The cat has a purple tongue. Discoloration of gums in cats - red, white, gray
Cyanosis or cyanosis of the visible mucous membranes is always a frightening sign! It is not an independent disease, but at the same time, it can be a symptom of several (including life-threatening animal) diseases.
Why do mucous membranes turn blue?
The color of the mucous membranes depends on the saturation of the blood with oxygen and carbon dioxide. If, for some reason, a sufficient amount of oxygen does not enter the blood, the mucous membranes acquire a bluish tint.
In the event that cyanosis is persistent and the body does not receive the required amount of oxygen for a long time, a serious condition for the animal's body can develop, up to death.
The normal color of the visible mucous membranes is pink (from intense to pale pink). The color is easy to see in the oral cavity: gums, lips, the inner side of the cheeks, tongue, if the cat is aggressive and there is no way to open its mouth, you can see the color of the conjunctiva (the inner surface of the eyelid).
The most common causes of cyanosis in cats
pneumothorax and hydrothorax
Most often it occurs as a result of injuries in the chest area, falls from a height, car injuries, bites. Pneumothorax- accumulation of air in the chest cavity, hydrothorax- fluid accumulation. In these conditions, the lungs do not have the ability to normally fill with air, and in some cases, part or one whole lung collapses (does not function). If the process of entry of liquid or air into the chest cavity does not stop, then the animal dies from suffocation.
If you notice that for some time your animal begins to breathe worse, shortness of breath develops (breathing is frequent and with an open mouth) and cyanosis (from several minutes to several days after injury), you should contact the clinic, to exclude these - life-threatening states! Your doctor will need to take x-rays to confirm this diagnosis. And then fluid or air is removed from the chest cavity. This procedure is usually performed under sedation (a small dose of a sedative) in some cases, general anesthesia is required.
It is also necessary to identify the cause of this condition. This may require a study of fluid removed from the chest cavity. Further treatment will focus on preventing the onset of symptoms and treating the underlying disease.
In cats, when falling from a height, it is often found diaphragmatic hernia(rupture of the diaphragm and prolapse of the abdominal organs into the chest). In this condition, the lungs are also inadequately filled with air due to their displacement. Lack of oxygen and cyanosis develops.
This problem is solved by surgery - all organs return to their places, and the gap in the diaphragm (the tissue that separates the chest from the abdominal cavity) is sutured. However, such an operation is appropriate only if the diaphragm rupture has occurred recently, with chronic injuries and the normal quality of life of the animal, the operation is not always indicated.
Causes that also cause chest effusion in cats are FIP, or feline infectious peritonitis, and lymphosarcoma(feline viral leukemia).
With these diseases, fluid accumulates in the chest and abdominal cavity (not always), the general condition of the animal worsens, the cat refuses to eat, and cyanosis appears.
To make such diagnoses, a study of the detected fluid will be required. Blood tests and ultrasound of the chest and abdomen.
Pulmonary edema
A very life-threatening condition - requires urgent assistance and immediate treatment to the clinic! In addition to cyanosis, pulmonary edema is also accompanied by other symptoms: persistent shortness of breath (the cat is breathing with its tongue out), anxiety. When an animal with such symptoms is admitted to an appointment, the doctor will urgently assess the condition of the animal and decide on the need to place the animal for inpatient treatment (which is indicated for animals with severe symptoms of respiratory failure). Also, at the very initial stages of diagnosis, it is necessary to determine the nature of the edema - its cause (since this is not an independent disease, but only a clinical manifestation of some hidden problem of the body).
An x-ray of the lungs is required to confirm the diagnosis, determine the severity of the condition, and identify a possible cause. To relieve the symptoms of edema and improve the condition of the animal, he will be given active diuretic (diuretic) therapy.
After normalization of the animal's condition and identification of the cause of pulmonary edema, the cat should receive treatment for its underlying disease in order to avoid recurrence of this symptom.
Feline asthma
Feline asthma is a disease of cats of different ages, accompanied by coughing and poor breathing; in severe cases, respiratory failure and cyanosis develop. This disease can be suspected by detecting characteristic changes in the lungs (on an X-ray in the lateral projection) and confirmed by the detection of an increased number of eosinophils (blood cells responsible for the body's immune response) in the blood.
