Surgical intervention for the correction of fecal impaction in an obstipated cat with an old compression injury in the lumbosacral region of the spine

Bulletin of the National Research Centre

Case Report

Mst. Sanjida Safawat¹  Mohammad Raguib Munif¹  Abdul Hannan¹ 

[1] Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, 2202, Mymensingh, Bangladesh;

关键词: Long-term constipation;    Curved lumbosacral spine;    Bowel obstruction;    Enterotomy;    Case report;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s42269-023-01108-8

 received in 2023-04-03, accepted in 2023-08-26,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundFeline obstipation is a clinical condition often manifested by defecation inability that results in fecal impaction. This is frequently associated with a blunt traumatic injury that affects mostly the spine and surrounding structures in the caudal part of the back leading to vertebral compression.Case presentationA 6-month-old, female, mixed-breed cat of 1.49-kg BW was presented with a history of prolonged constipation (i.e., obstipation) along with discomfort and weakness. Prior to the presentation, the cat was medically treated with dietary fibers, fecal softeners, and enemas, but obstipation persisted. Clinical examinations revealed that there was straining but not effective for defecation. In addition, the cat had poor appetite and dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, and defects in posture and gait. The lumbosacral region showed a depression that was supposed to be the consequence of an old, untreated regional injury. Radiographic imaging indicated a marked ventral curvature in the lumbosacral spine including major deviations in the positions of the L6 and L7 vertebrae and the sacrum as well. A firm tubular structure was felt on ventral abdominal palpation, and further ultrasonography revealed the tubular impaction. Laparotomy exposed a definite large bowel impaction, and enterotomy was performed to evacuate the firm feces. Postoperatively, supportive medications and care were provided for better recovery. However, the impaction recurred within 3 months after surgery, and euthanasia was a further choice.ConclusionsTraumatic injuries involving the lumbosacral spine in cats might be serious enough to lead to severe constipation and thereby bowel impaction. Therefore, treatment should be prompt and accurate in any case of spinal injury to avoid further complications.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© National Research Centre 2023

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