Prolapsed Rectum Kitten

The Humane Society brought in a kitten that was found in a drainage pipe on the side of the highway across from the hospital.  Although appeared to be in good spirits, the kitten had a prolapsed rectum.

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A prolapsed rectum is the term used when part of the rectum has slipped out of anus.  Normally, the rectum is secured to the pelvis by muscles and ligaments, however stress and certain parasites can sometimes weaken the muscles securing the rectum so it slips out of place.

This condition can happen to any cat of any age, however depending on the age and sex, different reasons can be the cause of the prolapsed rectum.  In older cats, straining to urinate or to defecate, and in females, giving birth, can cause the rectum to be pushed from the body.  However in kittens, some of the most common causes of a prolapsed rectum are diarrhea, constipation, parasites, and stress.

Although it can appear unnerving, prolapsed rectums can be fixed manually.  A 60 cc syringe filled with heparin saline was sprayed on the rectum to clean the rectal area.  Next, non-steroidal lube was applied to the rectum and the doctor pushed the rectum back into the anus.  Because the kitten was very nervous and kept clamping his anus, sedation was necessary.  Once the rectum was back in the anus, the doctor used a purse stitch to suture up part of the anus to restrict the rectum from coming out again.  The stitch will stay in for only 48 hours. 

The sooner this procedure is performed, the better off it is for the kitten.  If a prolapsed rectum is left untreated, stool can build up in the colon.  Unable to excrete, excess amounts of stool in the body will make the kitten very sick and eventually he would have died.