Diagnosis and treatment of intestinal obstruction in cats at home. Intestinal obstruction in cats Intestinal obstruction in a cat treatment

With intestinal obstruction in cats, the symptoms and methods of treatment are closely related, the second depends on the intensity of the former. This is a rather severe pathology caused by blockage of the digestive organs by some foreign body, a tumor, intussusception, or complete paralysis of the intestine. Without timely treatment, absolutely all animals with intestinal obstruction die within a few days. The insidiousness of this disease is that this pathology can happen at any time with any cat or cat. Therefore, timely diagnosis can sufficiently alleviate the suffering of the pet and even save his life.

In the stomach of any animal, there is a continuous production of a large amount of digestive juices. This process is absolutely independent of food intake and occurs even during prolonged fasting. The main function of the intestine is to push the contents of the stomach to the anus. As they move through the organ, these digestive juices are absorbed back through the intestinal walls, but already together with nutrients, carrying out a constant circulation of a large amount of vital fluid.

With intestinal pathology, namely, obstruction of the organ, regardless of the reasons that caused it, this circulation is disturbed: gastric juice is produced in the same volume, but it can no longer be absorbed along with the food being promoted.

Causes of the phenomenon

A sufficiently large amount of fluid accumulates in the stomach and small intestine, associated with blockage of the passages, which causes nausea and vomiting in a cat or cat. In this case, dehydration of the entire body of the animal occurs and the loss of vital elements: potassium and sodium. Even taking water during an exacerbation of the pathology has the opposite effect - it increases vomiting and accelerates the process of dehydration. It is from the loss of fluid and essential elements that the vast majority of animals die.

Bowel obstruction can be caused by:

Symptomatic manifestations

A serious pathology - intestinal obstruction - is expressed by quite vivid symptoms that allow you to quickly diagnose the disease and start treatment in a timely manner. Symptoms of pathology depend on the nature and habits of the animal:

Some cats begin to actively run and meow loudly and strongly, trying to draw the attention of the owner to their problem. Others, on the contrary, become lethargic and apathetic, they develop excessive drowsiness.
In all cases, the animal loses its appetite, up to a complete refusal to eat, even despite the growing feeling of hunger. Any piece of food swallowed by a pet cannot be completely digested and causes unbearable pain.
The animal appears vomiting, which is of an increasing nature.
The pet's belly is greatly and noticeably enlarged, to which he does not allow to touch, since the slightest touch causes him severe pain. On palpation of such a stomach, tension and hardness are clearly felt, sometimes even foreign objects can be felt.
The animal has increased gas formation, which further inflates the abdominal region. At the same time, some individuals constantly lick their stomach and roll on the floor, thus trying to alleviate pain attacks.
With constipation, the animal suffers from the inability to relieve the intestines, he has a slight stool. With intestinal obstruction, feces cannot leave the body of the animal at all, no matter how hard it tries.

All these symptoms indicate the development of intestinal obstruction in a pet, and it is quite difficult not to notice them. As soon as an animal exhibits abnormal, unusual behavior, it is necessary to immediately contact a veterinary clinic, where, using the necessary diagnostic methods, doctors will be able to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Methods of treatment and prevention

When contacting the clinic, treatment begins immediately, even before the final diagnosis is established: infusion therapy (droppers) is carried out, with the help of which the balance of fluid and nutrients in the animal's body is restored. Treatment is with anti-inflammatory, analgesic drugs and antibiotics. In more complex cases, when intestinal obstruction threatens the life of the animal, an emergency surgical intervention is performed to remove the affected part of the intestine.

The period after the operation consists in observing a strict, "hungry" diet for several days and prolonged treatment with drug therapy. Within a few weeks, the animal is gradually transferred to liquid and semi-liquid feed, carefully monitoring the general condition and, especially, the sutures.

Like any other disease, intestinal obstruction is much easier to prevent than to treat. To do this, there are a number of preventive measures, following which, you can avoid the occurrence of many pathological conditions in your pet and avoid unpleasant consequences. The most important thing is to try to make inaccessible some rather dangerous objects that the animal can swallow.

Of particular interest to cats and cats are bird feathers, casings from sausages and sausages, pieces of foil and even plain paper, elastic bands, threads and small ropes. Threads with a needle are very dangerous: if they are swallowed, quite serious damage to the gastrointestinal tract is possible. A separate danger is Christmas tree decorations: tinsel and rain, which can also cause the development of pathological processes in the animal's body when swallowed.

