Vivi was presented to one of our vets Kate with a long history of vomiting on a daily basis.  Vivi’s biological sister had sadly passed away earlier that year with suspected Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) infection. Vivi’s owners were understandably concerned regarding her health and wanted to ensure Vivi wasn’t going to meet the same fate as her sister.

Vivi underwent several blood tests, in order to try and rule out other diseases which could cause vomiting.  However, all of these tests came back largely clear.  Despite medications to settle Vivi’s stomach and stop further vomiting, she was still having intermittent episodes.  It was at this point we felt she required further investigation for gastritis.

Vivi was admitted to St Boniface where she underwent a gastroscopy with Ben.   This involved passing a camera (endoscope) into the stomach and visualising what was there.   A gastroscopy is often required for certain conditions to determine the cause of vomiting.  It allows us to physically see the state of the stomach, to visualise any signs of irritation and diagnose foreign bodies.  We are also able to take samples directly from the lining of the stomach in the form of a biopsy and these can be sent to an external lab for analysis.

To our surprise, we found a huge amount of impacted hair and synthetic fibre.  This fibre, was creating severe ulceration and irritation to the lining of the stomach and hence this was the cause of Vivi’s vomiting.  The hair and fibre was removed from Vivi’s stomach using a basket grasp.  She was then treated for her gastric ulceration and given a special highly digestible diet to allow her stomach and small intestine to recover.  

In the days and weeks that followed, Vivi made a full recovery and has not vomited since the procedure.

If you are worried about your pet, please call the practice and book in for a health check - 01363 772860.