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Feline Rectal Prolapse: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Prolapsed Rectum
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
SEVERITY:
- Requires a diagnosis by a veterinarian
- Resolves after surgery in most cases
- Treatable by a veterinarian
- Appropriate and timely treatment of the causes of straining may prevent cases of rectal prolapse in some cases.
- Transmission is not possible between animals and not possible between animals and people, however; some causes such as intestinal parasites may be.
VERY COMMON IN
Symptoms & Signs
The rectum can either partially or fully prolapse. Both of these conditions can be seen by the pet parent. Before the rectum prolapses, most cats will have other conditions that cause them to strain and therefore push their rectum out of place. Some pet parents may notice diarrhea. Cats that are in labor may also prolapse their rectum while they try to deliver their kittens. A visual inspection and notation of a reddened 'sausage or doughnut-like' mass protruding from the anus provides a diagnosis of full rectal prolapse. A full rectal prolapse can affect half an inch to several inches of rectum. If the rectum is partially prolapsed, pet parents will often notice a small red, fleshy structure where the anus is. Cats may also begin licking their hind end with partial prolapse or try to rub their hind end on the carpet.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis for rectal prolapse begins with a complete physical examination of the cat. Rectal prolapse is easy to identify, but the cause of the prolapse must be determined in order to prevent recurrence. Your veterinarian will most likely run a fecal test to check for intestinal parasites in your cat. Imaging of your pet’s GI tract may also be recommended to check the structural health of their intestines, bladder and colon. This may be done with abdominal x-rays or abdominal ultrasound. In severe cases, your pet may need a colonoscopy to evaluate their lower GI tract.
Causation
Rectal prolapse is often the result of straining to defecate, urinate or give birth. Diseases causing straining in a kitten, such as constipation, dehydration, intestinal parasites or diarrhea, may cause a displacement or protrusion of the rectum.
Treatments
AT-HOME CARE
A rectal prolapse must receive treatment from your veterinarian. Your cat will need to be kept calm and quiet after rectal prolapse repair. They should be kept from jumping onto high areas if possible. Their food, water and litter box should be readily accessible. A surgical cone may be recommended to prevent your pet from chewing or licking at the surgery site while it heals.
SUPPORTIVE CARE
Feed or medicate your cat as directed by your veterinarian.
MEDICATIONS
The underlying cause of rectal prolapse must be treated. If intestinal parasites are found, your cat may be prescribed a dewormer or antibiotic for the type of parasite they have. Some examples include pyrantel, Drontal and metronidazole. If your cat is straining from diarrhea, a dietary change to a high-fiber prescription diet may be recommended, as well as probiotics and anti-diarrhea medications like Pro-Pectalin. While many medications are often administered for ‘off-label’ or 'extra-label' use in veterinary medicine, it is important to know that off- or extra- label use of a medication can only be done by a veterinarian when there are no other more appropriate medications for a particular pet's circumstances. Your veterinarian must also know all vitamins, supplements, medications etc. your pet is taking to help avoid complications. You must also be sure to follow all instructions provided by your vet carefully and consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns if they arise.
DEVICES
None
SURGERY
In some cases, the rectum can be washed with saline and gently replaced in the anus by your veterinarian. This can alleviate a partial prolapse in some cases, however the cause of the prolapse needs to be identified to reduce the risk of reoccurrence. Many cases of rectal prolapse can be manually replaced. Temporary sutures may need to be placed into the anus to restrict the anal opening and prevent another prolapse. In severe instances in which the prolapsed rectal tissue become traumatized, the damaged rectal tissue may need to be surgically repaired or removed by a veterinarian. Recurrent cases of rectal prolapse may require internal sutures to tack the colon to the internal body wall.
SPECIALISTS
Most general practice veterinarians can diagnose and treat cases of rectal prolapse. Severe cases may require a veterinary surgeon.
Cost Of Treatment
Manual reduction may range between $300 and $500. If surgical resection is required, costs can reach $2500 or more.
Recovery
If the prolapse is treated quickly and the underlying cause of rectal prolapse is identified and appropriately treated, most cats make a full recovery.
Monitoring
After replacement of the rectum, cats should be rechecked immediately if the rectum becomes displaced again. Your veterinarian may recommend a surgical cone to prevent your cat from licking or chewing at the surgical site while healing.
Prevention
Appropriate and timely treatment of the causes of straining (diarrhea, parasites, etc.) may prevent many cases of rectal prolapse in cats.
Disclaimer
The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. Treatment should only be provided under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.