Do not limit your pet's diet to only dry food, which leads to constant constipation and bloating. The animal should be provided with a sufficient amount of liquid, and for long-haired breeds, special supplements and feeds should be purchased that help remove balls of wool from the intestines of cats. Pets of such breeds should be constantly and carefully combed out, especially during the molting period, which reduces the risk of developing pathology after wool enters their body.

In cats, intestinal obstruction is a condition in which the passage of feed masses through the intestines is partially or completely impaired. This pathology is not an independent disease; this is a syndrome that is quite common and equally dangerous for small kittens and adult cats.

Causes and typology

Difficulty or cessation of the passage of food can be caused by a violation of the motor function, in particular paralysis, or the mechanical function of the intestine.

Mechanical intestinal obstruction in cats can be caused by a variety of factors:

blockage of the intestines by a foreign object is the most common cause, since cats are prone to swallowing small household items (threads, needles, rags, toys, their own wool, and so on);
neoplasms in the abdominal cavity, or directly in the intestinal wall itself;
volvulus or torsion of the intestine;
intussusception of the intestine (that is, a condition in which one part of the intestine is screwed inside another part of it);
hernia;
abscesses or granulomas;
adhesive disease;
congenital anomalies, in particular intestinal diverticulum.

Symptoms of bowel obstruction in cats

With partial obstruction, only part of the contents of the intestine penetrates through the obstacle, and with complete obstruction, the movement of the feed masses stops. Therefore, one of the symptoms is a small amount of feces or their complete absence. In both cases, in the area of the intestine where the blockage occurred, blood circulation is disturbed, which can lead to necrosis, that is, necrosis of part of the intestine. Complete obstruction is characterized by such severe clinical manifestations as sudden onset of vomiting, depression, anorexia, abdominal pain and collapse. This condition is life threatening and urgent surgery is required.

The general condition of the cat depends on the degree of obstruction (low, medium, high), the size of the foreign body, and the duration of the disease.

There are the following main symptoms of intestinal obstruction in cats:

loss of appetite, sometimes reaching a complete rejection of food;
occurring in most cases, periodic vomiting;
a decrease in the amount of feces or their complete absence;
pain and an increase in the volume of the abdomen;
deterioration in general condition.

Dehydration of the body is also noted as a result of impaired water absorption and an imbalance in the intestinal microflora. With prolonged fasting, exhaustion may occur, and as a result, the overall body temperature drops (less than 37 ° C), general weakness occurs, and shortness of breath may occur. If the cat in this state is not helped, this may lead to the death of the animal.

Therefore, in the event of the manifestation of the above clinical signs, you should immediately contact a qualified veterinarian at a veterinary clinic.

It should also be understood that each case is individual, and not all cats have pronounced symptoms. In some animals, intestinal obstruction can manifest itself with only a few signs of the above, so you should be attentive to your pets and pay special attention to even subtle changes in their condition.

Diagnosis of intestinal obstruction in cats

In the clinic, you should tell the doctor in detail about all the changes you noticed in the cat's condition. The specialist carefully examines the animal, it may be necessary to take blood and urine tests to assess the condition at the time of treatment and exclude poisoning and infectious complications. Taking into account the general condition of the cat, the doctor prescribes a treatment regimen.

Most likely, a plain radiograph of the animal's abdomen will be required. Ultrasound of the intestine in this situation is uninformative, but sometimes you can see indirect signs of a foreign object, as well as evaluate peristalsis.

Fig.1. Wire in the cat's rectum

Plain x-ray often does not provide enough information to make a diagnosis (unless the animal has a radiopaque foreign body), but it can help determine which part of the gastrointestinal tract is affected.

It should be remembered that not all objects can be seen on an x-ray. Radiopaque are needles, paper clips, stones, glass, and so on. And plastic, rubber, threads and other similar objects can only be detected with the help of a radiopaque substance. In this case, the cat is fed a contrast agent and a series of images are taken to track its passage through the digestive tract at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 2 hours, 6 hours after administration of the contrast agent, and then at the discretion of the veterinarian.

Rice. 2. Silk ribbon in the small intestine of a cat.

But palpation and radiography of the abdominal cavity usually allow a presumptive diagnosis and provide grounds for a diagnostic operation. This can be diagnostic laparotomy, laparoscopy, fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS), with these studies, the doctor conducts a more detailed examination of the digestive system.

