Timeline: The other day we had a cat that presented with hyper salivation and vomiting. Was admitted into hospital where the pet was started on fluids, bw done and meds taken-which is not easy with drool running down its face. BW came back fairly normal. Barium series (Barium is a liquid contrast media that appears solid white on xray. Barium is given alone or with food and can increase the diagnostic accuracy of xrays by outlining objects and structures that do not show up on plain radiographs. In addition, taking a sequential series of radiographs can allow the determination of decreased GI motility. Easy to do but takes at least 4-6 hours)- AGAIN nothing. Exploratory sx here we come!
What did the Dr find? a trichobezoar aka a big hair ball that basically stops GI mvmt. 2 days post sx. cat is still not eating- but not vomiting or hyper salivation.... its a step in the right direction!
Discussion: The longer hair varieties of cats tend be the ones with more hair ball related issues- this one in fact was a persian. Unfortunatly this probably could have been prevented with a OTC hairball remedy like laxatone. Do you recommend hairball preventatives?
Future:I am putting on an animal science event for the local Girl Scouts in this area- anything interesting to do with a group of high school girls to get them interested in veterinary medicine?
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