While your kitty may love to play with items such as ribbons, strings, and rubber bands, there is a chance they may try to eat them, which could cause an intestinal blockage. In this post, our West Salem vets talk about the signs of an intestinal blockage in cats and the surgery used to treat it.
How Cats Get Intestinal Blockages
An intestinal blockage is a very serious condition in cats, often caused by your feline friend eating something indigestible such as the string from a roast, a ribbon, or other small objects. However, intestinal blockages could also be the result of a lodged clump of fur or a hairball and could also require surgery.
Indigestible objects swallowed by pets are called foreign bodies, and when they completely or partially obstruct your kitty's intestinal tract or bowel they are not only painful but can also be deadly.
There are 3 types of intestinal blockages that your cat could experience, complete, partial, and linear.
Complete Intestinal Blockage Symptoms in Cats
A complete blockage occurs when an obstruction prevents your cat's GI tract from functioning properly. This type of blockage can occur anywhere along the GI tract, but it is most commonly seen near sphincters (muscles that control the flow of material through the GI tract) or narrow sections.
Here are the signs of a complete intestinal blockage:
- Lack of appetite
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Lack of energy
- The appearance of partial item from the anus
- Uncharacteristic behavior or aggression
Intestinal Blockages In Cats
If your cat has a complete intestinal blockage, this is considered a medical emergency! If you believe your cat has eaten something they shouldn't have, or if you notice any of the symptoms listed above, take them to the vet as soon as possible. Complete intestinal blockage is a life-threatening condition.
Partial Intestinal Blockage
A partial intestinal blockage allows some materials to pass through your cat's intestines, which may cause symptoms similar to those of a complete blockage. However, even if your cat exhibits no symptoms, damage to the GI tract, such as open sores and tears, can cause pain and infection. In severe cases, cats can develop sepsis, a serious medical condition that can be fatal quickly.
Linear Intestinal Blockage
Linear blockages can occur if your cat consumes a long, thin object such as string, tinsel, or fishing line. When these blockages are in their early stages, they may not produce any symptoms. However, as your cat's GI tract struggles to move the object along in the coming days and weeks, their bowels or intestines may become clogged. When this happens, the intestines can lose oxygen, causing permanent and serious damage. There is also a risk of the foreign item slicing through the intestine wall and leaking into the abdomen.
Intestinal Blockage Treatments & Surgery In Cats
You should bring your cat to the vet immediately if they swallow an item they shouldn't have. Your vet will conduct an ultrasound to confirm whether or not the object has passed through to the intestines yet. If it hasn't, your veterinarian might be able to remove the object by inducing vomiting or using endoscopy, which is less invasive than intestinal blockage surgery. Never attempt to induce vomiting yourself without veterinary supervision.
Intestinal blockages can be fatal for your cat. If your vet confirms that your cat has an intestinal blockage, emergency surgery will be required to remove the blockage and, in some cases, tissues that have been damaged as a result of the blockage.
Cats Intestinal Blockage Surgery Recovery
The extent of your cat's recovery following intestinal blockage surgery will be determined by the severity of the blockage. Because there is a relatively high risk of abdominal infection (peritonitis) following this surgery, your veterinarian may decide to keep your cat in the hospital until the risk of infection is reduced and your cat can eat normally once more.
In the days following your kitty's surgery, your vet will monitor your cat's recovery closely for signs of infection and provide treatment right away. Peritonitis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment.
The Cost of Intestinal Blockage Surgery For Cats
This surgery can be costly, but if you have pet insurance a portion or all of the cost may be covered.
The cost of intestinal blockage surgery varies greatly depending on your location and the severity of your pet's condition. When your veterinarian explains your cat's treatment plan, he or she will give you a cost estimate.
Preventing Intestinal Blockages In Cats
It's difficult to predict what your cat will eat, so keep tempting items like elastic bands, small hair ties, and meat strings well out of reach. It's also a good idea to avoid using tinsel around Christmas because these thin strands of sparkling plastic can be harmful to your cat's health if swallowed.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.