The excretory and digestive systems are inextricably linked with each other. If something is wrong with one of them, then you can forget about the normal operation of the second. In our article, we will talk about such a serious pathology as coprostasis in cats. It can even lead to the death of an animal. But let's not talk about the bad. Let's talk about what kind of pathology it is.
Coprostasis in cats - what is it?
The name of the pathology consists of two Greek words: “questioning” (meaning “feces”) and “stasis” (translated as “stop”). We can say that this is a pathology in which feces cannot move freely in the intestine along their usual “route”, as a result of which they begin to accumulate. This condition causes severe intoxication, which, in turn, is fraught with inversion of the intestines and ruptures. Note that, as soon as you notice coprostasis in a cat, it must immediately be eliminated.
Causes of the pathology of the cat
And why does this pathology arise? As a rule, the main reason is associated with improper nutrition of the cat. More precisely, eating foods that she should not eat at all. These include: synthetic shells from sausage, fish and chicken bones, as well as other garbage. Such waste can completely clog the entire intestinal lumen. But fish bones are capable of breaking through the intestinal wall, which can lead not only to catrostasis in a cat, but also to peritonitis. It also happens that pathology arises for other reasons. For example, chronic or infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can provoke the appearance of coprostasis. Often these diseases lead to clogging of the bile ducts. As a result of this, the process of digestion of food sharply worsens, intestinal motility decreases. This further leads to the occurrence of coprostasis.
Other causes of pathology
In kittens, helminths (a large number of them) can clog the intestines. These parasites completely overlap the lumen of the small intestine. A similar situation is dangerous for the crane, as an organ rupture or inversion can occur. In addition, toxins are absorbed into the cat's blood.
Another dangerous cause of coprostasis in cats is a bowel tumor. Even if the education is benign, it is very large. As a result, a complete blockage of the intestinal lumen may occur, which will lead to the death of the animal.
It often happens that the pathology occurs in animals that underwent lane surgery. All this happens because adhesions are a fairly common side effect of any such intervention. If there are a lot of them, then they can even transmit the intestines. If the operation was done on the intestines, then it happens that the connective tissue directly grows into the walls of the organ. This leads to the occurrence of coprostasis in cats.
Also, a similar pathology often occurs in long-haired animals. With daily licking, they swallow a lot of wool.
Coprostasis in cats: clinical diagnosis
What signs indicate the presence of this pathology? How to determine coprostasis in cats? It is rather difficult to suspect this particular pathology. Since the first signs are very similar to severe constipation. The animal begins to groan convulsively, growling during bowel movements. As a result of his “efforts”, he either does not succeed at all, or he gives out feces in small portions in the form of thin bundles and ribbons. This already suggests that the animal has something in the intestines that impedes the normal movement of feces. In the future, the condition of the animal worsens. The symptoms of coprostasis in a cat become more pronounced. You can see how she carefully pushes during the act of defecation, but at the same time she does not manage to squeeze anything. The cat's appetite disappears, and severe intoxication symptoms are observed (up to coma and neurological seizures). At the same time, she is apathetic, she has a hard, swollen belly.
First aid for suspected this pathology
How to provide first aid to a cat with suspicion of this pathology? Put the animal on a hungry ration. But do not limit it to drinking. Then feed the pet with liquid oatmeal with vegetable oil. If problems with the slowdown of peristalsis began due to the fact that the animal is fastened with dry food, then such recommendations will help you solve the problem.
Pathology treatment. What is used for such an ailment?
Now let's talk about the treatment of coprostasis in cats. How is the therapy carried out? It all depends on what triggered the ailment. Surgically, you can remove pieces of bones, overgrown adhesions and tumors. Even neoplasms well amenable to chemotherapy simply do not have time to “etch”, and the packed pieces of feces from the intestines still need to be removed. If the pathology arose due to the large number of helminths, then drugs against parasites are prescribed. It will also require specific therapy to restore the gastrointestinal tract after an illness. In addition, in all cases, an enema with oils and glauber's salt is prescribed. Similar procedures soften dehydrated and stagnant pieces of feces. Immediately in no case should you prescribe strong laxatives, this is strictly prohibited, since in this case there is a risk of an intestinal rupture in the animal.
Little conclusion
In our article, we figured out why coprostasis occurs in cats, the causes and signs of the disease are considered. We also gave advice on its diagnosis and therapy. We hope you find this information helpful. Health to your pets!