Often when a cat has a stomach ulcer, it is a sign of an underlying condition. It is important to get the affected cat help through a veterinarian to prevent more serious issues or even death from occurring.
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What is a Stomach Ulcer?
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A stomach ulcer is a condition in which an excessive amount of gastric acid has eroded away at the lining of the stomach, causing the ulcer.
Causes of Feline Stomach Ulcers
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Stomach ulcers can be caused by a variety of conditions including stress, tumors, human medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, inflammatory bowel disease or certain bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori.
Vomiting
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Cats who are suffering from a stomach ulcer may have mild to severe vomiting. Cat owners should check the vomit for curdled blood and should contact a veterinarian immediately to determine the cause of vomiting.
Diagnosis
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Diagnosing a stomach ulcer can be difficult because many stomach ulcers are only a sign of another underlying condition. There may be X-rays, physical exams, endoscopic exams and more to diagnose a stomach ulcer and additional tests to determine the underlying condition.
Treatment
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Depending on the underlying condition, treatment will vary. In addition to treatment for the primary issue, the cat may require medication to help sooth the stomach while the ulcer is given a chance to heal properly .
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