Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Signs of gastrointestinal obstruction in cats - what to watch for
By MacPhail, Catriona·Published in Clinical techniques in small animal practice·2002·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Gastrointestinal obstruction.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat showing signs of gastrointestinal issues, like vomiting and constipation, may have a blockage in their intestines. Common causes of these obstructions include swallowed string, hairballs, tumors, or other conditions. Vets usually diagnose the problem by feeling for a mass in the abdomen and may use imaging tests for confirmation. Treatment often involves surgery to remove the blockage and prevent it from happening again. With prompt care, many cats recover well after surgery and return to their normal selves.
People also search for: cat vomiting and constipation · cat intestinal blockage treatment · signs of cat gastrointestinal disease
Abstract
For cats that present with signs of gastrointestinal disease, obstruction is a primary differential. There are numerous reasons of gastrointestinal obstruction in small animals, yet there are several specific causes that are more commonly associated with the cat. These include linear foreign bodies, trichobezoars, focal intestinal neoplasia, feline infectious peritonitis, and megacolon. Clinical signs related to gastrointestinal obstruction consist of vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, tenesmus, anorexia, or weight loss. The course and onset of disease depends on the rate at which the obstruction develops and whether the obstruction is partial and complete. The diagnosis of obstruction is typically suspected based on clinical presentation and palpation of an abdominal mass. Diagnostics tools are used for definite diagnosis and determination of location within the gastrointestinal tract. Surgical treatment is dependent on the etiology of the obstruction and various techniques are employed to remove the obstruction and prevent recurrence.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12587284/