This disease in cats is of an immune nature - therefore, for its treatment, the cat is prescribed and selected a minimum dose of glucocorticoid hormones for life.
Congenital heart disease
Also, the cause of these disorders can be congenital heart disease.
Violations of the color, structure and integrity of the tongue can vary during the day, as well as in the process of treating the disease that caused the changes in the language.
The lining of the tongue (the appearance of plaque on it) is the most frequent variant of language changes.
- Plaque composition:
- dead cells of the epithelium (the surface layer of the cells of the tongue);
- bacteria;
- mushrooms;
- food residues.
- The severity of plaque depends on various reasons.
- Composition, consistency of the food taken.
- Regularity of hygiene measures (brushing teeth and tongue, rinsing the mouth).
- Time of day (in the morning there is more plaque, since during the day part of the plaque is swallowed when eating).
- Violation of the aging process and death of the epithelium - the surface cells of the tongue.
- The condition of the papillae of the tongue (the outgrowths of the tongue that determine the taste of food):
- with atrophy (a decrease in the size and number) of papillae, there is little or no plaque at all;
- with hypertrophy (an increase in the size and number) of the papillae on the surface of the tongue there is a thick, difficult-to-remove plaque.
- Plaque color:
- grayish white;
- yellow;
- brown;
- black.
- With significant swelling of the tongue, it is possible to bite the tongue while eating or talking.
- Puffiness is determined by examination by an increase in the size of the tongue and by pronounced imprints of the teeth on its lateral surfaces.
- hypertrophy (an increase in the size and number) of the papillae is accompanied by an increase in the size of the tongue, its swelling and the formation of a dense plaque;
- atrophy (decrease in the size and number) of the papillae of the tongue is accompanied by the smoothness of the surface of the tongue, the absence of plaque.
- burning;
- tingling;
- tingling of the tongue;
- pain in the tongue (especially when eating sour or spicy foods).
- Changes in the color of the tongue:
- Red;
- crimson;
- pale pink;
- yellowish;
- blue;
- dark purple;
- black;
- Brown;
- green;
- blue.
- Changes in the size of the tongue:
- macroglossia (an increase in the size of the tongue);
- microglossia (decrease in the size of the tongue).
- Changes to the shape of the tongue:
- grooved tongue (that is, with thickened edges and a depression in the middle);
- bulging tongue (that is, with a thickening in the middle);
- nodal seals of the tongue (identification when probing dense areas in various places of the tongue);
- curvature of the tongue.
- Changes in the surface of the tongue:
- lacquered tongue (with a smoothed surface);
- "Geographic" language (the presence of areas of different color and height, resembling a geographic map);
- deep transverse fractures of the tongue;
- the presence of dental prints on the lateral surface of the tongue;
- folded tongue (an increase in the tongue and the presence of deeper folds than usual);
- cracks in the tongue (damage to the surface of the tongue due to inflammation);
- the presence of white or red spots on the tongue;
- ulcerative lesions of the tongue (the presence of deep defects on its surface);
- bubbles on the tip of the tongue.
- Trembling of the tongue.
- Paresthesia (discomfort) of the tongue or glossalgia (pain in the tongue).
Various language changes have their own reasons.
The normal color of the tongue is bright pink. Changes in the color of the tongue occur for the following reasons.
- Red tongue (high body temperature, severe infectious diseases (a group of diseases caused by the penetration of pathogens into the body)).
- Dark red tongue - the presence of infectious diseases, renal failure (impairment of all kidney functions).
- Raspberry (strawberry) tongue:
- B12-deficiency anemia (a decrease in the level of hemoglobin - a special substance of red blood cells that carries oxygen - due to a deficiency of vitamin B12);
- scarlet fever (an infectious disease that occurs mainly in children over two years of age, manifested by a skin rash, fever and inflammation of the tonsils). With scarlet fever, the crimson color of the tongue is determined after removing the white plaque.
