What does a diagnostic work up of chronic grastrointestinal disease/recurrent vomiting and/or diarrhoea include?

The diagnostic work-up varies from case to case as it needs to be catered to the cat and owner. Sometimes it is done in several small steps, at other times it is done in fewer but larger steps.

The cat is always examined by a veterinarian. Blood tests and faecal samples are also often taken for analysis. The cat’s symptoms, age and clinical history determine what types of tests that are taken. X-rays and/or ultrasounds of the abdomen are also likely to be performed. If a diagnosis can not be made with the aforementioned tests, then biopsies through endoscopy or surgery (both of which are performed under anaesthesia) will be recommended. A dietitian and specially formed diets may also be part of the work-up or treatment. Treatment is based on the test results as well as the cat’s condition.