Violations of the color, structure and integrity of the tongue can vary during the day, as well as in the process of treating the disease that caused the language changes.
Language furnishing (the appearance of plaque on it) is the most common variant of language changes.
- The composition of the raid:
- dead epithelial cells (surface layer of tongue cells);
- bacteria;
- mushrooms;
- food leftovers.
- The severity of plaque depends on various reasons.
- Composition, texture of food taken.
- The regularity of hygiene measures (brushing teeth and tongue, rinsing the mouth).
- Time of day (there is more plaque in the morning, since during the day part of the plaque is swallowed when eating).
- Violation of the processes of aging and death of the epithelium - the surface cells of the tongue.
- The condition of the papillae of the tongue (outgrowths of the tongue that determine the taste of food):
- with atrophy (reduction in size and number) of papillae, there is little or no plaque;
- with hypertrophy (increase in size and number) of papillae, there is a thick, difficult-to-remove plaque on the surface of the tongue.
- Plaque color:
- greyish white;
- yellow;
- brown;
- the black.
- With significant swelling of the tongue, it is possible to bite the tongue while eating or talking.
- Puffiness is determined upon examination by an increase in the size of the tongue and by pronounced imprints of the teeth on its lateral surfaces.
- hypertrophy (increase in size and number) of papillae is accompanied by an increase in the size of the tongue, its swelling and the formation of a dense plaque;
- atrophy (reduction in size and number) of the papillae of the tongue is accompanied by a smooth surface of the tongue, the absence of plaque.
- burning;
- tingling;
- tongue prickling;
- pain in the tongue (especially when eating sour or spicy foods).
- Language color changes:
- Red;
- crimson;
- pale pink;
- yellowish;
- blue;
- dark purple;
- the black;
- Brown;
- green;
- blue.
- Tongue size changes:
- macroglossia (an increase in the size of the tongue);
- microglossia (reduction in the size of the tongue).
- Changes in the shape of the tongue:
- grooved tongue (that is, with thickened edges and a depression in the middle);
- convex tongue (that is, with a thickening in the middle);
- nodular seals of the tongue (detection when probing dense areas in various places of the tongue);
- curvature of the tongue.
- Changes in the surface of the tongue:
- varnished tongue (with a smooth surface);
- "Geographical" language (the presence of sections of different colors and heights, resembling geographical map);
- deep transverse fractures of the tongue;
- the presence of imprints of teeth on the lateral surface of the tongue;
- folded tongue (enlargement of the tongue and the presence of deeper than usual folds);
- tongue cracks (damage to the surface of the tongue due to its inflammation);
- the presence of white or red spots on the tongue;
- ulcerative lesions of the tongue (the presence of deep defects on its surface);
- blisters on the tip of the tongue.
- Trembling of the tongue.
- Paresthesia (discomfort) of the tongue or glossalgia (pain in the tongue).
Various language changes have their own reasons.
The normal color of the tongue is bright pink. Language color changes occur for the following reasons.
- Red tongue (high body temperature, severe infectious diseases (a group of diseases caused by the penetration of pathogens into the body)).
- Dark red tongue - the presence of infectious diseases, renal failure (impairment of all kidney functions).
- Raspberry (strawberry) tongue:
- B12-deficiency anemia (a decrease in the level of hemoglobin - a special substance of red blood cells that carries oxygen - due to a deficiency of vitamin B12);
- scarlet fever (an infectious disease that occurs mainly in children older than two years, manifested by a skin rash, fever and inflammation of the palatine tonsils). With scarlet fever, the crimson color of the tongue is determined after removing the white coating.
- Very pale - severe emaciation (loss of body weight), anemia (decreased hemoglobin level).
- Yellowish - excess bile in gallbladder or liver dysfunction.
- Blue - presence cardiovascular diseases, cardiac arrhythmias.
- Tongue with a dark purple tint:
- blood clotting disorders;
- ischemic heart disease (a disease resulting from insufficient blood supply to the heart);
- chronic heart failure (a disease associated with insufficient blood supply to organs with blood at rest or during exercise, often accompanied by fluid retention in the body);
- cerebrovascular accident.
- Black color of the tongue - occurs in a number of diseases:
- severe functional disorders of the digestive tract, most often the gallbladder, pancreas, liver;
- dehydration of the body;
- a decrease in the activity of the adrenal glands, as a result of which an increased amount of melanin pigment is produced in the skin and mucous membranes;
- cholera (an acute infectious disease characterized by damage to the gastrointestinal tract, impaired water-salt metabolism and dehydration);
- taking certain antibiotics (drugs that prevent bacteria from growing in the body). In this case, the color of the tongue is restored on its own after stopping antibiotics.
