What are Protrusion of the Rectum and Anus?
Young kittens are the most at risk of developing a protruding rectum. Kittens under six months are more susceptible to parasites, which can cause straining during defecation. Older cats may also develop rectal prolapse when suffering from injuries or rectal tumors. Chronic irritation of the rectum can weaken its state in the body. Intense straining in general can push the rectal tissue out of the body. If this happens, it is important to keep the tissue moist and immediately bring the cat to a veterinarian for treatment.
In rare circumstances, a cat’s rectal tissue may protrude out of the anal opening. This is referred to as a “rectal prolapse”. The rectum is the end piece of the large intestine. Noticing tubular tissue coming out of your cat’s anus is a visual cue that the rectum has partially exited the body. Swelling and severe pain are common with this condition. The cat will not likely be able to pass stool, which can lead to death in a matter of days.
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Symptoms of Protrusion of the Rectum and Anus in Cats
While certain primary issues may lead to rectal prolapse, most symptoms of the prolapse itself are external and visible from the anus of the cat. Symptoms are as follows:
- Tube-like tissue outside the anus
- Bright red anus
- Straining
- Severe constipation
- Swollen anus
- Excessive anal licking
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Long capillary refill time
Causes of Protrusion of the Rectum and Anus in Cats
Many different underlying issues can cause rectal prolapse in cats. Identifying the main problem can help in preventing prolapse from happening a second time after treatment. All known causes are below.
- Gastrointestinal parasites
- Dystocia (pushing while delivering kittens)
- Cancerous or benign tumors in the rectum
- Injury to the rectal lining
- Genetic predisposition (as seen in the Manx cat breed)
- Hernia
- Ingestion of a non-food item
- Constipation
- Gastroenteritis from bacterial or viral infections
- Urethral calculus (urinary stones in the urethra)
Diagnosis of Protrusion of the Rectum and Anus in Cats
After you bring your cat into a veterinary clinic or animal hospital, the veterinarian will need to perform a complete physical examination. This will include visual confirmation of the symptoms present followed by a rectal exam. To differentiate rectal prolapse from an even more severe condition called intussusception (small intestine prolapse), a lubricated probe will be inserted into the cat's anus. If the probe enters with little to no resistance, intussusception is likely and emergency surgery is required. If the probe does not enter easily, rectal prolapse is most likely present. The cat will need to be sedated for the duration of this examination.
The underlying cause of the rectal prolapse needs to be identified to choose the proper form of treatment. A fecal analysis may prove useful in identifying any parasites that are present in the cat. Blood work, including a complete blood count to see if hemoglobin is decreasing, and a chemical panel for overall health assessment may be necessary. Urinalysis can also help diagnose certain issues that cause rectal prolapse. X-rays can be used to see the extent of internal damage to the rectum.
Treatment of Protrusion of the Rectum and Anus in Cats
The earlier a cat is brought in to be treated for rectal prolapse, the better chance for a successful recovery. Treatment has to be administered quickly to keep as much rectal tissue alive as possible. All treatments require general anesthesia and pain killers for the recovery period.
Manual Resetting
If most of the rectal tissue is alive, the veterinarian may be able to manually push it back into place. Sutures are then placed around the anus to keep the rectum in the body. Sutures need to be loose enough to allow bowel movements to pass. Sutures can be removed after 48 hours.
Colopexy
This is a mildly invasive surgery with an initial incision about the size of a spay incision. The rectum is pulled back into the body and secured to the body wall.
Rectal Resection
This surgery is used if rectal tissue has died and needs to be removed. Once dead tissue is amputated, the rectum is connected back to the anus. This is a very complicated surgery that is used as a last resort attempt to save the cat’s life. Complications are common.
Deworming Medication
If parasites have been found in the cat, a full deworming is necessary to help the cat from having more rectal issues.
Antibiotics
If bacterial infection has been identified as an underlying cause, antibiotics can be prescribed to eliminate the harmful bacteria from the body. Prescriptions generally last from two to four weeks.
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Recovery of Protrusion of the Rectum and Anus in Cats
If the underlying cause of a rectal prolapse has been identified and treated and the rectum has been successfully returned to its proper place, the cat can make a full recovery. If a colopexy or manual resetting have taken place, recurrence is possible. If rectal resection surgery has been performed, serious infections can develop through the healing process and permanent incontinence is a possible outcome.
If any incision has been made, take proper care in monitoring the surgery site for swelling, pus, bleeding or any other signs of infection. Apply an Elizabethan collar to stop the cat from licking its incision. Stool softeners are often required and are sometimes paired with an anal gel to assist the cat in passing bowel movements and help reduce pain.
