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Treatment

The major goal of therapy is to treat the underlying disease, including diseases of the kidney, liver, and lungs. Successful treatment should ultimately resolve the problem of melena. Fluid therapy will be given to replace deficit fluids in the body, and in some patients with severe blood loss and anemia, a whole blood transfusion may be required. Patients experiencing continuous vomiting will need medication both to control the vomiting and to allow them to be able to hold their food long enough for it to digest. In cases of severe ulcers or tumor(s) in the gastrointestinal tract, surgery may be required.

Living and Management

The duration and type of treatment given to your cat will depend on the underlying cause of the melena. Initially, daily blood testing may be required to evaluate your cat for ongoing anemia, which may turn into weekly testing once your cat's health has stabilized. In cases with regular vomiting episodes, hydration will need to be maintained to correct fluid deficits. Watch your cat for the presence of any blood or color changes in its stool during treatment and inform your veterinarian if anything appears unusual, including behavioral changes.

Most patients will recover once the underlying disease is treated. As melena is just a symptom, the overall prognosis will depend on the diagnosis and treatment of the underlying disease or condition.