- The green color of the tongue is a sign of stagnation of bile.
- Brown is a sign of kidney disease.
- Blue:
- dysentery (an acute infectious disease that affects the large intestine);
- typhoid fever (an acute infectious disease characterized by fever, intoxication (poisoning), damage to the cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems with the formation of ulcers in the intestinal wall).
- infectious diseases (especially with candidiasis - a disease caused by yeast-like fungi genus Candida);
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
- white coating with a gray tint is located in the center of the tongue with gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) with increased acidity of gastric juice, gastric ulcer or duodenum(formation of a deep defect in the inner lining of the stomach or duodenum);
- white plaque, accompanied by dryness of the tongue, occurs with gastritis with low acidity of gastric juice;
- plaque on the root of the tongue is observed in diseases of the small and large intestines, with frequent constipation;
- plaque on the root of the tongue and along the edges occurs with kidney diseases.
Bright red papillae on the sides of the tongue indicate a violation of liver function, and on the anterior part of the tongue - a violation of the function of the pelvic organs ( Bladder, prostate and seminal vesicles).
dry tongue - a sign of dehydration of the body, for example, with high body temperature, infectious diseases, intoxication (poisoning), diarrhea, vomiting. Dryness of the tongue is most common with a runny nose. With a stuffy nose, the patient is forced to breathe through the mouth, which leads to the drying of the tongue.
Grooved tongue (that is, with thick edges and a depression in the center) occurs with simultaneous pathology (disease) of the spleen and liver.
Bulging tongue (that is, with a thickening of the central part) occurs with ascites (accumulation of free fluid in abdominal cavity).
Curvature of the tongue in the form of a deviation of its tip is observed:
- with damage to the hypoglossal nerve,
- after strokes (death of a part of the brain due to the cessation of blood flow to it),
- with multiple sclerosis (a chronic disease in which the sheath of the nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord);
- with myasthenia gravis (diseases characterized by fatigue muscles that move bones).
Deep transverse fractures of the tongue occur in cerebrovascular accidents.
Presence of teeth marks on the lateral surface of the tongue occurs when:
- swelling of the tongue due to diseases of the stomach and intestines;
- malabsorption of nutrients in the intestine;
- neurosis (mental disorders arising from traumatic factors - for example, divorce, job change, death loved one and etc.).
Cracked tongue - damage to the surface of the tongue due to its inflammation.
Macroglossia (increase in the size of the tongue). It happens congenital (available at birth) and acquired (appears during life).
- Causes of congenital macroglossia:
- idiopathic muscular hypertrophy (congenital enlargement of the tongue that occurs for an unknown reason, often combined with mental retardation);
- hemihypertrophy of the face (one-sided increase in the face due to excessive growth of its half - a fetal malformation that occurs when a woman's body is exposed to early dates pregnancy harmful factors - for example, radiation, severe infection, etc.);
- a benign tumor (that is, growing without damaging surrounding tissues);
- hamartoma (a benign tumor-like formation that occurs due to a violation of the intrauterine development of organs);
- cyst (cavity).
- Causes of acquired macroglossia:
- an increase in the tongue with the loss of the teeth of the lower jaw;
- acromegaly (excessive production of growth hormone that occurs in adulthood, accompanied mainly by an increase in the limbs, tongue, nose);
- hypothyroidism (insufficient production of thyroid hormones);
- cretinism (a congenital disease caused by an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones, accompanied by physical and mental retardation);
- amyloidosis (deposition in the organs of amyloid - a special complex of proteins and carbohydrates);
- malignant tumors (that is, growing with damage to surrounding tissues);
- syphilis (a common infectious disease caused by pale treponema (a special bacterium) that can affect all organs and systems and is transmitted sexually or from a pregnant woman to the fetus).
- Congenital microglossia occurs in utero when a pregnant woman's body is affected by various harmful factors (bacteria, viruses, ionizing radiation (for example, in production), etc.). With congenital microglossia, the tongue is separate dense folds in the area of the bottom of the mouth, which do not allow the normal development of the lower jaw. Constant salivation develops in such patients due to cicatricial changes in the lower lip and pulling it down. Speech becomes slurred.
- Acquired microglossia can develop as a complication after:
- trauma;
- inflammation of the tongue;
- surgical removal of part of the tongue for a tumor.
Spots of white, rarely red occur in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (a malignant tumor consisting of degenerate cells squamous epithelium- that is, cells that cover the tongue normally).
