Hematemesis is defined as the vomiting of blood. It is a specific and alarming form of emesis that indicates bleeding is occurring somewhere in the upper gastrointestinal tract (the esophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine).
In the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) cat, Hematemesis typically presents in two distinct forms, each telling a different story about the bleeding.
1. "Coffee Ground" Emesis This is the most common presentation in CKD.
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Appearance: The vomit looks like dark brown, granular specks suspended in liquid, resembling wet coffee grounds.
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The Cause: This is blood that has been sitting in the stomach for some time. The stomach acid has partially digested the blood, turning the hemoglobin dark. This usually points to Uremic Gastritis or a gastric ulcer caused by the excess acid and toxins eroding the stomach lining.
2. "Frank" Blood This appears as bright red, fresh liquid blood or clots.
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The Cause: This indicates an active, ongoing bleed that is happening right now, or a bleed in the esophagus where the blood hasn't reached the stomach acid yet. This is a more immediate emergency suggesting a ruptured vessel or severe ulceration.
The "Swallowed Blood" Imposter Before panicking about internal bleeding, it is vital to check the cat's mouth and nose. A CKD cat with severe Uremic Stomatitis (mouth ulcers) or a nosebleed (caused by high blood pressure) may swallow a significant amount of their own blood and then vomit it back up. In this case, the stomach is fine, but the mouth or nose is the source.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Always consult with your primary care veterinarian or a veterinary internal medicine specialist regarding your cat’s specific condition.