Mary Allen
In the case of constipation, the excessively solid stool cannot be passed normally. A narrowing of the intestine can also prevent the passage of the contents. Constipation should be seen as a symptom rather than a disease. There are a variety of possible causes in different parts of the body that can lead to constipation.
General description
Constipation (constipation, also synonymous: with constipation) is generally understood to mean excessively dry, hard feces that the animal cannot normally drop. The cat then has fewer or no bowel movements, it is more difficult to pass feces and feces accumulate in the rectum. A narrowing or blockage of the intestine also leads to constipation. Inhibition of intestinal movements (peristalsis) is also common. These movements normally move the feces forward inside the intestines.
Causes of Constipation
External influence: The intestine can be narrowed by a fracture of the pelvic bones (pelvic fracture) or adhesion of intestinal loops and other organ parts after castration. There are also sometimes tumors that proliferate in the pelvic area and restrict the mobility of the intestine.
Coming from the intestines: If the cat has severe pain in the rectum, this can mean that it does not defecate. This pain is caused, for example, by anal bag inflammation, cancerous growths, or injuries (bite wounds). A deformity that occurs in puppies is atresia ani, in which the anus is not created – the intestine ends blindly under the skin.
Foreign objects can block the intestines. These include hair, sand, or bones, but this is less common in cats than in dogs, for example. For this, cats need a clean and quiet place to defecate. If the litter box is very dirty or if there is “too much going on” outside, the cat will delay doing business until the right moment comes.
By the way: There is no fixed number for the frequency of defecation. While most animals do it about once a day, this can vary between individuals.
Reduced pressure build-up: The already mentioned intestinal motor function normally builds up a certain pressure in order to transport the food pulp forward and also to the outside. The intestine has its own muscles for this, which are controlled by nerve impulses. If the nerves responsible for this are damaged by e.g. malformations, tumors, or a herniated disc, the movement of the intestine (intestinal peristalsis) is affected. But a thyroid disease can also inhibit the motor function of the intestine through hormonal means. Certain medications such as opiates have the same effect.
If the feces remain in the rectum due to constriction or insufficient pressure in the intestine, more water is withdrawn from it. This makes it firmer, which in turn would require higher pressure and thus make it more difficult to set down. This cycle can lead to chronic constipation, the causes of which are not so easy to find.
Symptoms
Basically, the cat defecates less than usual or no longer. These are often hard little balls, but this depends on the cause. At first glance, it seems paradoxical that some cats develop diarrhea as a result of constipation: the hard balls of excrement irritate the intestinal mucosa, and the so-called “goblet cells” then produce a lot of mucus – as a result, the animal has slimy diarrhea.
Depending on how long constipation has existed, apathetic behavior, vomiting, and reduced appetite are additional symptoms.
When should you go to the vet?
If you notice that your cat hasn’t defecated for a long time (in the case of indoor cats, this becomes apparent when cleaning the litter box) or that it is pushing, making noises of pain, and only producing hard little pads, you should prick up your ears. If you don’t know the cause (e.g., she ate something constipating or didn’t have water available), you should consult your veterinarian. If she appears to be suffering and ill, or if she is eating little or nothing, you should definitely consult a veterinarian.
Diagnosis
The veterinarian will examine the cat thoroughly, feeling the abdomen and examining the rectum. If he does not find a cause in this way, he will also examine the nervous system, which has an important influence on bowel movements. A blood test and imaging methods such as X-rays and ultrasound help to find the cause.
You will be of great help to the doctor if you can describe the consistency and appearance of the stool or bring a sample with you (just use a clean screw-top jar or a freezer bag or garbage bag). It is also important to know whether the cat continues to urinate.
Therapy and prognosis
Acute constipation is treated with an enema, i.e. rectal colonic irrigation. The droppings in the rectum are softened and can optimally leave the intestine. Drugs that stimulate intestinal motility and those that keep the intestinal contents softer are also given.
The therapy also depends on the respective underlying disease, because as already mentioned, constipation is a symptom and not an egg actual disease. The prognosis also varies accordingly: An anal sac inflammation can usually be treated well, in the case of tumors or nerve damage one speaks of a cautious chance of recovery.
Prophylaxis
A high-fiber diet is suitable for preventing “normal” constipation, in which the intestinal contents are simply too hard and too dry or the intestines are a little sluggish. Sufficient fresh water must always be available! A lot of exercises (freedom) also promote intestinal movement.
If the animal has already been constipated, it is possible to continue working as a precaution with medicines that promote intestinal motility, as well as with laxatives, i.e. medicines that allow the intestinal contents to “slip” easily.