Treatment of intestinal obstruction in cats

As a result of establishing the cause, one can judge further actions: either a conservative therapeutic treatment of a sick animal is carried out, or an emergency surgical intervention is performed to eliminate the cause of blockage of the intestinal lumen (if a foreign body, hernia, tumor, etc. is detected).

Also, surgery is necessary if the symptoms do not disappear or worsen, and also if there are signs of peritonitis.

In all cases, special attention should be paid to the stabilization of the animal and the restoration of fluid and electrolyte balance after surgery.

What to do if you suspect bowel obstruction in a cat

If you notice symptoms of intestinal obstruction in your pet or assume that the cat could have swallowed any foreign objects, immediately seek help from a veterinary clinic!

Do not force-feed or water your cat, as this may cause vomiting. Do not give antiemetic drugs that do not have a therapeutic effect. Laxatives and drugs that increase intestinal motility in some cases may be contraindicated, since their action can lead to rupture of the intestines.

Clinical signs may not always be bright, so you should contact a qualified specialist at the clinic as soon as possible, since the clinic has all the necessary equipment for an early diagnosis.

Prevention of bowel obstruction in cats

In the vast majority of cases, intestinal obstruction in cats develops as a result of swallowing foreign objects. Be attentive to your pet, do not leave small household items, children's toys freely available.

Clinical case of treatment of intestinal obstruction in a cat

Cat Izyum was admitted to the Pride Veterinary Center with complaints of repeated vomiting with blood and refusal to feed for three days.

On examination by a veterinary therapist Vasilyeva A.M. a thread was found under the tongue. After X-ray diagnostics with contrast, the diagnosis was made - intestinal obstruction. Surgeon Mamedkuliev A.K. surgery was performed and the thread was completely removed.

At the moment, Izyum's condition is excellent, he is undergoing treatment at home.

In veterinary medicine, intestinal obstruction in cats is referred to as ileus and is most often treated with surgery. Unlike constipation (coprostasis), in which fecal masses, although in small quantities, are passed out, intestinal obstruction is characterized by the absence of defecation and gases, since the intestinal lumen is tightly clogged.

Description

Most of the foreign bodies from the cat's stomach enter the small intestine, which consists of three sections:

duodenum;
jejunum;
ileum.

The ileum passes into the large intestine, which begins with the caecum, where there is a well-defined appendix with a wide base. Unlike humans, animals never become inflamed. The most likely obstruction is in the small intestine or in the ileocecal junction.

Intestinal obstruction (ileus) can occur in both the small intestine and the large intestine. This implies a violation of the patency of the contents of the intestine, which usually has a mechanical cause.

Important! The food mass digested in the stomach is mixed in the duodenum with bile juice and pancreatic juices, and decomposed into such components as sugar, fats and proteins.

A certain section of the small or large intestine is clogged from the inside or outside, so that the food mass can no longer pass through this place. This obstruction may be complete (ileus) or incomplete (subileus).

Depending on the anatomical and functional features of development, the following types of ileus are distinguished:

dynamic intestinal obstruction (subdivided into spastic and paralytic);
mechanical intestinal obstruction (subdivided into strangulation, obturation and mixed);
vascular intestinal obstruction.

For example, mechanical obstruction may occur due to a growing tumor inside the intestine or due to swallowed objects.

The second form of mechanical ileus is strangulation ileus, which occurs mainly in the mobile small intestine. In this case, the loop of the small intestine turns around its own axis and leads to insufficient intestinal blood supply.

As a result, intestinal tissues receive insufficient oxygen, and food cannot pass through certain places. The small intestine can also become trapped in the hernial sac of various hernias with bowel prolapse, which can lead to ileus.

Interesting to know! There is also a classification of intestinal obstruction according to the level of localization. So, there are high and low small bowel obstruction and obstruction of the large intestine.

In cats, linear foreign bodies, such as threads, ribbons, tinsel, are most likely to be retained in the intestines, causing partial intestinal obstruction. Foreign bodies of this type often lead to rupture of the intestinal walls and bacterial peritonitis.

Symptoms

The owners are not always able to notice the moment when the foreign body was swallowed.

But there are certain symptoms of cat stomach obstruction that should alert the attentive owner:

refusal to feed;
vomit;
lack of stool;
depressed state;
when the process is running, exhaustion is possible;
sometimes it is possible to palpate a solid formation in the stomach.

