral:
● Panleukopenia** (p 272)
Non-specific signs of extreme lethargy and anorexia usually appear prior to the onset of vomiting.
Diarrhea may occur 1–2 days after vomiting begins. Fever may or may not be present.
● Feline leukemia virus infection (p 299)
Occasionally the only signs of infection are acute depression, anorexia and dehydration.
Bacterial:
● Bacterial sepsis** (p 269)
Depression, anorexia and fever are typical of bacterial infection, although fever may not be present,
especially in severe sepsis, and hypothermia may herald impending septic shock. Evidence of an inter-
nal site of infection may or may not be present on physical examination.
Parasitic:

● Toxoplasmosis* (p 293)
Lethargy, anorexia and fever are early signs. Dyspnea is present in the majority of cats, and is associated
with increased respiratory sounds over the chest. Neurological signs, icterus, uveitis or evidence of other
specific organ involvement may or may not be apparent.
Idiopathic:
● Primary anosmia (p 299)
Reduced sense of smell may cause anorexia. Primary anosmia may be idiopathic or neurologic.
Toxic:
● Acute poisoning and envenomation* (p 283)
Poisoning with ingested substances or animal venoms commonly causes acute non-specific signs,
although more specific signs are often present as well. Depending on the toxin, these signs include sali-
vation, vomiting, diarrhea, polypnea, arrhythmias, pale mucous membranes, hypothermia, tremors
(which may cause hyperthermia), excitability and other behavioral changes, seizures and profound gen-
eralized weakness.
● Ethylene glycol poisoning* (p 287)
Acute depression in acute ethylene glycol toxicosis is due to direct central nervous system effects.
Depression is due later to acute renal failure. Other signs include ataxia, vomiting, tremors, polyuria,
painful and swollen kidneys and seizures.