Ulcerative lesions of the tongue (the presence of deep surface defects) may be a manifestation of malignant tumors or syphilis.
Nodular tongue seals found in syphilis.
Blisters on the tip of the tongue found in diseases:
- lungs;
- hearts;
- pericardium (pericardial sac).
- increased central venous pressure (pressure in large veins);
- hereditary predisposition to varicose veins (thinning of certain sections of the veins with the formation of their protrusion in various parts of the body);
- hemorrhoids (a disease associated with inflammation, closure by blood clots, expansion and tortuosity of the veins that form knots around the rectum).
- epilepsy (a disease accompanied by periodic episodes of loss of consciousness);
- chorea (chaotic jerky movements that occur with certain brain lesions);
- tremor (involuntary movements of the body or its individual parts);
- twitching (involuntary short-term contractions of individual muscles).
- Chronic (lasting more than 6 months) diseases of the digestive system (for example, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), enteritis (inflammation small intestine), hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)).
- Hormonal imbalances (for example, menopause (decrease in the production of sex hormones as the body ages), hyperthyroidism (increased levels of thyroid hormones in the blood)).
- Brain damage, such as:
- encephalitis (inflammation of brain tissue);
- violations of cerebral circulation, including atherosclerosis of the vessels (the appearance in the vessels of plaques containing cholesterol - a fat-like substance) of the brain;
- neurosyphilis (brain damage due to syphilis).
- Psycho-emotional disorders (most often neuroses).
- Malocclusion (teeth closing when closing the mouth).
- Mechanical irritation of the tongue with the sharp edge of a decayed tooth, dentures or orthopedic structures (for example, brackets or braces - bite correction devices).
- Intolerance to materials used for filling or prosthetics of teeth.
- Galvanism (appearance electric current between different metals), for example, when using both metal and gold dentures in the same patient.
LookMedBook reminds you that the sooner you seek help from a specialist, the more chances you have to maintain your health and reduce the risk of complications:
- Analysis of the anamnesis of the disease and complaints (when (how long ago) there were changes in the tongue, pain or burning in the tongue, disturbances in taste sensitivity and other symptoms, with which the patient associates their occurrence).
- Life history analysis. Does the patient have any chronic diseases, are there hereditary (passed from parents to children) diseases, is there a patient bad habits whether he took any drugs for a long time, whether tumors were detected in him, whether he was in contact with toxic (poisonous) substances.
- Physical examination. The size and shape of the tongue, its color, the presence of plaque, the condition of the surface of the tongue (for example, the presence of deep folds or cracks, areas of smoothness of the papillae, etc.) are determined. Estimated general state patient, the color of his skin, the size of the liver and spleen, intestinal tenderness on palpation (palpation), measured arterial pressure and pulse.
- The study of scrapings from the surface of the tongue (the goal is to identify microorganisms and determine their sensitivity to medicines) is performed if an infection of the tongue is suspected.
- Consultations of narrow specialists (dentist, neuropathologist, gastroenterologist, dermatovenereologist, etc.) are performed if necessary to identify the disease or condition that led to language changes.
- Additional research methods are performed according to individual indications to clarify the diagnosis. These include:
- laboratory methods (for example, general analysis blood and urine, biochemical analysis of blood, etc.);
- instrumental methods, for example, ultrasound (ultrasound) of the abdominal organs, fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy (FEGDS - examination of the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum using an optical device).
- It is also possible to consult a gastroenterologist. dentist and endocrinologist.
- The basis of treatment is the treatment of the disease that caused changes in the tongue (for example, surgical and radiation treatment for tumors of the tongue, taking antifungal drugs for candidiasis (an infectious disease caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida), etc.).
- Rational oral hygiene is desirable for any changes in the tongue:
- brushing your teeth with individually selected toothpastes twice a day;
- cleaning the surface of the tongue with a toothbrush or a special scraper if there is plaque on the tongue.
- Rinsing the mouth with anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, decoctions of medicinal herbs - chamomile, calendula, etc. or alkaline solutions (for example, soda)) after each meal. It is indicated for violations of the integrity of the surface of the tongue (for example, with cracks or desquamation - desquamation of the epithelium (surface cells) of the tongue).
In some cases, complications are possible in the form of:
- violations of the pronunciation of words;
- displacement of the teeth (deviations of the teeth from the normal position forward, backward, left or right);
- malocclusion (closing of teeth);
- difficulty or inability to wear a removable denture due to constant trauma to the tongue;
- psychological discomfort (“mental disorder”, that is, an internal state of discomfort), including sleep disorders.
- Compliance with a diet with a restriction of spicy, fatty, fried foods to prevent diseases of the digestive system (for example, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine), etc.).
