- Having a cat with hemorrhoids can be quite frustrating. They are often painful and can cause your cat to stop eating and drinking.
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
Having a cat with hemorrhoids can be quite frustrating. They are often painful and can cause your cat to stop eating and drinking.
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
Unlike human hemorrhoids, cat hemorrhoids do not have the same signs and symptoms. However, there are still signs and symptoms that you can look for to detect the condition.
Cats with hemorrhoids may be in pain, or may have difficulty sitting on their haunches, or may be having trouble pooping.
But there are a few things you can do to help relieve the pain and keep your cat from getting worse. Also, note that the best way to treat them is to get them checked out by your veterinarian right away.
Symptoms
Depending on your cat’s anatomy, there are two main types of cat hemorrhoids: internal and external. Both can be very painful, but they are treated differently.
Internal hemorrhoids occur in the rectum, which is a part of the large intestine. When they occur, the rectum bulges out and causes great pain. It is important to seek treatment for internal hemorrhoids before they get worse. They can turn into a serious condition and can cause damage to the eyes.
When you notice your cat scratching at the anal sac, it can be a sign of hemorrhoids. It may also be a sign of a problem with the cat’s digestion. Other signs include scooting, tail chasing and licking the anal area.
Cat hemorrhoids can be treated by your veterinarian. Depending on the underlying cause, your vet may prescribe topical creams or medications to reduce inflammation and swelling.
You may also need to change your cat’s diet to include more fiber. Adding stool softeners can also help stop the condition from getting worse.
Causes
Several medical conditions can cause cat hemorrhoids. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may include medication, oral medication, topical creams, suppositories, surgery or changing the cat’s diet.
Symptoms of cat hemorrhoids include itchiness, burning and pain. These symptoms can also be signs of other more serious conditions, so it is important to have the cat checked by a veterinarian.
Cats can also develop rectal prolapse, which is a protrusion of the rectum. Rectal prolapse is most common in young kittens. This condition may be caused by parasites or viral or bacterial infections. If left untreated, this condition can lead to severe complications.
Rectal prolapse can be very painful for a cat, and can cause a cat to squirm and struggle to relieve itself. Cats suffering from rectal prolapse may also develop sores and dryness.
Cat hemorrhoids are often inherited. Older cats are more likely to develop hemorrhoids, and these may be caused by a number of different things. They may be due to injury, a parasite infection, anal sac disease, and foreign objects in the rectum.
Diagnosis
Getting an accurate diagnosis of cat hemorrhoids requires a thorough rectal examination by a veterinarian. Depending on the symptoms and causes, treatment options may include medications, suppositories, surgery, and dietary changes.
Internal cat hemorrhoids are less severe than external hemorrhoids, but can be painful and uncomfortable. They are caused by internal parasites or hernias. The symptoms include blood in the stool, painful defecation, and irritation of the anal sac. The rectal tissue is swollen and red.
External cat hemorrhoids occur on the skin surrounding the anus. They are more painful, but can be treated with topical ointments. The causes of external hemorrhoids include worms, parasites, or a sedentary lifestyle.
If your cat has hemorrhoids, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. The condition can worsen if left untreated. Cats may scratch and bite the anal area in order to relieve pain.
Rectal prolapse is another condition that requires veterinary attention. The prolapse is caused by inflammation of the lining of the rectum. This can occur when your cat strains to pass stools. If left untreated, this can lead to a serious infection.
Treatment
Having a cat with hemorrhoids is not the best situation for your pet. Hemorrhoids can lead to severe discomfort and even cancer. Fortunately, treatment is available. The most important thing is to know what the symptoms are and take your cat to a vet to get a proper diagnosis.
The vet is usually able to remove impacted anal sacs of your cat by hand (Anal Sac Expression). If the contents are hard or dry, they may attempt to soften them up.
They may also provide additional fiber to your cat, which will help bulk up the cat’s poop, making it easier to pass. In the event that your cat appears to be in pain, your veterinarian may administer pain relief drugs to him.
The main symptom of a cat with hemorrhoids are blood in the stool. It is important to make sure that your cat is getting enough water and fiber. This will keep the hemorrhoids from worsening.
In order to diagnose a cat with hemorrhoids, your vet will perform a physical exam. He or she may also perform a blood test and X-rays. They may also prescribe antibiotics and a topical cream.
In some cases, the cat may also be suffering from anal gland problems. If this is the case, your vet may perform surgery (Surgical Removal of Sacs). This may involve removing part of the rectum or even completely closing it. If the anal gland is impacted, it can be damaged and infected.