Gastrointestinal Blockages in Cats - Are they common and how do you know if your cat has one?

 

As you may have heard recently during the tours, BCR's Lisa has been experiencing a constriction in her bowel that has narrowed it so that very little is getting through.  She's had lots of tests already and they've had a hard time figuring out exactly what's causing it.  This week, she had bowel surgery that we hope will take care of the problem.
 

A gastric (stomach) or intestinal constriction is unusual in cats, sadly full blockages are not.   They can happen at any age but often younger cats are more likely to experience one because they tend to eat things that can get stuck.  PetMD.com defines a gastrointestinal obstruction as "the partial or complete blockage of the flow of nutrients (solid or liquid) ingested into the body, and/or secretions from the stomach into and through the intestines."

When there's a blockage, what's in the digestive system don't get pushed through and out of a cat's system.  Blockages can be caused by a number of things.  Stomachs are easily blocked by a foreign body - even hairballs can do this - and tumors can have the same effect.  It's the same for the small intestines, which can be stopped by tumors or polyps, hernias, or conditions that change the actual shape of the tissue (like twisting).  Wherever the blockage is, it is painful for the cat.

If a cat is experiencing a gastrointestinal blockage, getting it diagnosed and treated quickly is critical.  Left untreated, not only will the cat be in considerable pain, but the condition can lead to other problems that could be fatal.  Many of the signs to look for are things that an observant pet owner would notice right away.  According the wagwalking.com, they are:

    •    Shock
    •    Depression
    •    Unwillingness to lie down
    •    Crying or whimpering
    •    Electrolyte imbalances
    •    Subnormal body temperature or a fever
    •    Dehydration
    •    Weight Loss
    •    Abdominal swelling
    •    Abdominal pain
    •    Diarrhea or constipation
    •    Lethargy
    •    Weakness
    •    Unwillingness to eat
•    Vomiting   

If your cat exhibits any combination of these symptoms, you should get them to your vet quickly.  A full exam by your vet will likely include asking you if it's possible your cat ate something he shouldn't have like string, needles or small toys.  The vet will also do a physical exam, looking for swelling or abdominal abnormalities, blood chemical tests and a full blood count, a urinalysis, and, if they need them, an X-ray or ultrasound.  An endoscopy may also be needed to have an actual view of the organs or to get a tissue sample.

What happens if your cat is diagnosed with a blockage?  The first step will be to provide any immediate treatments to help stabilize your cat's condition.  These might include intravenous fluids to treat dehydration.  If an obstruction is something like a hairball, the vet may use laxatives to get it to pass through the system.  However, in many cases, like Lisa's, your cat will need surgery and it may require a specialist.  Anesthesia is necessary for this procedure and the vet will remove the blockage. Depending on what they find has caused the blockage, like a tumor for instance, other treatments may be necessary.  Your vet knows your cat's medical history so will advise you on the best course of action to take for your cat's specific condition.

Surgery after-care may include a stay in the hospital, antibiotics and some pain medication.  When the cat can keep down food and liquids, he can go home but should have a quiet place to continue to heal.  You should keep a close eye on your cat to watch for any problems and be ready to share what you've noticed at your follow-up appointment.  The next steps for your cat will be based on what caused the blockage, any damage it caused and any preventive measures your vet advises.

CLICK HERE to read the complete article from PetMD.

CLICK HERE to read the wagwalking.com article.