Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgical fix for anal and vaginal birth defect in 6 female kittens
By Jardel, Nicolas et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2013·Maisons Alfort Veterinary School - Small Animal Surgery, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A fistula flap technique for correction of type II atresia ani and rectovaginal fistula in 6 kittens.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Six female kittens were brought in with a rare condition called type II atresia ani and rectovaginal fistula, which affects their ability to pass stool and urine. A special surgical technique was used to correct the problem, allowing the kittens to regain normal function. After surgery, all kittens were able to control their bowel and urinary functions right away, although two experienced minor complications that were successfully treated. After a year of follow-up, none of the kittens had any long-term issues.
People also search for: kitten atresia ani treatment · rectovaginal fistula in kittens · kitten surgery recovery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report a surgical technique and long-term outcomes of type II atresia ani (AA) and rectovaginal fistula (RvF) correction, using a fistula flap technique in kittens. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical study. ANIMALS: Domestic shorthaired female kittens (n = 6) with type II AA-RvF. METHODS: Diagnosis of type II AA-RvF was made by clinical examination and vaginography. The anomaly was surgically corrected by a fistula flap technique for reconstruction of the anal canal and anus, and by vaginoplasty. Kittens were monitored for short and long-term complications. RESULTS: All 6 kittens were fecal and urinary continent in the immediate postoperative period. Postoperative complications occurred in 2 kittens: partial dehiscence between the anal and vaginal opening and a stenosis at the level of the rectal mucocutaneous anastomosis. Dehiscence healed by second intention and stenosis was treated by anoplasty. No long-term complications (median follow-up, 12 months; range, 12-17 months) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of the anal canal and anus using the fistula as a local flap in combination with a vaginoplasty can be effective to treat feline type II AA and RvFs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23153170/