Normal for a cat who had bladder stones removed 24 hours ago not to eat?

My 10 yo male started vomiting three days ago and was found to have bladder stones. My vet removed them yesterday and seems concerned that he hasn't eaten. Wouldn't he still be groggy from anesthesia and pain meds? They gave him three tube feedings because he wouldn't eat on his own.

  • Vetinfo

    By: Erika Raines El Segundo, CA

    Replied on 04/19/2011

    It is possible that the anesthetic drugs are influencing his appetite and that it is relatively normal for him to still be not eating. However, your veterinarian is probably concerned with preventing fatty liver disease, especially since your cat began vomiting three days before the surgery. Cats who go even two or three days with little or no nutrition can begin to mobilize their fat stores at a very high rate. The liver is unable to process the fat as quickly as it is arriving there which can lead to a build up of fat in the liver cells. This condition can cause serious liver impairment which may be permanent. Your veterinarian is likely tube feeding your cat to prevent this major complication. Erika, DVM

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