- Quit smoking because it:
- damages the surface layer of oral cavity cells;
- increases the risk of infectious diseases;
- impairs blood flow in the oral cavity due to vasoconstriction, which leads to delayed healing of all changes in the oral cavity;
- impairs blood flow in the digestive organs due to vasoconstriction, which contributes to the development of diseases of these organs.
Atlas of pediatric surgical dentistry and maxillofacial surgery. Topolnitsky O.Z. Vasiliev A.Yu. M. GEOTAR-Media, 2011, 264 pages.
Biochemistry of tissues and fluids of the oral cavity. 2nd ed. Vavilova T.P. M. GEOTAR-Media, 2011, 208 p.
Pediatric surgical dentistry and maxillofacial surgery. Zelensky V.A. Mukhoramov F.S. M. GEOTAR-Media, 2009, 208 p.
Pediatric therapeutic dentistry. Practice Guide: tutorial. Elizarova V.M. and others. M. GEOTAR-Media, 2013, 288 pages.
Atlas of clinical gastroenterology. Forbes A. Misievich J.J. Compton K.K. etc. Translation from English. / Ed. V.A. Isakov. M. GEOTAR-Media, 2010, 382 pages.
Internal diseases according to Tinsley R. Harrison. Book 1 Introduction to Clinical Medicine. M. Practice, 2005, 446 pages.
Davidson's Internal Diseases. Gastroenterology. Hepatology. Ed. Ivashkina V.T. M. GEOTAR-Media, 2009, 192 pages.
Internal illnesses. Makolkin V.I. Sulimov V.A. Ovcharenko S.I. and others. M. GEOTAR-Media, 2011, 304 pages.
Internal diseases: laboratory and instrumental diagnostics. Roitberg G. E. Strutynsky A. V. M. MEDpress-inform, 2013, 800 pages.
Internal illnesses. Clinical reviews. Volume 1. Fomin V.V. Burnevich E.Z. / Ed. ON THE. Mukhin. M. Litterra, 2010, 576 pages.
Internal diseases in tables and diagrams. Directory. Zborovsky A. B. Zborovskaya I. A. M. MIA, 2011 672 pages
Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Health Consumers. 2007
Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. 2009
Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, 3 ed. 2007
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, Updated in 2009.
Dark spots and dots on the tongue and lips in cats are a consequence of the hyperactivity of the cells that secrete the pigment responsible for skin tone. Furry pets are prone to pigmentation. Black dots on the tongue of a cat can appear from birth. In this case, the tongue can be either heavily pigmented or weakly, with barely noticeable spots. Pigmentation can spread to the nose, mucous membranes of the mouth and lips. This phenomenon is absolutely harmless and does not require treatment.
Black dots that suddenly appeared on the tongue of a cat are a consequence of the activity of cells responsible for skin color. Due to the increased production of pigment, some areas of the mucosa are stained in a darker color. This phenomenon is not dangerous, regardless of whether it is acquired pigmentation or the cat has had spots since birth.
Age spots can form with age. If the cat is prone to such formations, dark spots appear before the age of three. If the animal does not have a tendency to pigmentation, the tongue and nose can remain clean throughout life.
Many owners mistake black spots on the tongue for symptoms of a fungal infection. Candidiasis and other dermatological diseases of the mucous membranes and skin in cats are manifested by the formation of light spots and dots, but not dark ones. Pigmentation does not cause discomfort. When dark spots appear, the behavior of the pet does not change, the appetite does not suffer, and in general there is no cause for concern.
Interestingly, pigmentation in cats is often hereditary and occurs in animals with dark coats and dark paw pads. In fair cats, white or red with pink paws, pigmentation is very rare.
Pellagra
A disease caused by a lack of vitamin PP and B6 is called pellagra. In cats, this pathology is quite rare and is associated with a monotonous diet. In most cases, hypovitaminosis is encountered by animals that eat low-quality dry food of a low price segment.
The composition of such feeds is not balanced and does not always meet the needs of the animal's body for certain vitamins. Pellagra can also be encountered by street animals that do not have a regular diet and eat what they need. Often, cats taken from the street suffer from hypovitaminosis, and the owners cannot immediately understand what is the reason for the lethargy and drowsiness of a fluffy pet, as well as dark spots on the tongue.
