Analysis of the causes of intussusception in cats

Cat intussusception is a very dangerous disease for cats. If it is not discovered and treated in time, it can easily lead to the death of the cat. What needs to be understood is that the symptoms of cat intussusception are not only vomiting, so you must pay attention to observe the cat’s daily life. So what are the causes of intussusception in cats?

1. Caused by parasitic diseases, colds or enteritis and other irritations.

2. When a large amount of food or cold water is ingested at one time, the gas volume in the intestines increases, stimulating the local intestines and causing violent peristalsis, causing the proximal intestine to intrude into the distal intestine, and secondary to the disease.

3. Improper intake of new foods after weaning may cause maldigestion and absorption.

4. Improper medication use, such as the use of drugs that can increase intestinal peristalsis during treatment for diseases accompanied by vomiting and severe diarrhea, may result in intussusception. ​​​​​​

Diagnosis of intussusception in cats

Cat intussusception refers to a section of cat intestine being nested or invading within another adjacent section of intestine. Cat intussusception is very dangerous for cats, so as soon as it is discovered, it should be sent to the doctor immediately to avoid delays. The condition is life-threatening for cats.

Abdominal palpation is the most basic, effective and practical diagnostic and treatment method for diagnosing intussusception cases. This method requires clinicians to have rich clinical experience and sensitive touch. When we come into contact with intussusception, we must feel a "cup-shaped" sausage-like object (the texture is relatively solid, smooth, migratory, and the diameter is slightly thicker than the surrounding lumen) before we can initially diagnose intussusception.

Although the doctor already has a certain direction through palpation, it still needs to be confirmed with X-rays. The doctor gave the cat a barium meal and took X-rays. If the barium meal is blocked in the abdominal cavity, this will further prove that the cat has intussusception. X-ray barium meal imaging or B-ultrasound examination are common methods for diagnosing this disease. If the barium meal is found to be blocked in the abdominal cavity, combined with palpation, it can basically be determined that the cat has intussusception.

Treatment methods for cat intussusception

The only treatment for cat intussusception is surgery. Don’t think that cat intussusception can heal on its own. If your cat is diagnosed with intussusception, it must be sent to the hospital for surgical treatment in time. Do not delay. If the cat’s intussusception is not treated in time, it can easily cause the cat’s death.

Enter the abdominal cavity with your hands to search for and remove the intussusceptive intestinal segment. First, slowly reset the intestine. If the intussusception is still dark or has no arterial pulse after 5 minutes of pulling out and is difficult to restore, directly remove it, and then perform the severed end. Anastomosis. First, use intestinal forceps to clamp both ends of the intestinal cuff to stop bleeding, ligate the mesenteric blood vessels respectively, and then remove the necrotic intestinal segment. Rinse both ends of the intestine with normal saline, then use absorbableThe two intestinal segment ends are sutured continuously with full-thickness sutures.

After flushing the reconstructed or anastomotic intestinal tube with normal saline, put it back into the abdominal cavity, sew the abdominal muscles and peritoneum continuously, and then sew the cat's skin.

It should be noted that intussusception may recur 1 to 2 days after surgery and requires special observation. Fast for 48 hours after surgery, and infuse fluids to correct and regulate acid-base and electrolyte balance disorders. Anti-inflammation and hemostasis, followed by liquid food, plenty of water, and of course don’t drink too much at one time~ You can exercise appropriately after 3 to 4 days to prevent intestinal adhesion.