Lactic Acid Build-Up in Cats

Lactic Acidosis

Lactic acidosis refers to the abnormal build-up of lactic acid in the body. When this abnormal build-up occurs, it affects the heart (cardiac systems) and eventually all organ systems in the body.

Lactic acid is a substance that is produced by the muscles during normal physical activity, and which is elevated during exercise. In a normal functioning body, the liver and the kidneys work to maintain the balance between lactic acid production and its removal. When lactic acid is not being adequately removed, the body becomes ill. The recommended treatment for lactic acidosis will be dependent upon the underlying medical condition that is causing the lactic acid to build-up.

Symptoms and Types

Common symptoms can include heavy breathing, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Persistent lactic acid in the body will affect heart function and output, and can have a tremendous impact on organ function. Most signs of lactic acidosis refer to the underlying cause of the medical condition and not the actual condition.

Causes

One of the primary causes of lactic acidosis is an insufficient amount of oxygen in the blood, or poor use of oxygen by the body. Young cats are at a higher risk for developing the condition and they are also more likely to go into traumatic shock as a result of acquiring it. Older animals are more likely to develop kidney (renal) failure, heart failure, liver disease, cancer, anemia, or vascular disorders.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian's primary objective is to determine what the cause is for the lactic acid build-up in the body. A series of blood tests will also be utilized to locate the cause of the condition, as well as to determine what the appropriate treatment will be.