Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat vomiting and collapse linked to gas in intestines on X-ray
By Walczak, Raelyn et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2020·Department of Radiology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Radiography and ultrasonography of pneumatosis intestinalis in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
An adult cat was brought in after suddenly vomiting and collapsing. X-rays showed air trapped in the walls of the intestines, which indicated a serious condition called pneumatosis intestinalis. An ultrasound the next day suggested gas in the intestinal wall, but there were no signs of gas in the liver. Unfortunately, the cat's condition worsened, and the owners chose to have her humanely euthanized. A post-mortem examination revealed severe intestinal damage caused by a toxin from Clostridium difficile, a type of bacteria.
People also search for: cat vomiting and collapse · pneumatosis intestinalis in cats · Clostridium difficile in cats · cat euthanasia decision · cat intestinal problems symptoms
Abstract
An adult cat was presented for acute history of vomiting and collapse. Radiographs showed the presence of air within small intestinal walls and arborizing gas patterns within the liver, compatible with pneumatosis intestinalis and presumed portal venous gas, respectively. An abdominal ultrasound the following day was suggestive of gas within the intestinal wall, however, gas within the hepatic vasculature, parenchyma, or biliary tree was not evident. Due to progressive clinical deterioration of the patient, the owners elected humane euthanasia. Necropsy revealed severe necrotizing hemorrhagic enterotyphlocolitis secondary to Clostridium difficile toxin.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29797615/