Introduction
Hematochezia is a medical condition that affects cats and is characterized by the presence of fresh, red blood in the cat’s feces. It is one of the most ubiquitous gastroenteric difficulties noticed in felines and may be engendered by a multifariousness of inherent circumstances. Therefore, the remedy of hematochezia necessitates a thorough diagnostic assessment to ascertain the root source and generate a suitable treatment stratagem.
Pathophysiology
Hematochezia is caused by the presence of fresh, red blood in the cat’s feces. The effusion is commonly a product of hemorrhaging from the inferior gastrointestinal pathway and is not an indicator of serious disease. The most common causes of hematochezia in cats are inflammatory bowel disease, dietary indiscretion, parasites, and neoplasia.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an all-inclusive appellation that denotes any affliction that instigates inflammation of the lining of the alimentary canal. An immune-mediated disorder, dietary indiscretion, parasites, or neoplasia can cause IBD. Dietary indiscretion occurs when a cat ingests something not part of its normal diet. Parasites such as Giardia, Coccidia, and Cryptosporidium can also cause cat hematochezia. Neoplasia is a type of cancer that can cause hematochezia in cats.
Diagnostic Evaluation
Diagnostic evaluation of hematochezia in cats should include a complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry panel, urinalysis, fecal examination, and radiographs. A CBC will provide information about the cat’s red and white blood cell counts and can help identify any underlying conditions causing the hematochezia. A serum chemistry panel will provide information about the cat’s organ function and electrolyte levels. A urinalysis will provide information about the cat’s kidney function and can help to identify any underlying conditions that may be causing the hematochezia. A fecal examination will help to identify any parasites that may be causing the hematochezia. Finally, radiographs will provide information about the cat’s gastrointestinal tract and help identify any structural abnormalities causing the hematochezia.
Treatment
Treatment of hematochezia in cats should include supportive care such as fluid therapy and nutritional support. Fluid therapy can help to replace lost fluids and electrolytes and can help to reduce the risk of dehydration. Nutritional support may include providing a high-quality, easily digestible diet. This can help to reduce the risk of further gastrointestinal irritation and can help to support the cat’s overall health.
In addition to treatment, monitoring the cat’s response to treatment is important. This can include monitoring the cat’s appetite, activity level, and stool consistency. If the hematochezia persists after treatment, further diagnostic testing may be necessary to identify any underlying conditions that may be causing the hematochezia.
Conclusion
Hematochezia, a not-uncommon gastrointestinal issue affecting cats, is signified by newly-shed, scarlet blood in their feces. Various fundamental causes, including dietary indiscretion, neoplasia, parasites, or inflammatory bowel disease, can produce the affliction. A full blood count, serum chemistry panel, urinalysis, fecal examination, and radiographs should be conducted to diagnose the problem. Treatment will be contingent on the causal factor and may encompass supportive care, medications, surgery, or chemotherapy. Inspecting the cat’s response to the treatment and altering the plan if necessary is critical. If the hematochezia persists after treatment, further testing may be necessary to identify any concealed conditions causing it. With the correct diagnosis and suitable treatment, cats with hematochezia can be successfully managed and are anticipated to have a favorable prognosis.
