What Are the Causes of Cat Diarrhea & Muscle Atrophy?

Diarrhea in cats is cause for concern. Muscle atrophy calls for a visit to the vet. When the two conditions occur at the same time, they are indications of specific conditions, which may be the result of disease or reaction to medication. Any cat with diarrhea and muscle wasting or atrophy should be taken to the vet right away, for proper diagnosis and treatment.

  1. Hyperthyroidism

    • Elderly cats often suffer from hyperthyroidism. Early symptoms includes weight loss, even though the cat continues to eat normally. Other symptoms include diarrhea, muscle atrophy, and vomiting. Cats also develop rapid heartbeats and high blood pressure. Hyperthyroidism results when the thyroid gland produces excess hormone. Caused in most cases by benign increases of cells in the gland, a small percentage of feline hyperthyroidism results from cancer in the thyroid gland. The most common treatment involves methimazole, an anti-thyroid drug. Depending on the severity of the disease, some cats may have their thyroid surgically removed, and receive radioactive iodine treatments.

    Hepatozoonosis

    • This rare disease in cats is found only in warm climates, where the host of the single-celled parasite Hepatozoon americanum protozoa thrives. Transmission is via tick bite, or the cat swallowing a tick during grooming. Often there are no clinical signs, but in severe cases symptoms include loss of appetite, muscle wasting and atrophy, weight loss, diarrhea, fever and anemia. Commonly, the liver becomes enlarged. Definitive diagnosis is by muscle biopsy. Supportive therapy in afflicted cats is recommended. If living in an area where this disease occurs, be sure to treat cats with tick control medication for prevention.

    Prednisone

    • The steriod prednisone, a strong anti-inflammatory, is used in both human and animal medicine to treat various conditions. Although side effects in cats are unusual, long-term use of the drug may result in gastrointestinal disturbance including diarrhea and muscle wasting in felines. Other side effects include weight gain, personality and behavioral changes, excessive thirst and urination, and constant hunger. Prednisone is often prescribed for cats suffering from skin diseases, endocrine problems, inflammatory respiratory disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and immune-related diseases. Animals in emergency situations may be given prednisone for shock. Contact the vet at once if a cat on prednisone begins exhibiting side effects.