Roundworm Bowel Impaction in Cats

Intestinal roundworms, often referred to as ascarids, are annoying parasites that thrive in a cat's digestive system. Although they're known to cause a variety of health problems, not many owners are aware that they can, when present in large numbers, lead to a dangerous bowel obstruction.

  1. Identification

    • Cats typically are affected by two varieties of roundworms: Toxocara leonina and Toxocara cati. Roundworm eggs are invisible to the human eye; adult roundworms look like white-yellowish worms and resemble strands of spaghetti.

    Effects

    • Roundworms can cause damage to a cat's intestinal lining as they absorb nutrients the cat gets from food. Affected cats may vomit, have diarrhea, have a dull coat, and/or have a pot-bellied appearance. Malnutrition and anemia are common, especially in small kittens that are infected.

    Considerations

    • Rarely, if a cat (or more likely a kitten) is infested with a large number of roundworms, the roundworms may coil up and entangle, obstructing the cat's intestinal tract.

    Obstruction Signs

    • Symptoms suggesting an obstruction due to roundworms are vomiting, straining to defecate, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hunched up position, and lack of appetite. An X-ray should reveal the presence of a mass of roundworms in the cat's intestinal tract.

    Treatment

    • Cats or kittens affected by an impaction due to roundworms require prompt veterinary treatment. Surgery may be required to remove the mass of worms.

    Warning

    • In rare cases, a kitten or cat affected by a heavy parasite infestation may become impacted with dead worms after being given a deworming medication, according to Veterinarypartner.com.