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It's not hard to imagine how it can quickly become life-threatening. Sometimes, owning a cat is like having a toddler in your home. Theyll likely receive IV fluids, pain meds, and antibiotics if deemed necessary. The outlook for malabsorption is good if there is a simple solution (such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency). My Cat Can't Poop and Is Throwing Up: 3 Causes and Treatment This diet should be the sole source of food for a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks, and no treats of any kind should be fed unless approved by your veterinarian. This article is purely informative. Intestinal blockage in cats is a medical condition that occurs when a cat's intestines become blocked and unable to properly provide a cat with the nutrients they need from consuming solids and liquids. Longterm constipation may be due to an obstruction inside the intestines, constriction from outside the intestines, or neuromuscular problems with the colon itself. If you notice any of the following signs or if your cat has eaten a foreign object, you should contact your veterinarian right away. That's good news because, when intestinal cancer does occur, it is a serious condition. In cats, there is an association between inflammatory liver disease, pancreatitis, and IBD. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Veterinary Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Vet Manual outside of North America. If your cat has a bowel obstruction, it's important to know how long it can live without treatment. What Is the Prognosis for a Cat Diagnosed With an Intestinal Blockage? A linear obstruction is when a linear object, such as some string, is eaten. Also, he points out, excessive self-grooming and subsequent ingestion of hair may be a sign that an animal is experiencing a food allergy-related skin problem, in which case consultation with a veterinary nutritionist or dermatologist would be advisable. An intestinal blockage is a very serious condition that can kill. The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Causes of Intestinal Blockage in Cats. Unfortunately, this leaves our precious companions at risk of a dangerous intestinal blockage. Yes, stress can cause inflammation of the cat's stomach lining, but usually urinary tract signs are more common with stress in cats than are gastrointestinal signs. Hairballs in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies - WebMD Gastrointestinal ulcers are wounds in the stomach or intestinal lining caused by stomach acid or digestive enzymes. The ejected matter will typically have an unpleasant but tolerable odor. Long-haired breeds such as Persians and Maine Coons may be at greater risk for developing hairballs than are short-haired breeds. As cat lovers, we try to be as cautious as possible and keep our home cat-proof, but our curious kitties sure love to exhibit those natural hunting instincts through play and will resort to various household objects to fulfill their needs. Then once your cat is home, it will usually take between 10 and 14 days for recovery, but this varies depending on the type of surgery that has been performed. Intestinal Blockage in Cats: Vet-Reviewed Causes, Signs & Care. The prognosis is good in many cases. Dietary modification is an important aspect of the management of malabsorption. At Excited Cats, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. Can a Cat Pass an Intestinal Obstruction on Its Own? With surgery, your vet will do a laparotomy (or exploratory surgery) to locate the blockage. This can not only re-open the wound, but can lead to infection. Intestinal Obstruction in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment An intestinal blockage is a gastrointestinal obstruction confined to the intestines. In this case, do not pull on the item! They are often slender and cylindrical, shaped more like a cigar or sausage than a ball. However, do not administer this yourself or try to try to remove objects protruding from the cat's rectum. Although laxatives may be effective in enabling passage of a stubborn hairball, Dr. Goldstein strongly advises owners never to give their cats a laxative without the approval and supervision of a veterinarian. So, a playful feline may ingest something they shouldnt, leading to this medical emergency. Causes of Intestinal Blockage in Cats GI obstruction can result from a variety of causes, and an obstruction can be partial, linear, or complete: A partial obstruction of the GI tract is usually seen with small foreign objects, such as small toys or pieces of cloth, making their way through the intestines. Intestinal obstruction is a blockage that keeps food or liquid from passing through your small intestine or large intestine (colon). This combination of inflammatory disorders is often referred to as triaditis. Whether its yarn, string, hair ties, rubber bands, ribbons, or anything else, cats will sometimes chew and even swallow what theyre playing with. Symptoms of Cat Intestinal Blockage | Cuteness Backed Up or