- Very pale - severe emaciation (weight loss), anemia (decreased hemoglobin level).
- Yellowish - excess bile in the gallbladder or liver dysfunction.
- Blue - the presence of cardiovascular diseases, heart rhythm disturbances.
- Tongue with a deep purple tinge:
- blood clotting disorders;
- ischemic heart disease (a disease resulting from insufficient blood supply to the heart);
- chronic heart failure (a disease associated with insufficient blood supply to organs at rest or during exertion, often accompanied by fluid retention in the body);
- violation of cerebral circulation.
- Black color of the tongue - occurs in a number of diseases:
- severe functional disorders of the digestive tract, most often the gallbladder, pancreas, liver;
- dehydration of the body;
- a decrease in the activity of the adrenal glands, as a result of which an increased amount of melanin pigment is produced in the skin and mucous membranes;
- cholera (an acute infectious disease characterized by damage to the gastrointestinal tract, impaired water-salt metabolism and dehydration);
- taking certain antibiotics (drugs that prevent bacteria from multiplying in the body). In this case, the color of the tongue recovers on its own after stopping antibiotics.
- The green color of the tongue is a sign of bile stagnation.
- Brown is a sign of kidney disease.
- Blue:
- dysentery (an acute infectious disease affecting the large intestine);
- typhoid fever (an acute infectious disease characterized by fever, intoxication (poisoning), damage to the cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems with the formation of ulcers in the intestinal wall).
- infectious diseases (especially with candidiasis - a disease caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida);
- disturbances in the activity of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
- white plaque with a gray tint located in the center of the tongue for gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) with increased acidity of gastric juice, gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer (formation of a deep defect in the inner lining of the stomach or duodenum);
- white bloom, accompanied by dryness of the tongue, occurs with gastritis with low acidity of gastric juice;
- plaque on the root of the tongue is observed in diseases of the small and large intestines, with frequent constipation;
- plaque on the root of the tongue and along the edges happens with kidney disease.
Bright red papillae on the lateral surfaces of the tongue indicate a dysfunction of the liver, and on the front of the tongue - a dysfunction of the pelvic organs (bladder, prostate and seminal vesicles).
Dry tongue - a sign of dehydration, for example, at high body temperature, infectious diseases, intoxication (poisoning), diarrhea, vomiting. Dryness of the tongue most often occurs with a cold. With a stuffy nose, the patient is forced to breathe through the mouth, which leads to the drying out of the tongue.
Grooved tongue (that is, with thick edges and a depression in the center) occurs with simultaneous pathology (disease) of the spleen and liver.
Bulging tongue (that is, with a thickening of the central part) occurs with ascites (accumulation of free fluid in the abdominal cavity).
Curvature of the tongue in the form of a deviation of its tip is observed:
- with damage to the hypoglossal nerve,
- after strokes (death of a part of the brain due to the cessation of blood flow to it),
- with multiple sclerosis (a chronic disease in which the sheath of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord is damaged);
- with myasthenia gravis (diseases characterized by rapid fatigue of the muscles that provide the movement of bones).
Deep transverse fractures of the tongue occur with disorders of cerebral circulation.
Presence of dental prints on the lateral surface of the tongue happens when:
- swelling of the tongue due to diseases of the stomach and intestines;
- impaired absorption of nutrients in the intestine;
- neuroses (mental disorders resulting from traumatic factors - for example, divorce, job change, death of a loved one, etc.).
Cracked tongue - damage to the surface of the tongue due to its inflammation.
Macroglossia (increase in the size of the tongue). It happens congenital (present at birth) and acquired (appears during life).
- Causes of congenital macroglossia:
- idiopathic muscle hypertrophy (congenital enlargement of the tongue, which occurs for an unknown reason, often combined with mental retardation);
- hemihypertrophy of the face (unilateral enlargement of the face due to the excessive growth of its half - a fetal malformation that occurs when a woman's body is exposed to harmful factors in the early stages of pregnancy - for example, radiation, severe infection, etc.);
- a benign tumor (that is, growing without damaging the surrounding tissue);
- hamartoma (benign tumor-like formation that occurs due to impaired intrauterine development of organs);
- cyst (cavity).