Pellagra in cats is manifested by dots on the mucous membranes of the mouth, sometimes spots on the tongue, nose and ears. For an accurate diagnosis, you should consult a veterinarian, as plaque in the ears and nose may be the result of tick damage, and dots on the tongue may be harmless pigmentation.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment is carried out by adjusting the diet. It is recommended to purchase special vitamin supplements for cats, depending on the age of the pet. If the cat eats natural food, the following foods should be introduced into the diet:
- liver;
- kidneys;
- sea fish;
- milk;
- carrot.
These products are rich in vitamin PP and quickly eliminate its deficiency. To achieve the best effect, it is necessary to combine a therapeutic diet with the intake of special vitamin supplements. The recommended dosage of vitamins PP and B6 is up to 5 mg per kilogram of pet weight.
Plaque on the tongue
Quite often, a cat's tongue has black dots after eating or drinking water. In this case we are talking about the usual plaque that appears when eating dark-colored food. Often a coating on the tongue is found after the cat plays with some dark-colored objects. Dots on the tongue may remain if the animal has chewed on plastic or painted wood. Particles of dye clog between the papillae on the tongue and give the impression of dark dots and spots.
Distinguishing plaque from pigmentation or beriberi is very simple, just rub your pet's tongue with a toothbrush. If the dark spots come off easily and do not reappear, we are talking about plaque. With pellagra, dark areas may clear, but reappear after a while. Pigmentation in the tongue cannot be removed by any means at hand.
Owners should be concerned if a dark coating forms on the lips and nose of the pet, and there is also a pronounced putrid smell from the cat's mouth. In this case, it is recommended to show the animal to the veterinarian and examine the oral cavity. A possible cause is dental disease, gum inflammation and bacterial stomatitis.
According to many people, cats are one of the most tenacious creatures. Is that really how it is?
Indeed, it is difficult to attribute cats to painful creatures. They are less susceptible than other animals various diseases. But like any animal, cats can get sick with cat-specific diseases or catch a cold, they can be obese.
It is worth mentioning that domestic (pedigreed) cats are more susceptible to diseases than yard cats. Long-haired cats get sick more often than short-haired ones.
Establishing the symptoms of the disease in cats is quite problematic.
When ill, cats behave like steadfast tin soldiers, often hiding their illness.
On the various diseases cats may have similar symptoms. Therefore, to establish the cause of the disease and the correct diagnosis, the cat should be immediately taken to the veterinarian. appearance and the habits of the animal, you can establish the true state of health of your pet.
If the owner saw that the cat is lethargic, sleeps a lot, eats poorly and has unkempt hair, then this is a clear sign that not everything is in order with the health of your pet.
In this case, you should not hesitate to contact the veterinarian, delay can adversely affect the well-being of the animal.
Common Symptoms
One of the brightest criteria for the health of a cat is its coat. If the cat's coat is even and shiny, there is no dandruff, and the cat does not itch all the time, then this is evidence of health. The nose will tell about the temperature.
The normal temperature of an adult cat is 38-39 degrees, a kitten is above 39.5 degrees.
A moist and cool nose indicates that the temperature is normal. A dry nose indicates a fever. In this case, the cat often licks his lips.
A low temperature is more dangerous than a high one and indicates that the cat's immune system is weakened, and the body does not resist the disease well.
The visible symptoms of a disease state include various kinds of discharge from the eyes, nose, as well as a pale bluish tongue. Obvious symptoms of cat diseases include vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. This is a clear signal of the possible development of a serious internal pathology in the animal, requiring immediate examination.
- Symptoms of Cat Disease
- Symptoms of Cat Disease
- Symptoms of Cat Disease
Vaccination prevents infection with some infectious diseases. Cats can develop diseases that other mammals suffer from: diabetes, cancer, asthma, kidney disease.
AsthmaChronic renal failureCancerDiabetesLeukemiaUrolithiasisHepatic amyloidosisHyperthyroidismImmunodeficiency virusHepatic lipidosisInfectious peritonitisHypertrophic cardiomyopathy Ringworm
Liver disease
Before you take a cat home, you should make sure that it is healthy. Every year for a cat you need to arrange a veterinary examination. The sooner you detect a disease, the easier it is to treat.
There are diseases that are transmitted from cats to humans, but this does not happen often. These diseases are: Cat-scratch fever Rabies Ringworm
Toxoplasmosis
the animal sways, limps.
The easiest way to diagnose skin diseases is the purr. The most common are wet and dry eczema, mats, and trichomes.
If your cat is covered in red spots, itches all the time and she has hair falling out, it is most likely dry eczema. But wet eczema is characterized by the appearance of weeping red spots, and this disease occurs due to allergies.
Felled wool or tangles, this disease is characteristic, mainly for long-haired cat breeds.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. disease in cats.
