| Overview:
Lethargy isn't a disease in itself but
it is a sign that there may be something wrong with your cat. This could
be something relatively minor or a sign of something more serious.
What are the causes
of lethargy in cats?
There are many possible reasons why
your cat is behaving lethargically. Some of which include;
This list is by no means conclusive,
there are also many other possible causes of lethargy.
What are the signs
of lethargy?
Lethargy describes inactivity,
drowsiness, loss of interest in surroundings. It may or may not
accompany other symptoms, depending on the cause. Some may include;
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Behavioural changes
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Increased thirst & urination
- Vomiting
- Weight loss or weight gain
How is it diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will perform a
complete physical examination of your cat & obtain a medical history
from you, including other symptoms you may have noticed. Some routine tests your
veterinarian may wish to perform include;
These tests may or may not show results
which warrant your veterinarian to investigate further with more
specific tests such as;
- ACTH stimulation
test
- Fecal examination
- FIV & FeLV tests
- Specific tests
for pancreatitis
- Heartworm tests
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying
cause of the lethargy.
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a veterinarian &
should not be considered a replacement for a veterinarian visit.
The articles are provided for informative purposes only & should
not be used for
the diagnosis or treatment of any
medical condition.
Always seek
immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or
behavioral) in your pets.
While great care
has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot
guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any
doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.
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