- Reasons for acquired macroglossia:
- an increase in the tongue with the loss of the teeth of the lower jaw;
- acromegaly (excess production of growth hormone, which occurs in adulthood, is accompanied mainly by an increase in the limbs, tongue, nose);
- hypothyroidism (insufficient production of thyroid hormones);
- cretinism (a congenital disease caused by an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones, accompanied by physical and mental retardation);
- amyloidosis (deposition in the organs of amyloid - a special complex of proteins and carbohydrates);
- malignant tumors (that is, growing with damage to surrounding tissues);
- syphilis (a common infectious disease caused by pale treponema (a special bacterium) that can affect all organs and systems and is transmitted sexually or from a pregnant woman to a fetus).
- Congenital microglossia occurs in utero when various harmful factors (bacteria, viruses, ionizing radiation (for example, at work), etc.) affect the body of a pregnant woman. In congenital microglossia, the tongue is a separate dense fold in the floor of the mouth, which does not allow the normal development of the lower jaw. Constant salivation develops in such patients due to cicatricial changes in the lower lip and pulling it down. Speech becomes slurred.
- Acquired microglossia can develop as a complication after:
- trauma;
- inflammation of the tongue;
- surgical removal of part of the tongue about the tumor.
Spots of white, less often red are found in squamous cell cancer of the tongue (a malignant tumor consisting of degenerated squamous epithelial cells - that is, the cells that normally cover the tongue).
Ulcerative lesions of the tongue (presence of deep surface defects) can be a manifestation of malignant tumors or syphilis.
Nodal seals of the tongue are found in syphilis.
Bubbles on the tip of the tongue are found in diseases:
- lungs;
- hearts;
- pericardium (pericardial sac).
- increased central venous pressure (pressure in large veins);
- hereditary predisposition to varicose veins (thinning of certain areas of the veins with the formation of their protrusion in various parts of the body);
- hemorrhoids (a disease associated with inflammation, clotting, and enlargement and tortuosity of veins that form nodes around the rectum).
- epilepsy (a disease accompanied by periodic episodes of loss of consciousness);
- chorea (irregular abrupt movements that occur with some brain damage);
- tremor (involuntary movements of the body or its individual parts);
- twitching (involuntary short-term contractions of individual muscles).
- Chronic (lasting more than 6 months) diseases of the digestive system (for example, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine), hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)).
- Hormonal imbalance (for example, menopause (a decrease in the production of sex hormones as the body ages), hyperthyroidism (increased levels of thyroid hormones in the blood)).
- Brain damage, such as:
- encephalitis (inflammation of the brain tissue);
- disorders of cerebral circulation, including atherosclerosis of the vessels (the appearance in the vessels of plaques containing cholesterol - a fat-like substance) of the brain;
- neurosyphilis (brain damage in syphilis).
- Psychoemotional disorders (most often neuroses).
- Malocclusion (teeth closing when closing the mouth).
- Mechanical irritation of the tongue by the sharp edge of a decayed tooth, dentures or orthopedic structures (for example, braces or braces - devices for correcting bite).
- Intolerance to materials used for filling or prosthetics of teeth.
- Galvanism (the occurrence of an electric current between different metals), for example, when using one patient with both metal and gold dentures.
LookMedBook reminds: the sooner you seek help from a specialist, the more chances you have to stay healthy and reduce the risk of complications:
- Analysis of the anamnesis of the disease and complaints (when (how long ago) there were changes in the tongue, pain or burning sensation in the tongue, disturbances in taste sensitivity and other symptoms, with which the patient associates their occurrence).
- Life history analysis. Does the patient have any chronic diseases, are there any hereditary (transmitted from parents to children) diseases, does the patient have bad habits, did he take any drugs for a long time, did he have tumors, did he come into contact with toxic ) substances.
