The intestinal obstruction in cats can become a serious he alth problem, to the point of endangering the life of our kitty. Surely you are wondering how to detect that your cat is suffering from an intestinal obstruction and what is the treatment in this case.
We will talk about all of this in this article on our site. But you should also know that diagnosis, based on clinical signs, and early treatment are key factors when it comes to achieving a complete recovery. For this to be possible, we strongly recommend that you seek veterinary attention without delay.
What is intestinal obstruction in cats?
Intestinal obstruction is a relatively common disorder that occurs when the stomach or intestines are partially or completely blocked, which can restrict the flow of nutrients and/or secretions within the intestinal area and lead to tissue necrosis. In other words, the intestinal content will not be able to advance until its elimination through the anus.
The severity will depend on whether it is a complete obstruction or not and the time it takes to provide our cat with veterinary assistance. You have to know that a partial obstruction can evolve into a total one.
The symptoms, which we will see, will also be different depending on whether we are facing a partial or complete obstruction. The location of the obstruction or its cause also plays a role. In complete obstructions, the blood supply to the area could be cut off, resulting in necrosis, which can deteriorate the cat's condition to the point of death. That's why intestinal obstructions are considered an emergency
Causes of intestinal obstruction in cats
Ingestion of foreign bodies is the main cause, the most common being intestinal obstruction due to hairballs in cats. This problem tends to occur more frequently in young cats, since, due to their young age and lack of grooming experience, they tend to be more prone to ingesting inappropriate objects that can cause damage. Other possible causes include:
- Tumors.
- Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Hernias.
- Intussusception (sometimes caused by parasites, that is, there is intestinal obstruction by parasites in cats).
- Intestinal torsion.
- Polyps.
- Overgrowth of stomach tissue.
- Pyloric stenosis.
Symptoms of intestinal obstruction in cats
Cats experiencing an intestinal obstruction will generally feel unwell. If you know your pet well you will immediately realize that something is not going well. Symptoms of intestinal obstruction in cats are:
- Threw up.
- Anorexia (individual does not eat).
- Weakness.
- Lethargy (extreme fatigue).
- Diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Abdominal swelling.
- Weightloss.
- Dehydration.
- Abnormal body temperature.
- Electrolyte imbalances (will exhibit a marked increase in thirst and excessive urination).
- Crying and/or whining.
- Unwillingness to lie down.
- Depression.
Partial obstructions can cause intermittent vomiting and diarrhea. In contrast, in a total obstruction the symptoms will be sudden. The affected animal may vomit repeatedly, but will not defecate.
Also, in some cases, due to general discomfort, the cat can become aggressive in the face of any show of affection on our part, since he will be in a not very tolerant state and will want to be alone all the time. You should never get angry with your cat, on the contrary, you should quickly seek the advice of a veterinarian to receive a diagnosis and start the most appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis of intestinal obstruction in cats
After a complete review of the cat's medical history, the veterinarian will ask about the onset of symptoms, eating habits, and whether the animal has access to objects such as string or sewing needles. If the keepers suspect that the cat may have ingested a particular object, the veterinarian should be notified.
A physical exam will also be performed and a standard set of laboratory tests will be orderedThis will often include a complete blood count, chemical profile, urinalysis, and electrolyte panel. Abdominal palpation by the veterinarian may indicate bloating or other intestinal irregularities.
Visual diagnostics, including X-rays or ultrasound, and an endoscopy may be performed. In addition to providing a visual image of the intestines, an endoscope can also be used to remove tissue samples for biopsy and/or to remove foreign bodies that have been ingested.
Treatment for intestinal obstruction in cats
Intestinal obstruction in cats often requires hospitalization In any case, the course of treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the size, location and origin of the blockage. The cat should be stabilized first if she is experiencing extreme dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, before other treatments are given.
Fluids and electrolytes will likely be given intravenously. In some cases plasma can also be supplied. In milder cases or once the feline has stabilized, there are several treatment options. We review them below.
Treatment of intestinal obstruction without surgery
When the obstruction is caused by a hairball, the veterinarian may choose to administer laxativesand monitor the cat for several days to see if he expels the ball before recommending surgery. This treatment option can also be given when a linear foreign body, such as a thread or string, is detected shortly after ingestion. It is important to note that laxatives should only be administered under veterinary supervision. Furthermore, handlers should never attempt to remove objects protruding from the animal's rectum.
In most cases, the vet will attempt to remove foreign objects using a endoscope This technique is less invasive than surgery, but it is difficult to guarantee that no residue remains in the intestinal tract. Endoscopes also cannot remove large objects like stones.
Operation for intestinal obstruction in cats
When attempts to remove the foreign body using laxatives or an endoscope have been unsuccessful, surgical removal under anesthesia may be needed. During this process, the veterinarian will locate the blockage and make a small incision in the stomach or intestine to remove it. Once the surgeon has confirmed that all foreign material has been removed, the incisions will be closed with sutures. Tumors, hernias and intussusception are other causes of intestinal obstruction that also usually require surgical intervention. Some tumors can be treated with chemotherapy.
If the cause of the obstruction is pyloric stenosis, which consists of the existence of an abnormally narrow pyloric channel, which prevents the flow of food and liquids from the stomach to the small intestine, the option is by a surgery to widen the pylorus It is not one of the most common causes in cats, but, if it does occur, most experts point to the surgical intervention so that the animal can lead a normal life.
Recovery from intestinal obstruction in cats
When veterinary care is provided in a timely manner, the prognosis for affected cats is generally positive, provided there are no surgical complications. After surgery pain relievers and antibiotics will be prescribed and the cat may need to stay in the hospital for several days.
Once he can keep food and fluids down, he can go home. In it you should remain calm and offer a quiet place to recover, away from children and other animals. You have to be very careful to prevent the cat from licking the sutures, so you can opt for a Elizabethan collar or one of the alternatives to the Elizabethan collar, always recommended by the veterinarian.
Caregivers should closely monitor the cat for signs of dehydration or infection. For the first few days, only soft foods may be given to avoid further irritation. For this reason, a bland diet is recommended for cats with diarrhea.
Sutures will need to be removed 7-10 days after surgery and Follow-up appointments will be required to ensure proper healing. On the other hand, precautions must be taken to prevent the cat from ingesting objects in the future, if this has been the case. This may include covering garbage cans and keeping dangerous objects, such as string and rope, out of reach.
Home remedies for intestinal obstruction in cats
It is essential to point out that in this type of situation it is always mandatory to take our cat to the vet The treatment of intestinal obstruction must guide a specialist so that it is safe and effective and not put the life of our beloved feline companion at risk. In other words, there is no home treatment for intestinal obstruction in cats. Attempting to do so can have fatal consequences.
However, you can always help the recovery process or treatment at home, in case the problem is minor and the vet decides that it can be solved at home. On our site we have put together an article with very useful instructions that will facilitate the recovery process and help your cat. Do not hesitate to read all about constipation in cats - symptoms and home remedies. Of course, don't forget to consult with the specialist which of these guidelines may be useful in your case.