Blocked - Feline Constipation or Intestinal Obstructions? The trusted provider of veterinary information since 1955, Introduction to Digestive Disorders of Cats, Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Digestive System in Cats, Disorders of the Stomach and Intestines in Cats, Disorders Caused by Bacteria of the Digestive System in Cats, Disorders Caused by Protozoa of the Digestive System in Cats, Disorders of the Liver and Gallbladder in Cats, Reviewed/Revised Aug 2018 | Modified Oct 2022. your insurer will likely cover GI obstructions, Cat Nail Biting: Vet Approved Tips If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? This blockage makes it so neither liquids nor solids can pass through the intestines. Other than that, its important to try to reduce the risk of an intestinal blockage happening again. Bowel obstructions can also be referred to as intestinal blockages. Complications can occur if whatever the pet ate damages the internal organs or perforates the intestines. Sadly, they generally eat meals giant sufficient to trigger bowel obstruction, which might be deadly. They include the bane of every cat owner, hairballs. Intestinal Blockage In Cats: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments This is often due to the cat swallowing a large object or several small objects. Supporting Cat Health with Information and Health Studies. This long, spaghettilike parasite makes itself at home in your cat's intestines, leeching nutrients from her system and sometimes causing a blockage due to high numbers. Felines are curious about the world around them, and a shoelace or cord on a jacket makes the perfect prey. A cat may inadvertently swallow something indigestible that may or may not pass, which can become a real problem. Visualizing the stomach with a long, flexible scope (endoscopy) and evaluating tissue samples may be necessary in cats that have longterm gastritis. Constipation, straining to defecate, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, and abdominal infection associated with the rupture of the affected bowel have also been reported. Also threatening, he notes, is a hairball that manages to pass into the small intestine and become tightly lodged there. The virus is extremely widespread in cats, and many cats that recover from the infection still harbor and shed the virus. How Long Does a Feline Survive With an Intestinal Blockage? Treatment for gastritis is the same as for vomiting Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Feline infectious peritonitis (often called FIP) is a severe, usually fatal disease caused by a feline coronavirus. Hepper.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. There is no specific treatment; however, affected cats should receive supportive treatment and fluids, if needed. Hairballs can also cause intestinal blockages in cats, as the hair can accumulate in the stomach and form a solid mass that is difficult to pass through the intestinal tract. Shell awake from a peaceful nap, rise up on her paws, retch convulsively for a moment or two, and spit up what may appear at first glance to be a damp clump. GI obstruction is an emergency condition and has a range of causes. Once the cat can retain food and fluid, they can return home. How Do I Care for a Cat With an Intestinal Blockage? While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. But how can you know if your pet is suffering from an intestinal blockage? What exactly is an intestinal blockage? An intestinal blockage will prevent food, fluids, nutrients, and secretions from moving normally through your cat's gastrointestinal tract. When shes not writing about animals, youll find her writing poetry, stories, and film reviews (the animals are, by far, her favorite writing topic, though!). Whatever is there is usually tethered in other places in the body, and you could cause damage to your pet by pulling on the string. Vomiting, diarrhea, changes in appetite, and weight loss may be seen. When it comes to quoting a price for cat intestinal blockage surgery, your vet will provide you with a more precise cost estimate when discussing . She also has an array of stray cats, raccoons, and possums who like to call her front porch home. Trichobezoar is the medical or scientific term that is used to describe a hairball. Some cats with longterm constipation or obstipation may develop megacolon, an enlarged intestine caused by a defect in the muscle strength of the colon. She loves goldfish, tetras, and mystery snails, and recently began experimenting with a saltwater aquarium. Cats are adorable, but not everyone likes their presence. If a blockage is detected, surgery may be required in order to remove the hairball. Once feeding is resumed, soluble fiber is often added to the diet. Initial tests usually include blood, urine, and fecal tests; x-rays; and an abdominal ultrasound. As we stated above, it is essential to take a cat to the vet if they show the symptoms of intestinal blockage as described here. Inflammation may be the result of a defect in the function of the immune system in the