In some cases, small objects can remain in the stomach for a long time, without causing severe discomfort at first, the symptoms appear only over time. For example, this happens with chicken vertebrae (if the animal is fed with chicken necks) or trichobezoars, which often fill the stomach of a cat with long hair.

The reasons

The ingestion of foreign objects that a cat can accidentally swallow, and wool that enters the organ when licked, are considered the most common causes of gastric obstruction - up to 80% of all cases.

Intestinal obstruction can also be caused by other factors. The causes of stagnant processes include the following:

Helminth infestation. Live and dead worms in excessive quantities clump into lumps that completely block the intestinal lumen.
Coprostasis observed for a long time. Dry feces form a tight plug that closes the intestines. Constipation is most often the result of malnutrition. Undigested food and decay products, among other things, also poison the animal's body.
Volvulus. A pinch that occurs in a certain area of \u200b\u200bthe intestine disrupts blood circulation, as a result of which the organ dies and decomposes.
Intussusception. It is a consequence of volvulus of the intestines and is characterized by the introduction of one intestine into another.
Malignant and benign neoplasms in the intestine. First, tumors provoke a partial blockage, then, growing, complete.
paralysis of the intestines. The cause of paralysis of the organ can be an injury to the spine, intestines, diseases of the nervous system.

Less common factors that affect how often your cat has a bowel movement include:

ingestion of a foreign body (eg, bone);
hernia, in the perineum;
kidney failure;
inflammation of the rectum, anus;
orthopedic problems of the cat, provoking difficulties with the ability to take the desired position;
disease of the paranasal glands;
diseases of the large intestine and a decrease in its motility (megacolon);
the presence of tumors and cysts;
neurological causes of constipation.

Regardless of the factor that caused the ileus, measures to eliminate intestinal obstruction should be taken immediately.

Diagnostics

During the initial examination of the animal, the doctor pays attention to the tympanic (metallic, drum-like) sound during percussion (tapping) of the abdomen. Intestinal peristalsis is heard in the initial phase of the disease, then it weakens.

Important! To the touch, an asymmetric swelling in the abdominal region is determined.

Instrumental studies are being carried out:

Plain radiography. The photographs show dilated bowel loops with the presence of free gases and fluid - a characteristic sign of obstruction. It is carried out without preparation, according to emergency indications.
Colonoscopy. It is usually prescribed for the chronic course of the disease. Using a flexible probe that transmits an image to a monitor, the veterinarian examines the walls of the large intestine and identifies the cause of the pathology.
Ultrasound is used as an auxiliary method. Allows to reveal tumors and infiltration structures.
Irrigoscopy. This is an X-ray study using contrast. With its help, it is possible to determine intestinal anomalies with great certainty.

Treatment

Drug treatment most likely will not bring an effect, and the longer the foreign body is in the intestine, the greater the likelihood of perforation with the ensuing consequences in the form of peritonitis and death.

First, veterinarians try to remove (push) the foreign body from the esophagus into the oral cavity if it is in its upper part, or push it into the stomach with a probe, palpation and other methods when it is in the deeper parts of the esophagus.

To prepare for the procedure, do the following:

relieve spasm of the muscles of the esophagus by subcutaneously injecting a solution of atropine sulfate 0.02-0.04 g, intravenously 0.5% solution at the rate of 0.5 ml per 1 kg of animal weight or 2-3% solution of novocaine in the tissue around places of blockage of the esophagus;
to better move the body through the esophagus, 100-150 ml of vegetable or vaseline oil is injected into it.

Important! If the object cannot be removed, surgical intervention is required.

Surgery is the most reliable way to save a pet. If the obstruction occurs in the small intestine, the water pressure due to the enema will simply tear the walls of the esophagus, which means a quick and painful death of the animal. A laxative and attempts to flush the esophagus will work in the same way. That is why you should not try to solve the problem yourself.

Intussusceptions can be reduced in the early stages to the formation of fibrous adhesions. With late diagnosis, there is often a need for a complete resection of the ileocecal region, including part of the small and large intestines. An end-to-end anastomosis of the small and large intestines is performed, especially if it is possible to leave the length of the intestine sufficient for normal functioning.

The postoperative period is of great importance. To make the healing process as easy and fast as possible, the cat cannot be fed for 48 hours, water can be given only every other day.

After the operation, the cat should not eat on its own for some time. One of two methods is chosen for serving food:

an elastic latex tube is inserted through the nasopharynx, through which nutrients are supplied to the stomach;
an artificial fistula is made in the belly, through which food is fed directly into the intestines.