Common infectious diseases in cats are colds, tonsillitis, bronchitis. The symptoms of these diseases in cats are very similar to those in humans. The disease is accompanied by a runny nose, cough, indigestion and fever. For example, weakened and old animals usually get sick with bronchitis.
For treatment, you need to use expectorants and disinfectants, drugs that dilate the bronchi, antibiotics, antimicrobials, inhalation.
Common diseases
Another ailment that a cat can get is otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear). This disease brings unbearable pain to the pet. The main cause of this disease are drafts, plus microorganisms such as streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus.
Common symptoms of this disease are: loss or significant decrease in appetite, ear pain, fever, apathy, and sometimes vomiting.
For treatment, it is necessary to take a course of antibiotics. And, also, it is necessary to regularly wash the cat's ears with hydrogen peroxide (3% solution), then you need to drip 2 drops of iodoform ether inside. And of course, be sure to pierce the painkillers.
In the treatment of this disease, it is imperative to use antibiotics intramuscularly.
Also, it is necessary to regularly and methodically wash the cat's eyes with a weak solution of furatsilin, while it is imperative to apply such ointments to the conjunctival sac daily as: tetracycline, oletetrinova, erythromycin. If necessary, give sulfa drugs orally.
Infectious diseases of cats and dogs
Pulmonary edema in a cat is a non-communicable disease. It arises as a result of internal individual processes in the animal's body, so it is impossible for them to become infected.
The structure of the lungs of cats has much in common with the structure of the human organ. They consist of alveoli filled with air and entangled in a network of blood vessels.
When you inhale, oxygen is saturated, and when you exhale, carbon dioxide is released. With edema in the alveoli, bronchi and connective tissue fluid accumulates, and blood stagnates in them.
As a result, the functioning volume of the lungs decreases, then oxygen starvation occurs.
In the absence of oxygen, the cells simply cannot get rid of the recycled carbon dioxide.
Types of pulmonary edema in cats
Experts divide this disease into two main types:
- cardiogenic;
- not cardiogenic.
Cardiogenic pathology appears due to congenital or acquired problems with cardiac activity (cardiomyopathy, diseases of the muscle tissues of the heart). It has been proven that certain cat breeds are prone to pathological thickening of the myocardial walls:
- Persian;
- sphinxes;
- maine coons;
- ragdolls;
- Abyssinian:
- Bengal;
- Norwegian Forest;
- British;
- Scottish Fold and others.
Toxic effect on lung tissue.
Poisonous substances can damage the alveoli and cause inflammation. Because of this, serious infections develop: sepsis, pneumonia, etc. Poisoning with biological or chemical poisons leads to the destruction of the cell membrane and the development of respiratory pathology.
Various injuries.
The pathological process can develop due to damage to the chest due to ionizing radiation, electric shock, penetration of foreign bodies, falling from a height, etc.
Associated diseases.
Renal failure in the terminal stage, severe hypertension, general intoxication of the body, brain damage of a different nature, and pulmonary embolism can lead to a disease of the respiratory system. Seizures can interfere with respiratory function due to disruption of the nerve supply to the lung tissue.
Decreased levels of albumin in the blood.
Anaphylactic reactions and allergies (rare).
External manifestations of the disease
Symptoms of pulmonary edema in a cat grow very quickly, and can also be expressed gradually and paroxysmal.
When edema appears, the first thing that happens is heavy breathing. There are also changes in the type of breathing in cats: the traditional one is chest-abdominal, and when edema occurs, the four-legged pet begins to breathe only with the stomach.
Diseases of cats and cats: symptoms and treatment
Liver disease
Toxoplasmosis
Various injuries.
Wheezing on breathing.
Breathing with an open mouth.
For representatives of the cat family, such behavior is not typical. Sometimes cats can breathe with their mouths open after a wild game or hyperactivity. But it doesn't last longer than a couple of minutes. If the cat sticks out its tongue, breathes heavily and often, suffocates, then this is a cause for concern.
Mucous membranes and tongue turned blue.
This is a sign of respiratory failure, as well as oxygen deficiency in the lungs and tissues. At first, the mucous membranes and tongue can turn very red, and then turn blue.
Cough.
It indicates the body's attempts to remove mucus and fluid from the alveoli. This process has a reflex character. The cough with edema is always wet, with expectoration of sputum, mucus and sometimes blood.
Decreased activity.
Cyanosis or cyanosis of visible mucous membranes is always a frightening sign! It is not an independent disease, but at the same time, it can be a symptom of several (including life-threatening animal) diseases.
Why do mucous membranes turn blue?