- Physical examination. The size and shape of the tongue, its color, the presence of plaque, the condition of the surface of the tongue (for example, the presence of deep folds or cracks, areas of smoothness of the papillae, etc.) are determined. The general condition of the patient, the color of his skin, the size of the liver and spleen, soreness of the intestines on palpation (palpation) are assessed, blood pressure and pulse are measured.
- The study of scraping from the surface of the tongue (the goal is to identify microorganisms and determine their sensitivity to drugs) is performed if an infectious lesion of the tongue is suspected.
- Consultations of narrow specialists (dentist, neuropathologist, gastroenterologist, dermatovenerologist, etc.) are performed if necessary to identify a disease or condition that led to changes in the language.
- Additional research methods are performed according to individual indications to clarify the diagnosis. These include:
- laboratory methods (for example, general blood and urine analysis, biochemical blood test, etc.);
- instrumental methods, for example, ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the abdominal organs, fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy (FEGDS - examination of the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum using an optical device).
- A consultation with a gastroenterologist is also possible. dentist and endocrinologist.
- The mainstay of treatment is treatment of the disease that caused changes in the tongue (for example, surgical and radiation treatment for tumors of the tongue, taking antifungal drugs for candidiasis (an infectious disease caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida), etc.).
- Rational oral hygiene is desirable for any changes in the tongue:
- brushing your teeth with individually selected toothpastes twice a day;
- cleaning the surface of the tongue with a toothbrush or a special scraper if there is plaque on the tongue.
- Rinsing the mouth with anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, decoctions of medicinal herbs - chamomile, calendula, etc., or alkaline solutions (for example, soda)) after each meal. It is indicated for violations of the integrity of the surface of the tongue (for example, with cracks or desquamation - desquamation of the epithelium (surface cells) of the tongue).
In some cases, complications are possible in the form of:
- violations of the pronunciation of words;
- displacement of the teeth (deviations of the teeth from their normal position forward, backward, left or right);
- malocclusion (teeth closing);
- difficulty or impossibility of wearing a removable denture due to constant injury to the tongue by it;
- psychological discomfort ("mental disorder", that is, an internal state of inconvenience), including sleep disorders.
- Compliance with a diet that restricts spicy, fatty, fried foods to prevent diseases of the digestive system (for example, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine), etc.).
- Quitting smoking, as it:
- damages the surface layer of cells in the oral cavity;
- increases the risk of infectious diseases;
- impairs blood flow in the oral cavity due to vasoconstriction, which leads to delayed healing of all changes in the oral cavity;
- impairs blood flow in the digestive organs due to vasoconstriction, which contributes to the development of diseases of these organs.
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Biochemistry of tissues and fluids of the oral cavity. 2nd ed. Vavilova T.P. M. GEOTAR-Media, 2011, 208 p.
Pediatric surgical dentistry and maxillofacial surgery. Zelensky V.A. Mukhoramov F.S. M. GEOTAR-Media, 2009, 208 p.
Children's therapeutic dentistry. Practice guide: study guide. Elizarova V.M. et al. M. GEOTAR-Media, 2013, 288 p.
Atlas of Clinical Gastroenterology. Forbes A. Misievich J.J. Compton K.K. and others. Translation from English. / Ed. V.A. Isakov. M. GEOTAR-Media, 2010, 382 pages.
Internal medicine according to Tinsley R. Harrison. Book 1 Introduction to Clinical Medicine. M. Praktika, 2005, 446 pp.
Internal medicine according to Davidson. Gastroenterology. Hepatology. Ed. Ivashkina V.T. M. GEOTAR-Media, 2009, 192 p.
Internal illnesses. Makolkin V.I. Sulimov V.A. Ovcharenko S.I. et al. M. GEOTAR-Media, 2011, 304 pp.
Internal medicine: laboratory and instrumental diagnostics. Roitberg G.E.Strutynskiy A.V.M. MEDpress-inform, 2013, 800 pages.
Internal illnesses. Clinical analyzes. Volume 1. Fomin V.V. Burnevich E.Z. / Ed. ON. Mukhina. M. Litterra, 2010, 576 pp.
Internal diseases in tables and diagrams. Directory. Zborovskiy A.B. Zborovskaya I.A.M. MIA, 2011 672 pp.
Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Health Consumers. 2007
Mosby "s Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. 2009
Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, 3rd ed. 2007
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, Updated in 2009.
The strong, long, spiky tongue of cats serves many functions. According to the condition of this organ, an attentive owner may notice that the cat is sick. For example, if an ulcer appears on the tongue of a cat, calcivirosis is suspected. Knowing how the tongue of a healthy cat should look like, how cats use their tongue in a given situation, why the cat sticks out the tip of the tongue and other useful "little things", the owner understands the pet better.
The tongue of the cat, just like the human, consists of many transverse and longitudinal muscles, with the help of which our pets can not only stretch and hide the tongue in their mouths, but also move them in different directions, and fold the tongue with a ladle. The latter is especially convenient when drinking - water is retained in the depression without splashing out of the mouth.
One of the reasons a cat sticks out the tip of its tongue is because of its thermoregulatory function. The wet tongue quickly gives off some of the heat accumulated by the feline body, somewhat alleviating the condition of the pet in extreme heat. If the pet is very hot, the cat is breathing heavily with its tongue out. For dogs, this behavior is the norm, but for cats it is a signal that the ambient temperature has reached a critical norm. If you do not help your darling, it is possible.
Although the reason why the cat sticks out the tip of the tongue can be much more commonplace - the pet recently ate or washed, and simply "forgot" to put her tongue in her mouth. Especially often this is noticed by the owners of Persians and exotic animals - the cat shows its tongue, as if teasing others. It's all about the shortened bones of the skull: the shape of the muzzle is changed by selection, as is the structure of the jaws - the tongue either does not fit in the mouth, or the tip sticks out between the teeth (an irregular bite, in which the cat shows its tongue, normally resting from the inside against the teeth tightly interlocked with the mouth closed ).
An inexperienced owner, especially if he has previously closely communicated with dogs, is always surprised why a cat has a rough tongue. Touches of the cat's tongue can even be unpleasant - the surface of this organ is so hard and prickly. The inhabitants of Ancient Russia did not have the opportunity to examine the cat's tongue in close-up, but they had enough tactile sensations to give the cat's tongue the apt nickname "grater". It's all about the many papillae that look like spines and grow inward towards the pharynx. Long "scales" help the cat to keep food and water on the surface of the tongue, thoroughly clean the coat and remove small debris from the surface of the coat - the dog will never be able to wash so cleanly.
Knowing why the cat has a rough tongue, it is easy to imagine what happens to the tinsel or thread that has got into the cat's mouth: the pet cannot spit out the thread (the “thorns” on the tongue, holding a thin foreign object, interfere). A cat swallows a thread or tinsel - she just has nothing else to do. Noticing this, you cannot drag by the end of the thread: carefully cut off the visible part and give your pet a couple of tablespoons of Vaseline oil.
If you look at the cat's tongue in close-up, you will notice that in addition to the "thorns", it is covered with short "sticks", flat dots and other "growths" - these are also papillae, and they all perform certain functions. In particular, many of them are equipped with gustatory chemoreceptors, which allows the cat to taste salty, sour and bitter tastes. By examining a cat's tongue under a microscope, scientists have not been able to find receptors that are sensitive to sweet taste, so it is believed that cats do not feel this taste at all. Or they can taste it, but only in high concentration, which is harmful to their health.
Sholicheva Alisa Andreevna
veterinary cardiologist
Cyanosis or cyanosis of the visible mucous membranes is always a frightening sign!
It is not an independent disease, but at the same time, it can be a symptom of several (including life-threatening animal) diseases.
Why do mucous membranes turn blue?
The color of the mucous membranes depends on the saturation of the blood with oxygen and carbon dioxide.
If, for some reason, a sufficient amount of oxygen does not enter the blood, the mucous membranes acquire a bluish tint.
In the event that cyanosis is persistent and the body does not receive the required amount of oxygen for a long time, a serious condition for the animal's body can develop, up to death.