After the operation, the following treatment will be carried out:

taking antibiotics;
the introduction of painkillers;
droppers with saline solutions for dehydration.

To restore the pet's body over a certain period, it will be necessary to give him probiotics, which will improve digestion, and adhere to a special sparing diet.

Prevention

To prevent the dangerous state of your pet, you should follow some simple rules.

feed the animal in a timely manner, especially kittens;
exclude bones from the diet (chicken, beef, pork, river fish);
do not allow your cat to pick up foreign objects or chew on sticks on the street;
if the animal often eats chalk, plaster, wallpaper or licks the floor, immediately consult a veterinarian, as it may have a general metabolic disorder;
keep handicrafts (threads, needles, buttons, beads, beads) at a height inaccessible to animals;
put the wrappers from sweets (from foil) immediately into the trash can;
store garbage bags so that the cat cannot get to them;
during the New Year holidays, remove all tinsel and rain higher so that the cat cannot get them.

Bowel obstruction is one of the most common diseases in cats, its symptoms are pronounced. The disease is often confused with constipation, so the animal is not shown to the veterinarian, but they try to cure it on their own, causing even more damage to the pet's health.

The cause of the disease in cats can be volvulus, swallowed foreign object, gastrointestinal disease, but in any case, the symptoms will be pronounced. Depending on the factors that provoked the onset of the disease, treatment can be either conservative or surgical.

The essence of the problem

Intestinal obstruction is a disease in which, for various reasons, normal bowel emptying from feces does not occur. As a result, intoxication increases, since poisons and decay products are absorbed by the mucous membrane, enter the bloodstream and are carried throughout the body. The pet stops eating, practically does not drink, as this leads to vomiting. The gases formed during the digestion of food cannot go outside due to blockage of the intestinal lumen, therefore the animal's stomach increases, severe pain appears.

In a cat, intestinal obstruction can occur not only because of atony. Often problems begin after swallowing small objects, accumulation of wool or helminthic infestations. It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of pathology in order not to delay treatment, since in most cases surgical intervention is required.

Causes of the phenomenon

Intestinal obstruction can occur in both adult cats and kittens. The following adverse factors can provoke the appearance of the disease:

Sometimes the owners of the animal think that a laxative will help to cope with the problem. This is not true. In most cases, it will cause even more harm and can accelerate the occurrence of death in a pet. What to do with intestinal obstruction in a cat knows only a veterinarian, so the pet needs to be shown to him as soon as possible.

Symptomatic manifestations

Symptoms of intestinal obstruction are pronounced and in cats may be as follows:

The animal's mood changes drastically. Some owners note apathy, a desire to hide from people and other pets. In another case, the cat will try in every possible way to draw attention to itself: meow loudly, follow, show its stomach. Any change in the habitual behavior of a cat is an alarming symptom.
The pet refuses to eat. First, the amount of food consumed becomes less, then there is a complete rejection of food.
With partial intestinal obstruction, cats begin to vomit after eating. This symptom indicates that only a small amount of food could move through the intestines. The remaining food causes unbearable stomach pain in the animal, so the pet reflexively spits up.
Lack of defecation. Such a symptom of intestinal obstruction in cats can not always be considered reliable in individuals who often walk on the street. In this case, it is almost impossible for the owners to track exactly where the cat emptied the intestines. Another thing is pets. A prolonged absence of feces in the litter box can be a sign of both ordinary constipation and intussusception in a cat or kitten.
Aggression when trying to inspect. If the owner tries to feel the pet's stomach, the cat is more likely to bite or scratch. This is due to the fact that the animal experiences severe pain, and touching only exacerbates the situation. If the cat allows himself to be examined, then the owner will notice the tension of the walls of the abdominal cavity, and sometimes he will be able to feel for a foreign object or a solid area in the intestines. Inspection is better not to carry out unless absolutely necessary, as a careless movement can harm the pet.
Enlargement of the abdomen. Since the gases that accumulate in the intestines do not have an outlet, the pet's abdominal cavity begins to increase in size. You may notice that the cat rolls on the floor and actively licks the stomach.

If the animal has at least one of the above symptoms, then this may indicate intestinal obstruction in cats. The best decision the owner of a sick pet will make is to immediately take him to the veterinarian, as trying to give a laxative, warming up or massage will only bring harm.

