Something is stuck in my throat

Hello Pet People. We have been discussing a lot of dog issues lately, so today I though it time to focus on some kitty cat topics. And rather than put off the most disgusting of these cat topics we will just address it head on. You probably guessed it, hairballs or “Why does my cat puke?

Hairballs or tricobeazoars for you purists are accumulations of hair in the stomach of cats that the cat has swallowed while grooming. The hair then gets organized into a ball due to stomach motility. The hairball can get to a size that can partially block the exit tract or pylorus of the stomach. This itself may cause a vomiting reflex to occur and the cat will vomit often times expelling the hairball. If not vomited, the hairball is passed down the intestinal tract and is excreted in the feces. Occasionally, these hairballs will cause problems down the digestive tract such as constipation, but that another topic.

Most often the hairballs cause enough obstruction to cause stomach acids to be regurgitated into the esophagus. The esophagus lacks the mucus barrier that the stomach has to protect it from the harsh hydrochloric acid of the stomach. The esophagus then becomes inflamed. Pet people know this condition as heartburn. When food gets to the lower part of the esophagus in cats there is a normal delay as the muscle of the esophagus changes. So, if the esophagus is inflamed due to the reflux of acids it is very sensitive to having food sitting there and bingo, here starts the vomiting reflex and the retching that cat lovers know too well. The classic product of this is a nice tubular package of undigested or partially digested food, often times discovered by a bare foot.

Treatment for this condition is directed at removing the hair from the stomach before it has a chance to organized into a hairball. Of course, brushing your cat will help remove hair that may otherwise be ingested. Numerous supplements made with flavored petroleum jelly such as Laxatone are very effective in hairball control. Tuna and malt flavors are available. There are now specially marketed higher fiber diets that may help remove the hair from the stomach and digestive tract. There are also fiber supplements for cats that don’t like the petroleum jelly supplements that can be added to the food ration.

The esophageal problems with the stomach acids are treated with medications to decrease stomach acid production and to increase stomach emptying muscle contractions and decrease the vomiting reflex. These are used initially for a period of time and then hairball maintenance is usually required for the life of the cat.

Dr. James Speas is the owner and Executive Director of Crescenta Cañada Pet Hospital located in La Crescenta, California. He has developed a personal philosophy in the area of veterinary medicine – to always work in the direction of preventing problems before occur. Dr. Speas and his staff are proud to serve the pet communities of La Crescenta, La Canada, Glendale, Pasadena, Sunland, and Tujunga California. Call us at 818-248-3963.