Deworm your cat on a regular schedule to help prevent a parasitic infestation from occurring in the first place. Fecal exams can also help diagnose parasites at early stages. Your veterinarian may recommend that you give your cat a diet high in fiber. Lots of fresh water should also be available to your cat. These provisions can help prevent constipation from occurring.
Paying to treat protrusions of the rectum and anus out of pocket can be a major financial burden. Fortunately, most pet insurance companies reimburse claims within 3 days, putting 90% of the bill back in your pocket. In the market for pet insurance? Compare leading pet insurance companies to find the right plan for your pet.
Protrusion of the Rectum and Anus Average Cost
From 377 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,800
Average Cost
$600
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Protrusion of the Rectum and Anus Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Domestic Cat
6-7 weeks
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Constipation
My kitten has been constipated. He had to be put under and the feces removed. The vet prescribed miralax and a high protein cat food. He appeared to be improving for a couple of days, but now he is swollen and leaking again. He is also straining in the litter box. I don’t know what to do for him. I’m concerned. He is a little stray that I found a couple of weeks ago, and he is very young.
July 14, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
3 Recommendations
Hello,
So sorry to hear about your cat. It may be best for your vet to see your cat again. Usually, Miralax helps these cats with constipation. Sometimes they may need a different medication to help. Make sure that he is drinking water to help him be able to pass stool
July 14, 2020
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Persian
Pelusa
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Can’T Use The Restroom
My 10 year old cat just had a rectal prolapse surgery 2 days ago, unfortunately she is having issues with going to the restroom, I’m concerned for her don’t know if I should let her vet know. When I picked her up after surgery I was not informed as to what symptoms she can experience
Sept. 22, 2018
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Unkown
Willow
6 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Rectum
My Cat Went To Use The Restroom, Camr Up To Me And It Looks Like A Big Part Of The Anus Is Sticking Out. It’s Bright Red, Has Little Blood And She Is Licking It A Lot. She Is Acting Normal, Just Very Worried About Her Health.
Sept. 10, 2018
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Bobtail
Nabu
Three Months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
She Barely Drinks Any Water
My kitten hasn't been drinking water and we have been feeding her soft food because we thought maybe it was the hard food messing with her but it's still protruding. What can I do to help?
Aug. 23, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Nabu may have parasites that are causing this problem, and the best thing to do for her would be to have her examined by a veterinarian and have a fecal sample analyzed so that she can get appropriate treatment. I hope that she is okay.
Aug. 23, 2018
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Siamese
Chowder
2 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Broken Leg
Swollen Anus
My cats anus is swollen after being hit, by a car. The car was moving very slow and it broke one of his back legs. I splinted it, but i want to know what to do about his anus.
Aug. 23, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
If Chowder has a broken leg, and a swollen anus, and was hit by a car, he needs to see a veterinarian. Splints can cause significant tissue damage if not placed properly, and without x-rays, you don't have any way of knowing what kind or where the break is. I hope that he is okay.
Aug. 23, 2018
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Manx
Tc formally Gandalf
9 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Anus Bloody
My kitten I adopted 3 months ago from a local shelter at the time he was 6 months old. Since then he has been to 3 different vets with no results he has a constant bloody anus. I don't mean a drop here or there I mean blood constantly nonstop. He has no issues with eating or drinking he has no Diarrhea or soft stool. I'm just getting tired of my Light colored carpeting having blood stains everywhere he sits. See he is a rumpy manx kitten he Was born without a tail. All the vets said to put him on Prescription science diet canned ID food , And purina kitten chow.
He was also prescribed Derma-vet Ointment Which once applied he immediately licks off. He had a cone on for 2 months but has since had that cone removed per vet. Ointment still being used has not stopped bloody issue with anus. Canned ID still being use also has had no effect on anus.
I would appreciate a 4th opinion . Any suggestion that I can give to his current vet would be greatly appreciated.
tabby
Sweetie
2 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Leaking Liquid Diarrhea & Red Anus
My cat sweetie is my best friend. Im beyond worried about her anytime she sits on my bed (which i have white sheets) she gets like diarrhea liquid on them. Wherever she lays which isnt a ton of liquid diarrhea but itll be in little spots like maybe one here one there and i half to wash my sheets and blankets in hot water at least every day to every other day. She has a red amd swollen anus and she is NOT good at cleaning that area. But if i try to wipe her the psycho kitty comes out and she bites and claws me to death. So i cant really do that. Yes she had tapeworms but we given her 2 doses of drontal and shes always been flea medicated.so Im not in the greatest funds right now because im pregnant and just now getting a house which needs some tlc but im not sure what to do and i love her so much but this poop on my sheets deal is driving me INSANE. PLEASE someone advice☹😥
Protrusion of the Rectum and Anus Average Cost
From 377 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,800
Average Cost
$600
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