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Feline Prolapse
What are the types of Feline Prolapse?
Anal, rectal, and colon through the rectum (Colonic Intussusception).
What is Anal Prolapse?
Anal Prolapse are small protrusions of the red mucosal tissue lining the rectum that usually occur right after a bowel movement.
What is Rectal Prolapse?
Rectal Prolapse looks like a tube of tissue protruding from the anus.
What is Colonic Intussusception?
Colonic Intussusception looks identical to Rectal Prolapse but the tube of tissue is actually the colon passing through the rectum in a telescoped manner.
What is the diagnosis and treatment for each?
is more of an irritating problem for the cat and the guardian than it is a life threatening condition. The veterinarian will check for problems that cause irritation in the anal area and try to resolve them. Tapeworm infestation, other intestinal parasites, anal sac irritation, allergies, fleas, an inability to groom in obese cats, hair entrapment in long haired cats, and persistent diarrhea or straining for any reason can lead to Anal Prolapse. Local treatment with topical cortisone ointments or Preparation HTM may be helpful. Elimination of any and all causes of irritation in the anal area usually will resolve the problem.
Rectal Prolapse is more life threatening. The inner rectal tissue protrudes from the anus, sometimes for several inches. If the rectal tissue is not returned to its proper place in the body it will die, which usually results in the death of the cat. Rectal Prolapse can be differentiated from Colonic Intussusception by the veterinarian using a well lubricated probe. If a probe can pass between the edge of the rectum and the tissue, the problem is usually Colonic Intussusception. If not, Rectal Prolapse is more likely. Rectal Prolapse occurs because of chronic irritation in the rectal tissues. It is important to look for and find the cause of the irritation to have long term success in treatment of this condition. Possible problems that contribute to Rectal Prolapse include intestinal parasites, enteritis from bacterial or viral causes, cancer, foreign body ingestion, straining associated with delivering kittens, straining associated with bladder infections or FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease), congenital rectal problems, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and the failure of the tail to develop in kittens (the tail will be inside the spine, perhaps not developing past the lower neck, middle back, or lower back). It is usually necessary to reduce the prolapse (return the tissue to its normal position inside the body) and then place sutures around the rectum to hold it in place while treating whatever underlying problem can be identified at the same time. The sutures are usually left in place 24 hours but can be left in place 48 hours when necessary. Usually this is sufficient to control the problem. However, it may come back.
When Rectal Prolapse recurs there are two options.
(a) The first is a surgery known as Colopexy. An incision is made into the abdomen similar to the incision made for spay surgery. The colon is identified and then retracted along one side of the muscular body wall. Sutures are placed through the colon wall and into the muscle layer to secure the colon to the body wall. This prevents the rectum from prolapsing because it is attached to the colon and kept inside the body by the fixation of the colon. It may be necessary to repeat this surgery due to insufficient fixation to the body wall, or because the rectum persists in stretching and attempting to prolapse again if the underlying cause of the problem has not been identified or cannot be controlled.
(b) If the rectal tissue is damaged too severely to do a Colopexy, it may be necessary to amputate the diseased portion of the rectum. Amputation may lead to blockages of the rectum by scarring or incontinence due to insufficient function of the remaining rectal tissue. If the cat's life is threatened by the prolapse, amputation may be the best choice.
Colonic Intussesception or Ileocolic Intussesception (colon and ileum - the last part of the small intestine) looks almost like Rectal Prolapse and the underlying causes are much the same. Intussusception may occur for no apparent reason. The tissue must be retracted by making an abdominal incision and pulling it back into place. This allows the surgeon to examine the tissue making sure it is viable. It is very necessary to look for underyling causes and to treat any that are found.
What post-surgery care is needed after a Colopexy?
It is very important not to over-fed your cat the first 24 hours at home. Your vet will recommend a wet diet (canned food) and readily available fresh water with ice cubes for several weeks. The goal is to have the cat eat wet food and drink plenty of water to soften the feces so that the colon can heal quickly. Limited exercise will be allowed for your cat. Your veterinarian will need to see your cat again in 24 - 48 hours to check healing and suture stability.
Page URL: http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/prolapse.html
Resource References:
Drs. Steven and Brad Everson, DVM of Shreveport, LA USA
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