Anal sphincter birth defect....treatable?

[jeremyds]

Mods, I apologize for reposting this similar thread, but I didn't see a way to edit my original post (since it was merged).

Background Thread Here

Basically, we found out today from the Vet that Sydney doesn't have a completely developed anal sphincter (birth defect). As such, she has no way for the feces to come out and that has been her problem all this time.

Apparently, the only opening back there is the open wound we've been treating this entire time. So that explains why she's been practically unable to poop very much.

Our local vet said she's never seen this before and believes the only way to fix it is through surgery. Even then, she doesn't know if surgery is even an option. She is going to talk to some specialists and the local university Vet school.

If surgery isn't feasible, we don't see any other way but to have her put to sleep.

Have you ever heard of a cat having a problem similar to this, and do you think it's fixable through surgery?

 

[yosemite]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I do believe I read something here a little while back about the same thing, but I'm not as knowledgeable as some of the folks here. I'm sure someone will be along shortly with some answers and with luck some decent news.

Hang tight!

 

[carolpetunia]

At the shelter where I volunteer, there was a kitten a few months ago who had an anal eversion -- a portion of the intestine protruding, inside out. I imagine the surgical implications would be similar in these two conditions.

This kitten was about to be taken to the vet to see if something could be done. I never asked what happened to her, because I couldn't bear to hear it if she was put to sleep... but I will call in the morning and see what I can find out. The vet who does pro bono work for the shelter is an extremely gifted and caring man, so if something COULD be done, I feel sure he would know about it and attempt it.

Please give your poor baby a pat for me... I'll get back to you tomorrow...

 

[hs4816]

It sounds like the kitten has anal atresia (also called imperforate anus). Because it is able to pass some stool, it's unlikely 100% obstructed.

In people, there are some surgeries that correct this deformity. It can be as simple as widening an opening. However it can be very complex - often requiring a temporary colostomy (where the bowel is brought to the skin and a hole is created on the abdomen, then a bag is used to catch the stool). It can also lead to permanent incontinence (so diapers may be needed).

I guess the outcome depends on the degree, type, and location of the deformity. There may be some specialized vet surgeons who can do some sort of a repair procedure.

I wish you and your kitty luck!!
<hugs>

 

[xocats]

Ask your vet to refer you & your kitty to the Vet school you mentioned.
Poor kitty...I wish you both well.

 

[hissy]

Jeremy you only have a 24 hour window to edit your thread. Your thread was merged to keep the whole story together so that our kitty specialists can keep up with what is going on. Posting duplicate threads concerning the same cat and the same affliction just leads to confusion usually.