The color of the mucous membranes depends on the saturation of the blood with oxygen and carbon dioxide. If for some reason the blood does not receive enough oxygen, the mucous membranes acquire a bluish tint.
In the event that cyanosis is persistent and the body does not receive the required amount of oxygen for a long time, a serious condition for the animal's body can develop, up to and including death.
Normally, the color of visible mucous membranes is pink (from intense to pale pink). The color is easy to see in the oral cavity: gums, lips, inside of the cheeks, tongue, if the cat is aggressive and there is no way to open her mouth, you can see the color of the conjunctiva (the inner surface of the eyelid).
The most common causes of cyanosis in cats
pneumothorax and hydrothorax
Most often it occurs as a result of injuries in the chest area, falls from a height, car accidents, bites. Pneumothorax- accumulation of air in the chest cavity, hydrothorax- accumulation of fluid. Under these conditions, the lungs do not have the ability to fill with air normally, and in some cases part or one entire lung collapses (does not function). If the process of fluid or air entering the chest cavity does not stop, then the animal dies from suffocation.
If you notice that for some time your animal begins to breathe worse, shortness of breath develops (breathing is frequent and with an open mouth) and cyanosis (from several minutes to several days after injury) you need to contact the clinic to rule out these life-threatening states! To confirm this diagnosis, the doctor will need to take x-rays. And then the liquid or air from the chest cavity is removed. This procedure is usually performed under sedation (a small dose of a sedative drug) in some cases, general anesthesia is required.
It is also necessary to identify the cause given state. This may require examination of the fluid removed from the chest cavity. Further treatment will be aimed at preventing the onset of symptoms and treating the disease that caused them.
In cats, when falling from a height, it is often found diaphragmatic hernia(rupture of the diaphragm and prolapse of the abdominal organs in chest). In this condition, the lungs are also inadequately filled with air due to their displacement. A lack of oxygen and cyanosis develops.
This problem is solved by surgery - all organs return to their places, and the gap in the diaphragm (the tissue that separates the chest from the abdominal cavity) is sutured. However, such an operation is appropriate only if the diaphragm rupture has occurred recently, with chronic injuries and the normal quality of life of the animal, the operation is not always indicated.
Causes that also cause chest effusion in cats are FIP, or feline infectious peritonitis, And lymphosarcoma(viral feline leukemia).
With these diseases, fluid accumulates in the chest and abdominal cavity (not always), the general condition of the animal worsens, the cat refuses to eat, and cyanosis appears.
To make such diagnoses, a study of the detected fluid will be required. Blood tests and ultrasound of the chest and abdomen.
Pulmonary edema
A very life-threatening condition - requires urgent assistance and immediate treatment to the clinic! In addition to cyanosis, pulmonary edema is also accompanied by other symptoms: incessant shortness of breath (the cat breathes with its tongue hanging out), anxiety. Upon receipt of an animal with such symptoms for admission, the doctor will urgently assess the condition of the animal and decide on the need to place the animal for inpatient treatment (which is indicated for animals with severe symptoms of respiratory failure). Also, at the very initial stages of diagnosis, it is necessary to determine the nature of the edema - its cause (since this is not an independent disease, but only a clinical manifestation of some hidden problem of the body).
An x-ray of the lungs is required to confirm the diagnosis, determine the severity of the condition, and discover a possible cause. To relieve the symptoms of edema and improve the condition of the animal, active diuretic (diuretic) therapy will be carried out.
After normalization of the animal's condition and identification of the cause of pulmonary edema, the cat should receive treatment for its underlying disease, in order to avoid the recurrence of this symptom.
cat asthma
Asthma in cats is a disease of cats. different ages, accompanied by cough and worsening of breathing, in severe cases, respiratory failure and cyanosis develop. This disease can be suspected by detecting characteristic changes in the lungs (on an x-ray in a lateral projection) and confirmed by the detection of an increased number of eosinophils (blood cells responsible for the body's immune response) in the blood.
This disease in cats is of an immune nature - therefore, for its treatment, the cat is prescribed and selected the minimum dose of glucocorticoid hormones for life.
congenital heart defects
Also, the cause of these disorders can be congenital heart disease.
Sholicheva Alisa Andreevna
veterinary cardiologist
Cyanosis or cyanosis of visible mucous membranes is always a frightening sign!
It is not an independent disease, but at the same time, it can be a symptom of several (including life-threatening animal) diseases.
Why do mucous membranes turn blue?
The color of the mucous membranes depends on the saturation of the blood with oxygen and carbon dioxide.
If for some reason the blood does not receive enough oxygen, the mucous membranes acquire a bluish tint.