The normal color of the visible mucous membranes is pink (from intense to pale pink). The color is easy to see in the oral cavity: gums, lips, the inner side of the cheeks, tongue, if the cat is aggressive and there is no way to open its mouth, you can see the color of the conjunctiva (the inner surface of the eyelid).
The most common causes of cyanosis in cats are:
- pneumothorax and hydrothorax
Most often it occurs as a result of injuries in the chest area, falls from a height, car injuries, bites.
Pneumothorax- accumulation of air in the chest cavity, hydrothorax- fluid accumulation. In these conditions, the lungs do not have the ability to normally fill with air, and in some cases, part or one whole lung collapses (does not function).
If the process of entry of liquid or air into the chest cavity does not stop, then the animal dies from suffocation.
If you notice that for some time your animal begins to breathe worse, shortness of breath develops (breathing is frequent and with an open mouth) and cyanosis (from several minutes to several days after injury), you should contact the clinic, to exclude these - life-threatening states!
Your doctor will need to take x-rays to confirm this diagnosis. And then fluid or air is removed from the chest cavity. This procedure is usually performed under sedation (a small dose of a sedative) in some cases, general anesthesia is required.
It is also necessary to identify the cause of this condition. This may require a study of fluid removed from the chest cavity. Further treatment will focus on preventing the onset of symptoms and treating the underlying disease.
In cats, when falling from a height, it is often found diaphragmatic hernia(rupture of the diaphragm and prolapse of the abdominal organs into the chest). In this condition, the lungs are also inadequately filled with air due to their displacement. Lack of oxygen and cyanosis develops.
This problem is solved by surgery - all organs return to their places, and the gap in the diaphragm (the tissue that separates the chest from the abdominal cavity) is sutured. However, such an operation is appropriate only if the diaphragm rupture has occurred recently, with chronic injuries and the normal quality of life of the animal, the operation is not always indicated.Causes that also cause chest effusion in cats are FIP, or feline infectious peritonitis, and lymphosarcoma(feline viral leukemia).
With these diseases, fluid accumulates in the chest and abdominal cavity (not always), the general condition of the animal worsens, the cat refuses to eat, and cyanosis appears.
To make such diagnoses, a study of the detected fluid will be required. Blood tests and ultrasound of the chest and abdomen. - pulmonary edema
A very life-threatening condition - requires urgent assistance and immediate treatment to the clinic!
In addition to cyanosis, pulmonary edema is also accompanied by other symptoms: persistent shortness of breath (the cat is breathing with its tongue out), anxiety. When an animal with such symptoms is admitted to an appointment, the doctor will urgently assess the condition of the animal and decide on the need to place the animal for inpatient treatment (which is indicated for animals with severe symptoms of respiratory failure). Also, at the very initial stages of diagnosis, it is necessary to determine the nature of the edema - its cause (since this is not an independent disease, but only a clinical manifestation of some hidden problem of the body).
An x-ray of the lungs is required to confirm the diagnosis, determine the severity of the condition, and identify a possible cause. To relieve the symptoms of edema and improve the condition of the animal, he will be given active diuretic (diuretic) therapy.
After normalization of the animal's condition and identification of the cause of pulmonary edema, the cat should receive treatment for its underlying disease in order to avoid recurrence of this symptom. - feline asthma- Disease of cats of different ages, accompanied by cough and worsening of breathing, in severe cases, respiratory failure and cyanosis develop.
This disease can be suspected by detecting characteristic changes in the lungs (on an X-ray in the lateral projection) and confirmed by the detection of an increased number of eosinophils (blood cells responsible for the body's immune response) in the blood.
This disease in cats is of an immune nature - therefore, for its treatment, the cat is prescribed and selected a minimum dose of glucocorticoid hormones for life. - congenital heart defects
Owners notice persistent cyanosis in their pets at an early age.
The so-called "blue" (causing cyanosis) defects include:- atrial septal defect
- ventricular septal defect
- combined vice "tetrad of Fallot".
The incidence of these congenital heart defects in cats is very small.
To make such a diagnosis, it will be necessary to undergo a full cardiological examination: ECG (electrocardiography), ECHO (ultrasound of the heart) and chest X-ray.
