by Nomi Berger
 
Ascites (pronounced “a-site-eez”) is the accumulation of fluid in a cat’s abdominal cavity.
 
While a swollen stomach is one of the most obvious signs of ascites, any dramatic shift in a cat’s appetite, weight, body temperature, excremental function or sudden sensitivity during a tummy rub can also be warning signs. And if fluid continues to accumulate unchecked in the cat’s abdomen, it will eventually create so much pressure that she may have trouble breathing.
 
As frightening as it sounds, however, ascites may all too often be a symptom of one of these five major conditions:
 
1. Abdominal organ failure: Damage to or failure of the liver, kidneys and/or bladder can cause feline ascites. When operating properly, these organs’ vital functions include the conversion and metabolization of nutrients, filtration and waste removal. If the liver or kidneys are ruptured or fail, they release fluid into the abdomen that can quickly become septic. (possible reasons for both: ingesting chemicals or toxins, excessive heat, dietary imbalances, infection and metabolic dysfunction). A ruptured bladder can be caused by a urinary tract infection, blockages of the urinary tract or disease. When the urine has nowhere to go, the bladder can tear, releasing that urine into the abdomen, irritating the peritoneum, which, in turn, releases more fluid.
 
2. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP): Caused by a virus that thrives in white blood cells, there are two forms of FIP, and the one that produces swelling of the peritoneum is “effusive” or wet. Once the mutated virus becomes active, it impairs a cat’s immune system, especially affecting the abdominal lining and kidneys. Not only is FIP difficult to diagnose, it’s almost impossible to cure.
 
3. Right-sided congestive heart failure: The right side pumps fresh, oxygenated blood through a cat’s body, and with congestive heart failure, the heart is incapable of doing this. (possible causes include a thickening of the heart muscle, heart worms and high blood pressure). While right-sided congestive heart failure can be genetic and affect younger cats, it more often affects older cats. As the cat’s heart strains to pump fresh blood through her body, fluids begin to accumulate everywhere, including the abdomen.
 
4. Cancer: A mass or tumor anywhere in a cat’s abdominal cavity can cause a blockage and disrupt the normal functioning of her organ(s). Fluids that would usually be filtered by the affected organ(s) may then either back up or leak out into her abdomen.
 
5. Physical trauma: If a cat experiences any sort of physical trauma, from accidents to abuse, these injuries can damage her internal organs. A torn or ruptured vital organ will lead to internal hemorrhaging which, in turn, leaks either blood or fluid into the abdomen, irritating the peritoneum and causing the abdomen to swell.
 
To accurately diagnose ascites in a cat, a vet will first perform a thorough physical examination of her abdomen to check for pain or discomfort, then order blood and urine tests, and perhaps even x-rays and an ultrasound. A key component of the investigation, however, is drawing and analyzing a sample of her abdominal fluid to help narrow the list of possible causes. The blood and urine tests will detect any chemical imbalances or infections while the x-rays and ultrasound should reveal which organ(s) or system is affected.
 
Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment depends on the underlying cause of her fluid buildup. Corrective surgery may be needed to repair a ruptured organ or remove a tumor, while medications such as cat antibiotics may be prescribed if she’s suffering from a bacterial infection. Sadly, however, the disorders that cause ascites tend to be ominous, making the prognosis either guarded or poor. And because it often occurs at the end stages of a disorder without a cure, the focus of any treatment plan must therefore change accordingly -- from resolution to management.

by Nomi Berger
 
Veterinarians usually divide epiphora, or excessive tearing, into two categories -- excessive tear production or inadequate tear drainage.
 
Similar to our own eyes, a cat’s eyes will tear after being exposed to irritants like chemicals and dust, smoke and smog. When the irritant in question either subsides or disappears, so should the cat’s increased tearing. If, however, the irritant persists, her excessive tearing may become chronic. (Infections, allergies and various types of eye injuries can also result in epiphora).
 
Another common cause of excessive tearing is entropion, a genetic condition in which part of a cat’s eyelid (usually the lower lid) is folded in towards her eyeball. This scratches and irritates her cornea rather than protecting it, and because the cornea is rich with pain receptors, it not only causes persistent tearing but extreme discomfort.
 
Applying artificial tears or a vet-prescribed ointment to the affected cornea may soothe the eye, forming a barrier between the eye and the offending lid, but it’s only a temporary solution. The permanent solution is surgical, where a thin V-wedge of skin below the affected eye is removed and the edges sutured together. This allows the eyelid to roll back outward and away from the cornea, giving the cat some much-needed relief from pain.
 
Corneal ulcers (scratches or abrasions to the corneal surface) are another cause of epiphora. Such ulcers are quite painful and result not only in redness but squinting and tearing, prompting a cat to constantly swipe or rub at the affected eye. If left untreated, a corneal ulcer will only grow worse, and if it’s deep enough, the eye could rupture and the cat could lose her sight in that eye.
 
The second category in the epiphora equation is inadequate tear drainage. Normally, tears drain from a cat’s eyes into her nose and throat through small ducts located at the inner corners of her eyes. Sometimes, though, her tears can’t drain sufficiently because the openings of those ducts are blocked.
 
One possible reason: eye inflammation as the result of a severe respiratory infection that caused scarring at the opening of one or both of her tear ducts. Another possible reason: one or both ducts that didn’t properly open during her early development. To correct this condition surgically, the cat will be anesthetized by a vet and a thin tube called a cannula will be inserted into one or both of her tear ducts to unblock them.
 
In short, if the underlying cause of epiphora can be identified and treated: problem solved. Brachycephalic cats (flat-faced breeds like Himalayans and Persians), on the other hand, with their large eyes, shallow eye sockets and abnormal tear ducts, are predisposed to epiphora. Since their tears simply slide down their faces, they’re likely to spend their “exotic” lives with watery eyes and wet faces.
 
And because tears contain a small amount of pigment, the fur of light-colored cats tends to show some reddish-brown staining beneath their eyes. Although this staining is harmless, many owners find it both undesirable and ugly. For these owners, there are a variety of products available that are specifically formulated to help minimize those stains. But, as with all things cat, concerned owners should always consult their vets first to ensure these products are FDA approved and safe.