In the event that cyanosis is persistent and the body does not receive the required amount of oxygen for a long time, a serious condition for the animal's body can develop, up to and including death.
Normally, the color of visible mucous membranes is pink (from intense to pale pink). The color is easy to see in the oral cavity: gums, lips, inside of the cheeks, tongue, if the cat is aggressive and there is no way to open her mouth, you can see the color of the conjunctiva (the inner surface of the eyelid).
Most common causes leading to cyanosis in cats:
- pneumothorax and hydrothorax
Most often it occurs as a result of injuries in the chest area, falls from a height, car accidents, bites.
Pneumothorax- accumulation of air in the chest cavity, hydrothorax- accumulation of fluid. Under these conditions, the lungs do not have the ability to fill with air normally, and in some cases part or one entire lung collapses (does not function).
If the process of fluid or air entering the chest cavity does not stop, then the animal dies from suffocation.
If you notice that for some time your animal begins to breathe worse, shortness of breath develops (breathing is frequent and with an open mouth) and cyanosis (from several minutes to several days after injury) you need to contact the clinic to rule out these life-threatening states!
To confirm this diagnosis, the doctor will need to take x-rays. And then the liquid or air from the chest cavity is removed. This procedure is usually performed under sedation (a small dose of a sedative drug) in some cases, general anesthesia is required.
It is also necessary to identify the cause of this condition. This may require examination of the fluid removed from the chest cavity. Further treatment will be aimed at preventing the onset of symptoms and treating the disease that caused them.
In cats, when falling from a height, it is often found diaphragmatic hernia(rupture of the diaphragm and prolapse of the abdominal organs into the chest). In this condition, the lungs are also inadequately filled with air due to their displacement. A lack of oxygen and cyanosis develops.
This problem is solved by surgery - all organs return to their places, and the gap in the diaphragm (the tissue that separates the chest from the abdominal cavity) is sutured. However, such an operation is appropriate only if the diaphragm rupture has occurred recently, with chronic injuries and the normal quality of life of the animal, the operation is not always indicated.Causes that also cause chest effusion in cats are FIP, or feline infectious peritonitis, And lymphosarcoma(viral feline leukemia).
With these diseases, fluid accumulates in the chest and abdominal cavity (not always), the general condition of the animal worsens, the cat refuses to eat, and cyanosis appears.
To make such diagnoses, a study of the detected fluid will be required. Blood tests and ultrasound of the chest and abdomen. - pulmonary edema
A very life-threatening condition - requires urgent assistance and immediate treatment to the clinic!
In addition to cyanosis, pulmonary edema is also accompanied by other symptoms: incessant shortness of breath (the cat breathes with its tongue hanging out), anxiety. Upon receipt of an animal with such symptoms for admission, the doctor will urgently assess the condition of the animal and decide on the need to place the animal for inpatient treatment (which is indicated for animals with severe symptoms of respiratory failure). Also, at the very initial stages of diagnosis, it is necessary to determine the nature of the edema - its cause (since this is not an independent disease, but only a clinical manifestation of some hidden problem of the body).
An x-ray of the lungs is required to confirm the diagnosis, determine the severity of the condition, and discover a possible cause. To relieve the symptoms of edema and improve the condition of the animal, active diuretic (diuretic) therapy will be carried out.
After normalization of the animal's condition and identification of the cause of pulmonary edema, the cat should receive treatment for its underlying disease, in order to avoid the recurrence of this symptom. - feline asthma- a disease of cats of different ages, accompanied by coughing and worsening of breathing, in severe cases, respiratory failure and cyanosis develop.
This disease can be suspected by detecting characteristic changes in the lungs (on an x-ray in a lateral projection) and confirmed by the detection of an increased number of eosinophils (blood cells responsible for the body's immune response) in the blood.
This disease in cats is of an immune nature - therefore, for its treatment, the cat is prescribed and selected the minimum dose of glucocorticoid hormones for life. - congenital heart defects
Owners notice persistent cyanosis in their pets at an early age.
The so-called "blue" (causing cyanosis) defects include:- atrial septal defect
- ventricular septal defect
- combined defect "tetralogy of Fallot".
The incidence of these congenital heart defects in cats is very low.
To make such a diagnosis, it will be necessary to undergo a full cardiological examination: ECG (electrocardiography), ECHO (ultrasound of the heart) and chest x-ray.
Remember!
The presence of cyanosis always indicates that the body does not have enough oxygen and there is an excess of carbon dioxide. It is always life threatening. Your task is to deliver the animal to the clinic as soon as possible.
Sholicheva Alisa Andreevna
