Image Quiz: Acute Abdominal Emergencies in Cats

Emergency presentation of cats with GI signs is common, and the underlying disease may be challenging to diagnose. Physical examination findings, history, signalment, diagnostics (eg, CBC, serum chemistry panel), and imaging (eg, abdominal radiographs, emergent ultrasound examination [FAST]) are often needed to distinguish surgical conditions from those that can be managed medically.

Physical examination should always include inspection under the tongue for a possible linear foreign body (eg, string), which can become anchored under the tongue when swallowed. Other examination findings may include dehydration, lethargy, and abnormal findings on abdominal palpation, including masses, GI foreign bodies, or organomegaly. Cats have been reported to show varying amounts of abdominal pain, even with significant GI disease, so a nonpainful abdomen should not rule out significant disease.¹

Match the Images

The following radiographs exhibit some commonly diagnosed emergent feline GI conditions. Match each radiograph with the corresponding description.

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