Remember!
The presence of cyanosis always means that the body lacks oxygen and there is an excess of carbon dioxide. It is always life-threatening. Your task is to deliver the animal to the clinic as soon as possible.
Sholicheva Alisa Andreevna
Dark spots and dots on the tongue and lips of cats are a result of overactive cells that secrete the pigment that is responsible for skin tone. Furry pets are prone to pigmentation. Black dots on a cat's tongue may appear from birth. In this case, the tongue can be either strongly pigmented or weakly, with barely noticeable specks. Pigmentation can spread to the nose, mouth and lips. This phenomenon is absolutely harmless and does not require treatment.
Black dots that suddenly appear on the tongue of a cat are a consequence of the activity of cells responsible for skin color. Due to the increased production of pigment, some areas of the mucous membrane become darker in color. This phenomenon is not dangerous, regardless of whether it is acquired pigmentation or spots in the cat from birth.
Age spots can form. If the cat is prone to such formations, dark spots appear before the age of three. If the animal does not have a tendency to pigmentation, the tongue and nose can remain clean throughout its life.
Many wearers mistake black spots on the tongue for symptoms of a fungal infection. Candidiasis and other dermatological diseases of the mucous membranes and skin in cats are manifested by the formation of light spots and dots, but not dark ones. Pigmentation does not cause discomfort. With the appearance of dark spots, the behavior of the pet does not change, the appetite does not suffer and, in general, there is no reason for concern.
Interestingly, pigmentation in cats is often hereditary and appears in animals with dark coats and dark paw pads. In fair cats, white or red with pink paws, pigmentation is very rare.
Pellagra
A disease caused by a lack of vitamin PP and B6 is called pellagra. In felines, such a pathology is quite rare and is associated with a monotonous diet. In most cases, hypovitaminosis is encountered by animals that eat low-quality dry food of a low price segment.
The composition of such feeds is not balanced and does not always meet the needs of the animal's body for certain vitamins. Pellagra can also be encountered by outdoor animals that do not have a regular diet and eat what they have to. Often, cats taken from the street suffer from hypovitaminosis, and the owners cannot immediately understand what is the reason for the lethargy and drowsiness of the fluffy pet, as well as dark spots on the tongue.
Pellagra in cats appears as dots on the mucous membranes of the mouth, sometimes as spots on the tongue, nose and ears. For an accurate diagnosis, you should consult a veterinarian, as plaque in the ears and on the nose can be the result of a tick-borne lesion, and the dots on the tongue may turn out to be harmless pigmentation.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment is carried out by adjusting the diet. It is recommended to purchase special vitamin supplements for felines, depending on the age of the pet. If the cat eats natural food, the following foods should be included in the diet:
- liver;
- kidneys;
- sea fish;
- milk;
- carrot.
These products are rich in vitamin PP and quickly eliminate its deficiency. To achieve the best effect, it is necessary to combine a therapeutic diet with taking special vitamin supplements. The recommended dosage of vitamins PP and B6 is up to 5 mg per kilogram of pet's weight.
Plaque on the tongue
Quite often, in a cat's tongue, blackheads disappear after eating or drinking water. In this case, we are talking about the usual plaque that appears when eating dark colored food. Often, a plaque on the tongue is found after the cat plays with some objects painted in a dark color. Dots on the tongue may remain if the animal gnawed on plastic or painted wood. Dye particles become clogged between the papillae on the tongue and give the impression of dark spots and spots.
Distinguishing plaque from pigmentation or vitamin deficiency is very simple, just rub the pet's tongue with a toothbrush. If the dark spots disappear easily and do not reappear, we are talking about plaque. With pellagra, dark areas can be cleared, but they form again after a while. Pigmentation on the tongue cannot be removed by any means at hand.
Owners should be concerned if dark plaque develops on the lips and nose of the pet, and there is also a pronounced putrid odor from the cat's mouth. In this case, it is recommended to show the animal to the veterinarian and examine the oral cavity. Potential causes include dental disease, gum disease and bacterial stomatitis.