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Cats Symptoms Cure |
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Symptoms Cats
> Sign of Dehydration in order of increasing severity
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Decreased elasticity of the skin
The tissues beneath the skin contain
a large portion of the total body water. Because this water compartment is
one of the least important to the body, it is drawn upon first in a situation of
dehydration. To test for dehydration, pick up a fold of skin along the middle
of the cat’s back and let it drop. In a well-hydrated, normally fleshed cat the
skin will immediately spring back into place. In a moderately dehydrated
cat skin will move into place slowly. In cases of severe dehydration the skin
may form a tent that remains in the skin (fat animals tend to have more
elastic skin than thin ones, which can obscure signs of dehydration). The
normal cat must be at least 5% dehydrated before any change in skin
elasticity is detected.
Dryness of the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes.
This
may be difficult to evaluate until dehydration becomes severe, as panting
may also dry the mucous membranes. Normal mucous membranes have a
glistening, slightly moist appearance.
Sunken eyes.
This condition can also be due to severe weight loss,
but in any case it’s serious.
Circulatory collapse
Capillary refill time is usually two to
three seconds with 7% dehydration and more than three seconds at 10%
dehydration. Shock occurs with 12% to 15% dehydration.
Mild dehydration and its accompanying ion imbalance can be
prevented and/or corrected by administering water and nutrients orally.
With more severe dehydration, or with disease that prevents oral intake,
fluids must be administered by other routes. In such cases veterinarians
administer fluids subcutaneously (under the skin) or intravenously
(directly into the bloodstream), if necessary. Fluids given via these routes
are sterile and of varied composition. The fluid your veterinarian chooses
will depend on the route of administration and the cause of dehydration.
Good fluid therapy is an important part.
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