Can you treat a cat blockage at home

Intestinal Blockage in Cats

What Is Intestinal Blockage in Cats?

An intestinal blockage (obstruction)is a common emergency condition that occurs when there is a partial or complete blockage of the intestines that prevents solids or liquids from passing through.

Gastrointestinal obstruction and intestinal blockage are medical terms that are often used interchangeably for the same condition. However, while a gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction could include an intestinal blockage, the reverse is not true, as an intestinal blockage applies only to the intestines and GI applies to the entire digestive tract (the stomach and small and large intestines).

Normally, the GI tract undergoes a process called peristalsis, where food and contents are pushed from the stomach to the small intestines, then to the large intestines, into the colon, and out of the rectum and anus. When an obstruction occurs, nothing can pass through. As a result, contents can be backed up into the stomach and your cat may vomit.

GI obstruction is a surgical emergency. Left untreated, it can result in the death of your cat. If you believe your cat has an intestinal or GI blockage, contact your local emergency veterinarian immediately.

Symptoms of Intestinal Blockage in Cats

Cats diagnosed with a GI obstruction are most often brought to the vet for vomiting and lack of appetite. Other symptoms may include:

Its important to mention to your veterinarian if your cat has a habit of playing with string or getting into the garbageor if youve witnessed your cat chewing and/or swallowing something inappropriate.

As cats tend to ingest string and similar items while playing with them, these objects have been known to become lodged under the tongue. If you or your veterinarian notice something under the tongue, or if you notice material protruding from your cats rectum, do not pull on it! It is often tethered elsewhere and can cause more harm if you attempt to remove it.

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. Signs are generally less noticeable, and medical management, including hospitalization for IV fluids to help the item pass, may be an option in these cases.

• In a linear obstruction, a linear foreign body is ingested, something string-like. But instead of passing through the intestines, one end of the object/string becomes stuck. This often happens when one end becomes lodged under the tongue. When one end becomes stuck, the intestines still try to move around the free end. This movement (peristalsis) causes a bunching effect (plication) of the intestines around the string. The longer the string is present, the greater the chance that the string can cut through the intestines, causing tears (perforations) that result in intestinal contents spilling into the abdominal cavity. This can lead to life-threatening inflammation and an infection called peritonitis.

• Complete obstructions can occur when large objects or multiple small objects have been swallowed and there is a complete lack of passage of stomach or intestinal contents down the tract. Symptoms usually present quickly and severely.

Whether partial, linear, or complete obstruction is noted, the underlying cause may be due to the following:

• Ingestion of foreign objects, most commonly string, yarn, dental floss, hair ties, or rubber bands

• Intussusception (an uncommon telescoping of one intestine into itself), which can occur secondary to parasites, infection (such as FIP), tumors, or foreign-body ingestion

• Certain types of GI cancer

• Pyloric stenosis, usually seen as a congenital condition where the pylorus (the part of the stomach that connects to the small intestine) is narrowed, limiting the passage of food

• Intestinal entrapment or hernias

Partial, linear, or complete blockages can prevent the absorption of nutrients and water from the intestines, resulting in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Even more dangerous if not treated quickly, the foreign body creating the blockage can put pressure on the intestinal wall (or even cut through the wall as noted above with linear foreign bodies), causing tissue death (necrosis) and bowel rupture with life-threatening consequences.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Intestinal Blockage in Cats

Your veterinarian will start with a physical examination to palpate the abdomen for pain or evidence of masses/foreign bodies/intussusception. In young or thin cats, the vet may be able to palpate the actual obstruction itself. But often the cat is too large or the obstruction too small to palpate it directly in an exam.

If no blockage is detected on physical examination but the vet is still concerned there may be one, they will likely perform an abdominal x-ray. If the blockage is a foreign object, particularly if it contains metal, it may be visible on an x-ray. However, if the obstruction is from a string, yarn, or one of the other causes such as a tumor, it may not be directly visible. An obstructive gas pattern may be seen where the intestines next to the obstruction are dilated with air or fluid that cannot get through. Linear foreign bodies may show plicated or bunched intestines.

If the x-ray is inconclusive or your vet is looking for additional information prior to recommending surgery, they may perform an abdominal ultrasound. The ultrasound is useful at visualizing foreign bodies (including linear foreign bodies) but will also provide more information if a tumor or intussusception is suspected. Bloodwork will likely also be recommended to rule out other causes of the symptoms and to assess hydration and electrolytes.

Treatment of Intestinal Blockage in Cats

Based on the type and cause of obstruction present, your cat may require one of the following treatments:

Induced vomiting: Depending on the foreign body and when your cat ate it, sometimes vomiting can be immediately induced to recover the foreign object and prevent the intestinal blockage from occurring. However, medications used to induce vomiting in cats are not always reliable, and cats can have complications such as aspiration pneumonia associated with inducing vomiting.

