Symptoms and Treatment of Cat Intestinal Obstruction

The main symptoms of cat intestinal obstruction include: loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, abdominal pain, reluctance to move, difficulty in defecating, or passing small amounts of mucous-like liquid. The treatment of cat intestinal obstruction requires the selection of appropriate methods according to the specific situation. It is recommended to first take the cat to a pet hospital for X-rays to determine the cause, location, and severity of the intestinal obstruction, and then arrange for surgery as soon as possible based on the specific situation of the intestinal obstruction.

Early Symptoms of Cat Intestinal Obstruction

Early symptoms of cat intestinal obstruction include persistent vomiting, lack of desire to exercise, loss of appetite, lethargy, hunched back, and sensitivity to abdominal touch. X-rays can diagnose the condition, and conservative treatments such as enemas are usually used in the early stage. If treatment is ineffective, surgical intervention will be chosen to remove the foreign object.

Treatments for Cat Intestinal Obstruction

There are various types of cat intestinal obstructions, and different situations require different treatment plans. If the cat's intestinal obstruction is caused by swallowing a foreign object and is discovered and treated promptly, surgery to remove the object and repair the normal intestinal tract will lead to recovery. However, if the cat's intestinal obstruction lasts for too long, and the intestinal tissue at the obstructed site has already undergone ischemic necrosis, it is necessary to remove the necrotic intestinal tract and perform anastomosis surgery.

Intestinal Obstruction Caused by Foreign Bodies

If it is a mild obstruction caused by hair, catheterization or administration of drugs to enhance gastrointestinal peristalsis can be used to evacuate the foreign object. Re-examination via X-ray is recommended after 24 hours to observe if the object has been evacuated. For severe obstructions caused by objects such as stones, plastics, or ribbons, surgery to remove the foreign object should be carried out promptly.

Intestinal Intussusception

If the obstruction is caused by intestinal intussusception and the abdominal cavity opens to find that the obstruction has not necrosed, direct surgical reduction is performed. If there is necrosis, surgical resection is necessary. In addition, if the obstruction is caused by intestinal adhesions, the necrotic adhered part should be resected and the intestines should be anastomosed.

Note: Intestinal obstruction can lead to cats being unable to eat, so fluid infusion is necessary to ensure basic metabolism. After the cat has undergone intestinal obstruction surgery, proper wound care, wound disinfection, and internal antiseptic treatment should be administered.