Cats Anal Protrusion: Causes & Treatment Methods

Anal prolapse, also known as rectal prolapse, is a condition closely related to chronic diarrhea and intussusception in cats. An increase in abdominal pressure is a direct cause of feline anal prolapse. The treatment methods for anal prolapse in cats can vary depending on the underlying cause. Let's delve into the common reasons and treatment options for feline anal prolapse.

Common Causes of Feline Anal Prolapse

1. Constipation: When cats are constipated, they may strain excessively during defecation. Longterm constipation can weaken the anal sphincter muscles, leading to the protrusion of internal anal tissues.

2. Diarrhea: Diarrhea can increase pressure within the intestinal tract, causing the anal sphincter muscles to lose tension and potentially leading to the protrusion of internal anal tissues.

3. Anal Inflammation: Cats with anal inflammation often experience swelling and inflammation in the anal area. Over time, this can also weaken the anal sphincter muscles, resulting in the protrusion of internal anal tissues.

Anal prolapse does not heal on its own. If you notice your cat showing signs of prolapse, it's crucial to take them to a veterinarian promptly to prevent inflammation, infection, or necrosis of the prolapsed area. If the prolapse is due to chronic diarrhea, a fecal examination is typically necessary to identify the specific cause. Treatment should be tailored to the underlying condition, and in severe cases, surgery may be required.

How to Treat Feline Anal Prolapse

When you discover that your cat has anal prolapse, carefully observe your pet and determine the cause of the prolapse. Also, check if there are any other secondary conditions, such as constipation or diarrhea, that may be contributing. If these are present, treat these conditions first.

For mild cases of anal prolapse, owners can often provide athome care. Begin by gently cleaning and disinfecting the prolapsed area with warm saltwater, ensuring your hands are also disinfected. Then, carefully push the rectum back into the cat's body. Wrap the rectum and lower back with medical gauze to prevent recurrence, applying a small amount of antiseptic and prolapse treatment ointment to the cat's anus before wrapping. Monitor your cat closely after this. If the prolapse persists, seek veterinary care immediately. In severe cases, such as when the prolapsed rectum extends more than 1 cm or shows signs of abrasion, inflammation, or discharge, it's essential to seek veterinary attention promptly, as surgery may be necessary.

Treatment Considerations:

1. Avoid fasting: In cases of mild anal prolapse, owners should not fast their cats. Instead, provide a diet of cooked food and avoid raw food. Fasting can lead to malnutrition and weaken the cat's immune system, which is already compromised.

2. During the recovery period, keep your cat fitted with an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from licking or biting the prolapsed rectum, which could cause further injury.

This concludes our discussion on the causes and treatment of feline anal prolapse. We hope this information has been helpful.