Methods of treatment and prevention

Before figuring out how to treat a cat with an intestinal blockage, a veterinarian will do some research. Urine and blood will be taken from the animal for analysis, an x-ray or ultrasound procedure will be performed to find out exactly where the congestion is and what it is.

Based on the results of the examination, conservative or surgical treatment can be prescribed. Regardless of the chosen therapeutic tactics, animals are given droppers to relieve intoxication, as well as painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

You can do without surgery in the case when the obstruction is caused by constipation. The doctor will give the animal an enema, in addition, it may be recommended to give the cat vaseline oil, which will help soften the stool for easier elimination.

If irreversible changes have begun in the intestines, or a foreign object has become the cause of the congestion, then an emergency operation is indicated. During it, the damaged part of the organ is removed, the object that caused the obstruction is removed.

During the first day after the operation, the cat is not given food and water. Little by little, the pet begins to drink 24 hours after surgery. Food is introduced gradually, under the supervision of a veterinarian. It should be liquid and easily digestible. The cat is shown droppers with saline and vitamins to get nutrients, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory injections to prevent postoperative complications.

It is important to treat the cat responsibly at this stage, since the lack of proper care and non-compliance with the doctor's recommendations will lead to the death of the pet.

To protect the animal from the disease, you should follow some preventive measures:

High quality and balanced diet. It is best to feed the animal with premium and super-premium food. It can be both canned food and dry food. It is imperative to ensure round-the-clock access to fresh water, so as not to provoke clogging of the intestines with solid food. If it is decided to feed the pet with natural food, then in no case should you give your pet bones, pieces of skin or tendons, sausage, sausages in a natural casing, as these products can provoke intestinal blockage. It is allowed to feed the cat with raw or boiled meat, fish without bones and fins. The diet diversifies cereals and boiled vegetables, dairy products.
Safe home. All small objects must be kept out of reach of the animal. You need to carefully hide the bin so that the cats are not tempted to rummage through it in search of "goodies".
Health control. In the event of any pathologies, and especially injuries, be sure to consult a veterinarian and treat the animal until complete recovery. Intestinal obstruction is often a consequence of atony, which is caused by chronic injuries of the spine and abdominal cavity. It is also important to regularly vaccinate and deworm your pet, especially if he walks outside for a long time. This will help to avoid the accumulation of a large number of worms in the intestines.
Regular brushing. This is especially true for owners of long-haired breeds. When licking, the cat swallows a large amount of hair. When the mass becomes critical, it cannot be removed from the body in a natural way. Therefore, the cat needs to be combed every day, it is best to use a furminator for this. This is a metal comb that perfectly removes not only the guard hairs, but also the undercoat. Pay special attention to the pet during molting. As a supplement and prevention of the formation of hairballs, you can offer the cat a special herb or veterinary paste, aimed at gently removing hair from the animal's body.

The above measures are very likely to help avoid blockage of the intestine.

Intestinal obstruction in cats is a common disease that often ends in death. At the first suspicion of the presence of a pathology, you should immediately show the animal to the veterinarian so as not to waste precious time.

Intestinal obstruction in a cat- a frequent pathology that threatens not only health, but also the life of a pet, therefore it is extremely important to know the symptoms of this pathology and be able to distinguish it from others, less dangerous. Almost every cat owner may face a situation where the pet suddenly became unwell, and urgent veterinary care is needed. The case of intestinal obstruction is just such, so do not delay, call our veterinary center, where experienced doctors will conduct a free consultation and come to your home within 40 minutes when an emergency call is needed!

Bowel obstruction in a cat: what happens?

Intestinal obstruction in a cat is a complete or partial cessation of the movement of food in the intestines of a cat due to various reasons. Not a single animal is immune from this misfortune, common in kittens. In the normal state, the contents of the intestine are constantly moving forward, being abundantly wetted by digestive juices, splitting into simple nutrients, which, together with the liquid, are absorbed through the intestinal walls into the blood. Blockage of the intestine disrupts this process and leads to very sad consequences, so it is important to diagnose obstruction at an early stage and provide the animal with veterinary care.