colon. Treatment almost always requires surgery, and it may be fatal. This situation is extremely dangerous since the foreign body can eventually cut through the intestine and cause peritonitis which can be fatal. Common things that cats eat that they shouldnt include string, thread, hair bands, rubber bands, small toys and tinsel. If they are exhibiting the symptoms described above, it is imperative you take them to vet and don't try to cure it on your own. It depends on what your pet ingested and how soon you act. IBD in Cats: Complete Guide to Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats - PetMD While hairballs are typically . Treatment for an intestinal blockage will depend on the severity and the underlying cause of the blockage. Intestinal blockages in cats occur when the stomach or intestines are either partially or completely blocked, restricting the flow of both nutrients and waste matter. Examples of small-intestinal disease include inflammatory bowel disease, infectious diseases (disorders caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites), dietary sensitivities, and intestinal tumors. Many of these animals recover well as long as they are diagnosed and treated quickly. That can complicate the treatment of an intestinal blockage and increase the risk of complications. During this time, your pet will need to rest and restrict any activity, and you will need to check on the incision site often to ensure it isnt infected or swollen. After the surgery, analgesics and antibiotics will be prescribed to relieve pain and combat infection, respectively. Whether this is the case for your cat depends on when your pet ate the object and the sort of object it is. However, given the importance of immediate care, its not worth the risk of allowing your cats symptoms to resolve on their own. They may feel unwell for a while or even become a little bloated, but it is often nothing to be concerned about. This has obvious benefits for the parasite, which can only proliferate in the intestines of cats, but uses other hosts like . Some drugs cause constipation as a side effect. The categories include: A complete obstruction refers to a complete blockage of the intestine, preventing any contents from passing through the digestive system properly. Intestinal Blockages in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Theyll likely recommend restricting your pets activity to allow the stitches to heal. Share Intestinal cancer is a relatively uncommon form of cancer in cats, accounting for only a small percentage of all feline cancer cases. Blood tests are performed to identify complications from the obstruction. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Regurgitated hairballs are variable in size; though usually about an inch long, they can be as long as five inches and an inch thick. The most common signs of intestinal blockage (and the ones that are most often the reason felines are brought to the vet) are lack of appetite and vomiting. Cat Digestive Problems: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Causes of Intestinal Obstruction in Cats Ingestion of foreign bodies is the primary cause of intestinal obstruction, and it tends to occur more commonly in younger cats as they tend to be more likely to ingest inappropriate objects. Many will happily eat various items in their environment, whether inside or out, much of which can lead to problems with digestion. A visit to the veterinarian is advised. It may also be necessary to do additional testing, which may include taking blood, urine, and fecal samples; abdominal x-rays or ultrasonography; endoscopy; or biopsies. Does Pet Insurance Cover the Treatment for an Intestinal Blockage? This is uncommon, he notes, but it is very serious when it does occur. This blockage constitutes an emergency, one that may very well require surgery to remedy. She has her WSET 1 and 2 certifications and is currently pursuing her Certified Wine Specialist Award (CSW). While this may often include imaging to track the progress of the object, the veterinarian may recommend certain changes in diet and increased water intake to help the process along. However, other things may lead to this condition that are often seen more in felines than canines. An endoscopy would likely occur next if a foreign object is stuck in the stomach and induced vomiting isnt working. Relapses may occur. This is to identify any food allergies your cat may have. Our Vet Explains, Kidney Disease in Cats: Causes, Signs & Treatments, Answered by Dr. Chantal Villeneuve, MS BVetMed (Vet), 8 Common Diseases of Goldfish: Vet Approved Treatment & Prevention, Rabies in Dogs: Causes, Signs & Care Guide, Have a cat? Objects can get trapped in the stomach and/or small intestines and cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. IV fluids, painkillers, antibiotics, or other necessary forms of supportive care may be utilized to stabilize the cat before treatment of the obstructions itself. Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or an ultrasound can be used to view the intestinal tract and locate any blockages that have occurred. It also depends on how quickly you can get your pet to the vet for diagnosis and treatment. Foreign objects can cause three types of cat intestinal blockages: complete, partial, and linear. Gastrointestinal Obstruction in Small Animals - Digestive System If you suspect your cat has intestinal blockage, take them to the vet immediately. Complete obstructions can rapidly cause harm to the gastrointestinal tract, so waiting to see if this sort of object will pass through is dangerous. The signs of malabsorption are mainly due to lack of nutrient uptake and loss of nutrients in the feces. Now that your vet has removed the object or (hopefully) resolved the issue, if it wasnt due to a foreign body, your vet will discuss what aftercare your cat needs. The diagnosis is confirmed by tissue biopsy. Your vet will likely start with a physical exam and a history of your pets symptoms. In more severe cases of constipation, a veterinarian will need to remove retained feces using enemas or manual extraction while your pet is under general anesthesia. But when a complete intestinal blockage occurs, it means nothing can get through. Weight loss may be substantial despite a good appetite. Cats with lymphocytic-plasmacytic or eosinophilic gastritis may require medications to suppress the immune system. The word "trich" means hair, while a bezoar is any foreign material that obstructs the stomach or intestines. Weight loss and vomiting are uncommon. An exaggerated reaction to dietary or bacterial factors within the intestine, genetic predisposition, or results of previous infectious or parasitic disease have also been implicated. Featured Image Credit: PRESSLAB, Shutterstock. What Causes Hairballs in Cats? What to Do if My Dog has Something Stuck in his Throat? Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is actually a group of digestive system diseases that are recognized by certain persistent signs (see below) and by the presence of inflammation without a known cause. Fortunately, many cats do well with prompt veterinary treatment. Intestinal blockage can be broken down into three different categories, all of which are potentially life threatening. Antibiotics are also sometimes used. Treatment is based on the cause of inflammation. Signs of gastric or small-intestinal obstruction vary but often include vomiting and loss of appetite. In some cases, exploratory surgery may be recommended to diagnose and remove the blockage if the diagnostic imaging is inconclusive. See files for Cats. In cats that have a history of vomiting, abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, or unexplained weight loss, there are several tests that might be performed by your veterinarian in an attempt to diagnose the cause. The various forms of inflammatory bowel disease are classified by their location in the body and the type of cell that is involved. Much depends on how well your pet manages this highly stressful situation. You should always contact your vet if you notice any abrupt changes in your pets behavior. Surgical treatment will likely be needed in many cases, sometimes to remove the blockage itself, but we will look into treatment options below. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that chiefly cause respiratory infections read more . Howe . Gastritis is sudden or longterm vomiting caused by inflammation of the stomach. If the object is long enough to trail into the intestines, normal intestinal movement tends to cause a sawing or cutting motion on the gut, leading to intestinal perforation and abdominal infection. During the visit, be sure to tell your veterinarian if your cat has any tendency to eat bones, litter, or other hard matter. A gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction most commonly occurs when a cat eats a non-food item that is unable to pass through the GI tract. What exactly is an intestinal blockage?1 Its what happens when something is ingested, resulting in a partial or complete blockage in the intestines. Most things pass through the digestive tract just fine, but sometimes an object is too big to get through the intestines. Lack of Appetite: Cats with intestinal blockages often lose their appetite and may refuse to eat. A linear obstruction occurs when a feline ingests a piece of string or a similar object. Talk to your veterinarian if your cat refuses to eat a recommended food. Enteritis in Cats - Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention, Megacolon in Cats - Symptoms and Treatment, Enteritis in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, Natural Remedies for Gastroenteritis in Cats, Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs - Symptoms and Treatment, Electrolyte imbalance (resulting in marked increase in thirst and excessive urination), Gastroesophageal intussusception (very rare in cats. The latter is useful for other foreign bodies, like a piece of string that wouldnt show up on an X-ray. Puppies and kittens are especially prone to this condition because of their curious natures. The sutures should be removed between 