Endoscopy: If your cat has eaten a foreign object that is still in the stomach and attempts by the vet to force vomiting are unsuccessful, they may suggest endoscopy. This involves using a camera to pass down the throat to visualize and retrieve the foreign object, avoiding obstruction and surgery.

If your cat eats a linear object (string, yarn) or other small foreign body (toy, hairband) and it does not become lodged somewhere higher in the gastrointestinal tract (under tongue, in stomach), there is a chance it can pass in their stool. However, if any foreign object (linear or otherwise) becomes stuck and creates an intestinal blockage, surgery will be needed to locate and remove the blockage.

Surgery: Most commonly, intestinal blockage will require surgery. The veterinarian will perform exploratory surgery (laparotomy) under general anesthesia to find the cause of the intestinal obstruction. If the obstruction was caused by a foreign body, an incision will be made into the intestines (enterotomy) to remove the object. In the case of linear foreign bodies, sometimes several enterotomies are needed to remove the entire length of the object.

Unfortunately, if there was severe damage to the intestines, compromised sections of intestines may need to be removed (resection and anastomosis). If the obstruction was caused by one of the other causes (not a foreign body), the surgeon would relieve the obstruction and determine the best course of action, which may include repairing a hernia or removing a tumor. Surgery is not without risks, but for many cases, it poses the best chance at a successful outcome. Be sure to discuss what the risks could be with your veterinarian.

Supportive care: Your cat will be given IV fluids (to rehydrate them) and administered medications for nausea and pain. Often, cats in recovery from major abdominal surgery will sometimes not eat even after the obstruction has been successfully removed. In some cases, they will need a temporary feeding tube to help provide nutritional support while they heal. Your veterinarian will discuss the best course of action for your pet.

Recovery and Management of Intestinal Blockage in Cats

Diagnosing and treating intestinal blockages as soon as possible is key to achieving the best outcome and minimizing complications such as damage to the intestines, intestine rupture, leakage, or peritonitis). If your cat is diagnosed with an intestinal blockage and surgery is needed, it should be performed as soon as possible.

If sections of the intestine must be removed, the likelihood of complications increases, but your cat may still have a good prognosis overall. If the underlying cause of the obstruction is due to cancer or anything other than a foreign body obstruction, the prognosis is lower and would depend on the extent and severity of the condition.

Most cats will need to remain hospitalized for 1-2 days after surgery on IV fluids with medications for pain and sometimes appetite stimulation. The typical criteria for being discharged is as long as the cat is eating, there is no vomiting, and the cat is fever-free. Once at home, the recovery for most abdominal surgeries includes 10-14 days of rest and restricted activity. The incision site is checked frequently for swelling and for signs of infection such as discharge, odor, redness, and pain. The cats overall behavior and willingness to eat and drink must also be monitored.

If any problems are noted, reach out to your veterinarian to have your cat reexamined. Adhere to the vets directions about diet and medications.

Most cats make a complete recovery, but prognosis can vary based on the cause of the intestinal blockage. If your cat had an obstruction due to a foreign body ingestion, you must be vigilant to prevent reoccurrence. Access to trash, hair ties, string, and other objects must be restricted. If a tumor is identified as the cause of the blockage, a sample can be submitted to a lab to help determine the type of tumor and a prognosis.

Intestinal Blockage in Cats FAQs

How long can a cat survive with a blockage?

Cats with a partial obstruction often survive longer than those with a complete obstruction, although timing is variable. If your pet has any of the clinical signs associated with intestinal blockage, especially vomiting, lack of appetite, or straining to defecate with no stool produced, it is important that you seek veterinary care immediately. If a cat is diagnosed with an intestinal blockage, surgery is then recommended as soon as possible.

Can a cat pass an intestinal blockage?

Sometimes, yes.If the blockage is secondary to a small foreign body the pet ingested and is only causing partial obstruction, the object can often pass through the gastrointestinal tract in the stool.IV or subcutaneous fluid therapy may be recommended to ease dehydration and help the object pass.Also, x-rays may be used to trackthe progress of the object as it moves through. However, complete blockage can occur along with trauma to the GI tract while waiting for the object to pass; always discuss options with your veterinarian.

Featured Image: iStock.com/nakleyschikova

WRITTEN BY

Michael Kearley, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Michael Kearley graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. He graduated with a certificate in...

Intestinal Blockage in Cats: Vet Reviewed Signs, Causes & Treatment

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If you suspect your cat may have an intestinal blockage, please know that your cat needs emergency treatment ASAP.

Knowing the signs of an intestinal blockage is imperative for all pet owners. Puppies and kittens are especially prone to this condition because of their curious natures. Dogs and cats explore their worlds via their mouths. So, a playful feline may ingest something they shouldnt, leading to this medical emergency.

