Mary Allen
Unfortunately, intestinal obstruction in cats is not uncommon and can occur especially in young velvet paws who accidentally swallow indigestible objects. Intestinal obstruction is a life-threatening emergency that must be treated as soon as possible.
Intestinal obstruction is present when the food pulp can no longer easily migrate through the intestinal tract. This can be caused by foreign bodies, tumors, or torsion of the bowel. Surgery is almost always necessary to prevent intestinal death and save the cat’s life. Therefore, it is important that you recognize an intestinal obstruction in cats in good time.
Diagnosis: Veterinarian Must First Clarify the Cause
But before an operation can be initiated, the cause of the intestinal obstruction must be clarified. For this purpose, the vet first feels the abdominal cavity before the fur nose has to be x -rayed. For example, foreign bodies such as swallowed bones or toys can be made visible. An ultrasound examination can also provide information about the exact situation. In rare cases, the abdomen must be opened for the diagnosis to examine the intestines closely.
Intestinal Obstruction in Cats Requires Surgery
If the cause of the intestinal obstruction is found and, for example, a foreign body is localized, an operation must be carried out. To do this, the veterinarian opens the intestine (enterotomy) under anesthesia and removes the foreign body so that the cat’s intestine is free again. If it is an advanced case, parts of the intestine may already have died or been severely damaged. Then a piece of the digestive organ must be removed.
The therapy continues at home after the successful operation. As a rule, you still have to give your house tiger medication for a while and follow the doctor’s special dietary instructions.