My cat coughs up blood

That a cat coughs or sneezes blood It is not usual nor normal. In general, it occurs as a result of trauma, pulmonary edema, neoplasms, poisoning or inhalation of foreign bodies. Whenever the blood makes its appearance, there is concern among the caregivers. When our cat coughs and also expels blood, doubts arise, since it is not possible to know where the bleeding comes from. That our cat coughs blood is reason for veterinary consultation, since only a specialist can determine the exact cause.

In this article we will explain in what circumstances the cough with blood in cats and how we can act, reviewing the main causes, as well as their diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. If you live with a cat, you can not miss this article!

Cough with blood in cats: origin

When our cat coughs and we see that he has expelled blood, the first thing we should know is that this bleeding it can come from the mouth or nose. Likewise, blood can come from the digestive or respiratory system. The vomiting of blood in cats is known as hematemesis and can have different causes, although in this article we are going to deal only with those associated with the respiratory system, since they are those that can be related to coughing fits. Thus, the expectoration of blood from the respiratory tract is called hemoptysis. This bleeding may present as mucus stained with blood, blood directly or a pinkish fluid. It must be said that it is not very common that we have occasion to see this bleeding, since cats usually swallow these expectorations, so they are only detected in tests such as bronchoscopy or, sometimes, a darkened tone in the stool can be seen. corresponds to swallowed and digested blood (melena). Sometimes, a coughing access causes bleeding due to the rupture of small capillaries, without major transcendence (it would be like when we cough up and end up bleeding a small amount when we sound). In this case, the blood would come from the nasal cavity or oropharynx. In the following sections we will explain some of the causes that may be responsible for our cat coughing blood.

Cough with blood in cats due to traumatisms

With traumatisms we refer to accidents as falls, collisions, blows or attacks of other animals, that is, injuries produced with force and / or violence and that will cause damage of greater or lesser consideration. Trauma can cause intrapulmonary hemorrhages. In these cases we will see that our cat coughs blood but, in addition, we will observe other signs such as the following:

• Respiratory difficulties
• Depending on the cause we can see external wounds and / or other injuries or fractures.
• State of greater or lesser confusion depending on the damage caused.
• Pain.

Needless to say, it has to be a veterinary urgency to which we must pay attention as soon as possible. It will be the clinician who must perform the battery of tests necessary to identify the damage and establish the most appropriate treatment. It is usual to need surgery and / or hospitalization. The prognosis will depend on the damage.

The cat coughs up blood due to pulmonary edema

There are cases in which the cat coughs up a blood that is going to present itself to us as a pink fluid. This expectoration has its origin in an edema produced in the lungs. It’s about a excess of liquid and it is in the most serious cases in which the pinkish fluid that we comment can be observed. It can originate a traumatism, a systemic disease or the inhalation or ingestion of some toxic. Of course, it requires fast veterinary attention. We can identify the following symptoms:

• Respiratory difficulties
• Cyanosis (bluish tone due to insufficient oxygenation).
• Cough with bloody expectoration.
• Intolerance to exercise.

On an x-ray (more than one projection is always recommended) it is possible to see the state of the lungs and heart (edema may be associated with heart failure). In addition, other tests such as blood tests can be performed. The treatment will depend on the result of the tests. Diuretics will usually be required to prevent fluid accumulation, in addition to proper treatment of the primary cause of the edema.

Cough with blood in cats due to neoplasms

The presence of neoplasms in the lungs can cause our cat to cough up blood. Neoplasms shows tumors, that is, uncontrolled growths of cells that, in their development, can erode surrounding vessels, which is what will cause the bleeding. It is a very uncommon condition in cats. Other symptoms associated with this picture are the following:

• Cough.
• Respiratory alterations.
• Intolerance to exercise.
• Anorexy.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as regurgitation and vomiting.

Any of these manifestations is a reason for veterinary consultation. As with any other respiratory condition that involves the lungs, x-rays can provide valuable information. Also the bronchoscopy and the biopsy. In this case, the treatment will depend on the type of neoplasm and its extension.

Coughing blood from poisonings or poisonings

Our cat can cough or sneeze blood if it has ingested any toxic. Some of these products cause bleeding and the cat can lose blood through the nose, mouth or in the form of urine or bloody stools. Others symptoms that may accompany bleeding They are as follows:

• Convulsions
• Discoordination
• Vomiting
• Respiratory difficulty
• Hypothermia (decrease in temperature).
• Daze.
• Diarrhea.

Immediate veterinary attention is required. The prognosis will depend on the type of poison, as well as the amount that has been ingested. If we identify the product, we must show it to the veterinarian in order to guide its action. Hospitalization is usually required for fluid therapy and vitamin K (helps control bleeding).

The cat coughs up blood for strange bodies

Finally, the presence of an inhaled foreign body can also cause our cat to cough up blood, in its attempt to expel it. It is typical that an access of coughing or sneezing violently and sudden. In cats one of the inhaled objects are needles, hence the importance of maintaining a safe environment.

This article is merely informative, in .com we do not have the faculty to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.

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