How to recognize volvulus in cats and contact a veterinarian in time

Volvulus is a dangerous disease that can happen to any pet;
cats are not immune to it either. Since the disease develops rapidly and poses a serious threat to the life of the animal, it is necessary to be aware of how it progresses and what to do if a volvulus is suspected.

Causes of the disease

Intestinal obstruction can be caused by numerous factors. The reasons causing stagnant processes include the following:

1. Ingestion of foreign objects and hair into the intestines, which the cat may accidentally swallow. This reason is the most common - up to 80% of all cases.
2. Infection with helminths. Live and dead worms in excessive quantities form into clumps that completely block the intestinal lumen.
3. Coprostasis observed over a long period of time. Dry feces form a dense plug that closes the intestines. Constipation is most often a consequence of poor diet. Undigested food and decay products, among other things, also poison the animal’s body.
4. Volvulus. A constriction that occurs in a certain area of ​​the intestine disrupts blood circulation, as a result of which the organ dies and decomposes.
5. Intussusception. It is a consequence of intestinal volvulus and is characterized by the penetration of one intestine into another.
6. Malignant and benign neoplasms in the intestine. First, tumors provoke a partial blockage, then, as they grow, they cause a complete blockage.
7. Intestinal paralysis. The cause of organ paralysis may be injury to the spine, intestines, diseases of the nervous system, etc.

Regardless of the factor that caused ileus, measures to eliminate intestinal obstruction should be taken immediately.

How does the treatment work?

In most cases, the veterinarian has to perform surgery to eliminate the consequences of volvulus. To begin with, the doctor will accurately determine the problem area and only then decide on a method for eliminating the volvulus. If the intestinal tissue is slightly damaged as a result of necrosis, the veterinarian will cut out the affected area. Upon completion of the operation, the twisted section will need to be positioned in a natural anatomical manner. If the case is not complicated, the doctor will position the intestines correctly and remove all formed nodes.

The number of injuries a cat receives may vary, so the duration of the operation (its complexity) is difficult to determine in advance. The duration of the recovery period may also differ.

Which breeds are more susceptible

Ileus can occur in any cat, regardless of age or gender. Representatives of long-haired breeds, for example, Persians, Siberians, Maine Coons, are most susceptible to this phenomenon. Numerous hair that enters the stomach during licking forms trichobezoars - dense hairballs. They are the most common cause of intestinal obstruction.

Treatment of volvulus at the Bio-Vet clinic

Volvulus in cats can be treated with surgery. The surgeon returns the damaged section to its place and removes part of the tissue where necrosis began. If the intestine is completely damaged, it is removed.

In this case, the cat will need a very long time to restore health, a diet for the rest of its life and restorative drug therapy. The animal is prescribed a number of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Often the animal cannot eat for the first time after surgery; then it is fed artificially using a catheter and a latex tube.

No matter how difficult the treatment may be, it will be effective and will preserve the health and life of your pet if it is delivered to the veterinary clinic on time.

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