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Related Experiment Videos

Intestinal obstruction by trichobezoars in five cats.

V R Barrs1, J A Beatty, P L Tisdall

  • 1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia. vanessabarrs@catstudy.demon.co.uk

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
|November 21, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Small intestinal trichobezoars in cats can cause serious obstructions. Long-haired cats are particularly at risk, and hair ingestion should be considered in diagnosing abdominal masses and blockages.

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Small Animal Surgery

Background:

  • Trichobezoars, commonly known as hairballs, are masses of ingested hair that can accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Intestinal obstruction is a common surgical emergency in cats, with various potential causes.

Observation:

  • Five domestic crossbred cats presented with palpable abdominal masses and diagnosed with small intestinal trichobezoars.
  • The trichobezoars caused partial or complete intestinal obstruction, located in the proximal jejunum to distal ileum.
  • Predisposing factors included long-hair coat, flea allergy dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and ingestion of non-digestible plant material.

Findings:

  • Four cats experienced simple intestinal obstructions, while one had a strangulating obstruction.
  • Older cats (≥10 years) were more likely to have suspected abdominal neoplasia, potentially delaying diagnosis.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Intestinal trichobezoars should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal masses and intestinal obstructions, especially in long-haired cats.

    • Implications:

    • This study highlights that hair ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal issues in cats.
    • Veterinarians should consider trichobezoars in the differential diagnosis for abdominal masses and intestinal obstructions.
    • Early recognition and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes in affected cats, particularly long-haired breeds.