TL;DR: Green bile vomiting in cats is a high-urgency medical emergency that indicates severe gastrointestinal distress and requires immediate veterinary attention.
What does it mean if my cat is vomiting green bile?
When a cat vomits green liquid, they are typically expelling bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Continuous vomiting of this nature means your cat's stomach is empty, and they are now bringing up fluids from the upper small intestine. This green tint is a sign of significant gastrointestinal distress or irritation.
Is it a medical emergency if my cat vomits green bile?
- Urgency Level: High. Continuous vomiting, especially when it involves bile, is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate professional intervention.
- Persistent vomiting can lead to rapid dehydration and severe electrolyte imbalances.
- Potential underlying causes include intestinal blockages, acute pancreatitis, organ failure, or toxin ingestion.
How does taking a photo of my cat's vomit help with the triage process?
- A photo allows the medical team to see the exact color, consistency, and volume of the fluid.
- Visual evidence helps veterinarians differentiate between bile, mucus, or digested blood.
- Providing a photo enables a faster and more accurate triage process when you arrive at the clinic.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Persistent vomiting, especially of green bile, warrants careful monitoring for depression, abdominal discomfort, and fever, necessitating reevaluation. Abdominal palpation should be performed to assess for foreign bodies or abdominal discomfort, and the oral cavity in cats should be examined for linear foreign bodies. Abdominal radiographs should be performed to look for radiopaque foreign objects or signs of intestinal distention, indicating possible obstruction.
Chapter: Surgery, Gastroenterology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 474)