What Is an Intestinal Blockage?

An intestinal blockage is a gastrointestinal obstruction confined to the intestines. It can be either partial or complete. The result is an animal that cant eliminate digested food. Its not hard to imagine how it can quickly become life-threatening. Scientists have also identified a type usually seen only in cats called a linear obstruction. A linear obstruction occurs when a feline ingests a piece of string or a similar object.

Unfortunately, its a common pet emergency in both dogs and cats. 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.

Usually, the waves of muscle movement in the intestines or peristalsis will get the foreign body out of the cats system. It becomes serious if multiple objects create a complete blockage. An ingested string can get stuck inside the animals body. Complications can occur if whatever the pet ate damages the internal organs or perforates the intestines.

What Are the Signs of an Intestinal Blockage?

Your cat might not show any signs of an issue if its a partial obstruction. It may just pass the foreign body. If the blockage is interfering with your pets elimination, though, youll likely see more dramatic signs that something is wrong. One of the first signs you may notice is changes in behavior and hiding. Being sick or injured is a sign of weakness to these animals, making this thing instinctive.

Other signs include the following:

• Abdominal pain
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Straining to eliminate
• GI distress
• Aggression

Your vet will likely start with a physical exam and a history of your pets symptoms. If necessary, they will usually follow these preliminaries with X-rays and an abdominal ultrasound. The former can identify solid objects, such as coins or toys. The latter is useful for other foreign bodies, like a piece of string that wouldnt show up on an X-ray.

What Are the Causes of an Intestinal Blockage?

One of the most common causes of an intestinal blockage is a foreign body your cat has ingested. However, other things may lead to this condition that are often seen more in felines than canines. They include the bane of every cat owner, hairballs. Frequent grooming can lead to the ingestion of large quantities of hair, which can affect the animals quality of life or even their lifespan.

Other causes include tumors in the cats GI tract that can interfere with peristalsis. A complication of a spinal injury can induce severe constipation and lead to the enlargement of the pets colon. Veterinarians call this abnormal enlargement megacolon. In rare cases, the intestines may telescope into themselves, resulting in a condition called intussusception.

Several things can bring about intussusception, including drastic diet changes, internal parasites, and ingestion of foreign bodies. That can complicate the treatment of an intestinal blockage and increase the risk of complications. Its worth noting that pets infected with parasites usually show other signs of a health issue, including diarrhea and vomiting.

How Do I Care for a Cat With an Intestinal Blockage?

If youre sure your cat ate something, your vet may hospitalize your pet and monitor them to see if they pass the foreign object. Thats an option if the item is small and smooth. More often than not, surgery is the best treatment. Even though its invasive and risky in itself, it reduces the chances of complications caused by further damage to the intestine.

Your veterinarian will attempt to remove the foreign object based on the imagery data. If it caused damage, they might need to take out severely damaged sections of the intestine or reconstruct parts of it. Linear items, like string or rubber bands, can make an already invasive procedure even more complicated, particularly if it has become embedded or attached to other structures.

Your cat will likely remain hospitalized for a couple of days so your vet can monitor your pets recovery. Theyll likely receive IV fluids, pain meds, and antibiotics if deemed necessary. The immediate goal is to ensure your kitty is keeping down food and eating on its own. Much depends on how well your pet manages this highly stressful situation.

Once your cat is home, supportive care involves following up with any meds your vet has prescribed. Theyll likely recommend restricting your pets activity to allow the stitches to heal. They may also schedule an exam to check on the incision site and ensure your kitty is healing properly. Treatment costs will undoubtedly run into four figures if emergency surgery is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Prognosis for a Cat Diagnosed With an Intestinal Blockage?

It depends on what your pet ingested and how soon you act. An object with rough edges is more problematic and also reduces the treatment options. A bit of string is bad, but a lengthy strand is worse. The prognosis is good in many cases. However, if the obstruction has caused complications like an infection, the chances of a complete recovery are less clear.

Does Pet Insurance Cover the Treatment for an Intestinal Blockage?

If you opt for a comprehensive plan, your insurer will likely cover GI obstructions. Your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your deductible and the amount of coverage. We suggest determining if the company will cover this procedure if youre bringing a new kitten home.

How Can I Prevent an Intestinal Blockage From Occurring?

Sometimes, owning a cat is like having a toddler in your home. Youll have to cat-proof your home with many of the same mom tricks to keep them out of mischief. We recommend picking up any strings, rubber bands, or similar materials your pet will treat as a toy.

Conclusion

An intestinal blockage is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment to ensure your cats survival. You should always contact your vet if you notice any abrupt changes in your pets behavior. It may point to something less serious. However, given the importance of immediate care, its not worth the risk of allowing your cats symptoms to resolve on their own.

Featured Image Credit: PRESSLAB, Shutterstock