7 and 10 days after surgery, with follow up appointments needed to ensure there are no complications to their recovery. Cat Intestinal Blockages: Causes, Symptoms & More | Hill's Pet However, there is more, If youre looking for an interesting and unusual name for your feline, a Mexican cat name is the way to. Why Does My Cat Push Out His Penis and Lick It? If you opt for a comprehensive plan, your insurer will likely cover GI obstructions. Modifying the diet, without other treatment, may be effective in some cases. What Are the Signs of an Intestinal Blockage? (US & Worldwide Statistics in 2023), 5 Best Sources of Iron for Dogs (& How Much They Need Daily). Blood tests, abdominal x-rays and ultrasonography, and endoscopy may also be necessary. The cat will likely be affected by extreme dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. You may be asked to withhold food for 24 to 48 hours to rest the cats digestive system. A large clump of ingested hair can block a cat's intestinal tract and pose a deadly threat. He or she will also do a physical exam to assess your situation. Blood tests, abdominal ultrasound scans or x-rays may be used. Also, larger objects cannot be removes via this procedure. 1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11361114, 2 https://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.242.6.792?journalCode=javma, 3 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282211745_Intestinal_Foreign_Bodies_in_Dogs_and_Cats, 4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1955170, 5 https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/128/12/2717S/4724373, Click to attach a photo related to your comment, Recovery from intestinal blockage in cats, Natural remedies for intestinal treatment in cats, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11361114, https://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.242.6.792?journalCode=javma, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282211745_Intestinal_Foreign_Bodies_in_Dogs_and_Cats, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1955170, https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/128/12/2717S/4724373, Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Treating IBD in Cats, My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons. Stay on top of dog food recalls here >, Have a question? Hepper is reader-supported. Cats with bowel obstructions will likely feel very ill, even if the condition progresses slowly. If left untreated it can result in the death of your cat. In other cases, changes in diet can enhance medical treatment, allowing for the drug dosage to be reduced or for the drug to be discontinued once signs improve. Close contact between cats is required for transmission, although the possibility of transmission by contaminated objects also exists. It is very important that you provide the special diet for your cat exactly as instructed by your veterinarian. Abdominal palpation (gently using the hands to feel the internal organs) can allow your veterinarian to detect organ enlargement, thickened bowel loops, and gas. This ends up causing plication (a bunching effect) of the intestines. Other possible causes of the condition include: Un-expelled hairballs A tumor Your cat might not show any signs of an issue if its a partial obstruction. Dry, hard feces can also occur due to insufficient water intake or reluctance to defecate (for example, because of a dirty litter box, guarding of the litter box by another household cat, or painful defecation). Folding of the Intestines | PetMD The cat will need to spend some time in a veterinary hospital to recover, although the length of stay will depend on the severity of the case. Companion Animal Hospital in Ithaca, NY for cats, dogs, exotics, and wildlife, Equine and Nemo Farm Animal Hospitals in Ithaca, NY for horses and farm animals, Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, on Long Island for every horse, Ambulatory and Production Medicine for service on farms within 30 miles of Ithaca, NY, Animal Health Diagnostic Center New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca, New York 14853-6401, Lung Ailments: A Widespread Source of Feline Woe, Feline Asthma: A Risky Business for Many Cats. Gastrointestinal obstruction is the blockage of the digestive tract. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. Here's how to prevent them. Other signs include lethargy, diarrhea, abdominal pain or swelling, fever or subnormal body temperature, dehydration, and shock. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. When this happens, it's called foreign body obstruction. Signs for this sort of obstruction often come on quickly and severely. Cats with chronic colitis tend to be middle-aged and are often purebred. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. Interference with digestion in cats is typically due to lack of certain enzymes from the pancreas, called pancreatic insufficiency Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency The pancreas is an organ that has 2 main functions: endocrine and exocrine.