Page 641 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

30 – THE CAT WITH SIGNS OF ACUTE VOMITING 633

● Salmonellosis* (p 648)
Primarily a problem in young or debilitated cats, as most cats are asymptomatic carriers. In adult
cats, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and weight loss are more common, while in kittens, systemic
signs of infection, including fever or hypothermia, weakness or collapse due to septicemia and
endotoxemia.
PARASITIC
● Physaloptera (p 653)
Intermittent vomiting episodes in young, outdoor cats that hunt. Occasionally the small worms are
observed in the vomitus.
● Ollulanus tricuspis (p 654)
Acute onset of vomiting in free-roaming or colony cats associated with infection with this gastric
nematode, which has a direct life cycle.
● Ascarids (p 654)
Intermittent vomiting in young kittens is sometimes observed with large worm burdens due to the
mass of worms obstructing normal passage of ingesta. More common signs include unthriftiness,
diarrhea and pot-bellied appearance.
TOXIC
● Plant ingestion/toxicity* (p 646)
Many plants do not produce severe toxicity (Philodendron, Diffenbachia, Euphorbia, Caladium,
etc,), but a few are nephrotoxic (Lilium e.g. lilies, rheum, e.g. rhubarb, oxalis e.g. sorrel) and cause
vomiting in addition to signs of renal failure. Other plants that cause vomiting are ricinus
(castor bean), robinia (black locust), and solanum (nightshade) to name a few of the more com-
mon species.
● Pharmacologic/antibiotic induced* (p 642)
Acute onset of vomiting after initiating antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics associated with vomiting:
ampicillin, cephalosporins, tetracycline, erythromycin.
● Ethylene glycol* (p 648)
Vomiting occurs in two stages, one is associated with the initial ingestion of the toxin and is due to
alcohol intoxication and metabolic acidosis. Other signs that occur during this time are salivation,
depression, ataxia and polydipsia. The second stage occurs 2–3 days later and vomiting, depres-
sion and oral ulcers develop secondary to the acute, anuric renal failure, which is the end stage of
this toxicity.

● Pyrethrins\pyrethroids\permethrins\organophosphates* (p 644)
Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, contact dermatitis, ataxia, excitation, seizures and dyspnea are
all reported signs of toxicity to these insecticides.
● Anesthetic agents (Xylazine) (p 658)
Xylazine-induced emesis is a well-known side effect of its administration and is often used thera-
peutically.
● Chemotherapy drug-induced vomiting (p 658)
Those drugs associated with vomiting include: actinomycin-D, cyclophosphamide, cytosine arabinoside,
dacarbazine, doxyrubricin, methotrexate, mitoxantrone, vinblastine.

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