Stomach Obstruction in a Cat

Stomach obstruction occurs relatively frequently in cats because of the makeup of a cat's digestive tract and the ease with which foreign objects can block the tract. Cats often don't show their physical distress or pain with blatant outward signs, so look for the small things that may be symptoms of stomach obstruction. And get a sound diagnosis from a veterinarian, followed by timely treatment if necessary.

  1. Causes of Stomach Obstruction

    • Cats with a tendency to eat or lick foreign bodies increase their chances of developing a stomach obstruction. Hairballs can form in the intestines of cats who lick themselves repeatedly, especially long-haired cats, causing obstructions. Inflammations, tumors and hernias can lead to stomach obstruction too. So can ingesting objects like string or rubber bands.

    Symptoms

    • Cats with stomach obstructions may appear sluggish or drowsy. This condition results from dehydration; liquids do not pass through the cat's system because of the obstruction. You can also see vomiting and drooling in cats with stomach blockages. Anorexia, diarrhea (or other abnormal bowel movements), weakness, and weight loss can characterize a cat with blocked intestines or an obstructed stomach.

    Diagnosis

    • Your vet can order a urinalysis, X-ray or abdominal ultrasound to detect stomach obstruction. The vet also can look for an obstruction by inserting a tube with a camera at the end, called an endoscopy, through the cat's mouth and into its stomach.

    Treatment

    • The veterinarian will generally treat an obstruction with antibiotics to cure the infection. If a foreign body causes the stomach obstruction, the endoscopy exam itself can sometimes retrieve the foreign body from your cat's digestive tract. Frequently, however, a vet must surgically remove the foreign body. Post-surgical treatment depends on the obstruction and the cat's recovery. The cat may need saline fluids to rehydrate after surgery or antibiotics to ward off secondary infections, and post-operative pain medication. Your cat can begin to eat again after all vomiting has ceased, although it should eat only bland foods for a few days after surgery.

    Prevention

    • Keep your cat away from open garbage bins and other areas where it can get objects that may cause stomach obstructions. Also keep it away from ribbons, fishing lines, yarn, tinsel, etc. Brush your cat daily so that hairballs won't form in the cat's intestines when it licks itself.