Symptoms of the pathology of intestinal obstruction in a cat

Let's figure out how to determine early signs of intestinal obstruction, characteristic specifically for her, so as not to be confused, for example, with constipation and not harm the pet. Your task is to call the veterinarian as soon as the symptoms appear, as it is often about saving the cat's life:

The cat ignores food, even favorite treats, and later refuses water as well.
There is vomiting.
When trying to go to the tray, the cat meows, groans, pushes, but there is no result.
The abdomen swells as intestinal gases accumulate in the intestines, causing discomfort and pain on palpation.
The cat behaves strangely: runs, meows loudly, licks its stomach, tries to attract attention, or, conversely, becomes lethargic and lethargic.

If you notice such symptoms, immediately go to the phone and dial the number of our center "I-VET". Having received a consultation from a veterinarian, you will decide with him in further joint actions, and gain invaluable time, because with intestinal obstruction, the animal can die in 2-7 days.

Intestinal obstruction in a cat: what should not be done?

Give a laxative, as this will provoke a contraction of the intestinal muscles, causing further damage to it and even necrosis of individual sections due to impaired blood supply;
doing an enema - this can lead to an increase in pressure in the intestine and its rupture;
do not feed or water the cat, this will only cause vomiting;
do not give antiemetics.

Intestinal obstruction in a cat: diagnosis

The veterinarian makes a preliminary diagnosis of intestinal obstruction in a cat, based on clinical symptoms and examination of the animal. On palpation, a swollen, “acute” abdomen, a separate painful area is determined. The higher the intestinal obstruction in a cat in relation to the stomach, the more difficult the prognosis.

The most revealing examination in this case is an x-ray of the abdominal cavity, especially with the use of a contrast agent, for example, barium sulfate.

If these measures do not provide clarity in the diagnosis, doctors decide to resort to surgical intervention, the so-called diagnostic laparotomy.

Intestinal obstruction in a cat (ileus): causes

types of intestinal obstruction in cats

Mechanical, in which some obstacle interferes with the promotion of intestinal contents:

large particles of food (often in kittens),
bones,
foreign objects,
helminths,
intestinal bezoars (“stones”). As a rule, these are trichobezoars, balls of wool that cats usually burp, but if this mechanism does not work, this stone can get stuck in the intestines.

This group includes foreign bodies that do not block the intestinal lumen, but seriously disrupt its functions and motility (threads, fishing line, Christmas decorations).

2. dynamic obstruction, in which normal intestinal motility is impaired, is divided into two groups:

Intestinal obstruction in a cat: treatment

Based on the many reasons that cause intestinal obstruction in a cat, and the rate of development of serious complications, there is nothing to think about the possibility of self-treatment. Even petroleum jelly, widely used by owners of dogs and cats for constipation, in case of obstruction, can exacerbate the problem.

Even before the diagnosis is made, the animal is prescribed therapy aimed at eliminating intoxication, dehydration and intestinal inflammation. Droppers are placed to replenish the loss of fluid and nutrients, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics.

If examinations have confirmed acute intestinal obstruction, it is required emergency surgery, sometimes part of the intestine is cut out, foreign objects are removed, the intestines are set if intussusception occurs.

After the operation, the attending veterinarian will prescribe droppers, antibiotics, and a starvation diet for the next day. Then the cat is slowly fed with semi-liquid, soft food, monitoring its condition, as complications are possible. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the seams, if the cat licks the seams, then you need an Elizabethan collar or a special cap. The stitches are removed after two weeks.

Intestinal obstruction in a cat: prevention

If you want to save a cat from severe suffering, and yourself from mental anguish and serious material costs, then make sure that remove small objects and toys from the field of view of the animal which it can chew and swallow. Especially when a curious and omnivorous kitten lives in the house. Watch out so that the cat does not climb in the trash can, where there is a certain risk for the cat to try a lot of inedible, but tasty-smelling things. Sausage skins, threads, ropes, pieces of paper and foil are dangerous for a cat. Christmas tree “rain” and tinsel for the New Year tree are also prohibited.

In our veterinary center "Ya-VET", thanks to the efficiency and professionalism of the veterinary team, it is possible to quickly help with any life-threatening and health conditions in animals. One call - and emergency veterinary care will be provided at home, 40 minutes after the call. This is of great importance when there is a threat of acute intestinal obstruction.

If you notice the first symptoms, do not waste time, call us for a free first aid consultation for your pet. Perhaps everything will work out and he will only need outpatient treatment under the supervision of a specialist. If necessary, our center will provide effective inpatient treatment and surgical care. Drugs for treatment are sold at transparent, favorable prices for you, as we cooperate with manufacturers without intermediaries. Call us, we are always happy to listen and help our customers!