(graphic Images) Does Anyone Know Anything About "atresia Ani" In Kittens?

[Faye0731]

Sorry for the graphic photos, he just had a bath as well which is why he is wet.

I bottle feed and foster kittens quite a bit and one of the kittens from my newest rescue litter has butt problems. Harry is 7 weeks old and has always been the runt (half the size of the others) even though he has a very healthy appetite. At first I thought he was just constipated but after a trip to the vet I know that's not the case. It seems as though watery poop is always seeping from his butt and when he is able to poop (which is very difficult and painful for him) it comes out very very thin, almost like a string. His butt is protruded, like theres something down there making it stick out further, and it is very painful and red. I took him to the vet and they said that he just has worms which is the cause of his butt irritation. I've raised kittens enough that I know that's not the case, he shouldn't be in this much pain and be straining to poop all the time. They ensured me that his condition would clear up in a few days after getting treated for worms. That was two days ago and there still is no improvement. I was researching and I found that atresia ani seems like what he has. Does anyone have experience with this and any advice?? I'm going to take him back to the vet tomorrow and make them do an X-ray, if they can't figure it out then I'm going to have to go to a specialist. He is a very happy kitten, an absolute sweetheart, and I just want him to get better!! Any help or input would be greatly appreciated thanks!!

 

[DreamerRose]

As luck would have it, there is another thread about a prolapsed rectum that looks similar to your kitten's. I don't know if it will help, but you can take a look.

Approx 9 week old kitten with rectal prolapse, saw the vet today.

 

[talkingpeanut]

@Sarthur2 @catwoman707

Do you have any ideas?

 

[cryptic]

Could this be an infected/compacted anal gland? If not, rectal prolapse is another idea but usually this is seen externally.

Edit: saw you mentioned atresia ani. Not at all familiar with this.
Best of luck to your lil kitty! Looks painful for sure

 

[Faye0731]

This is the case of atresia ani that makes me believe he has it as well:

Butt Troubles: Marlin's Story

I had never heard of it either so I'm not sure. Apparently, if he does have this, it is most often seen in cattle and it's very uncommonly reported in kittens/cats. I asked the vet if he had a prolapse but they ruled that out as well ‍

 

[pushylady]

Oh gosh, reading that blog is quite something. If your little harry is like Marlin - and judging from the pictures and description I'd say he is- then it's congenital and he'll need that balloon dilation treatment and possibly corrective surgery. Poor wee guy. I'm glad this condition is so rare.

 

[VincentVanGoPoo]

did you ever find out what this was for sure? I have something that looks similar and am being told its an extremely rare congenital defect and either a missing or malformed internal anal sphincter. This results in the poo coming out without control and as its not able to be held in until it forms a solid, its runny. I am offered a consult with a surgeon but likely looking at diapers.

 

[DreamerRose]

This is an old thread. You might be better off posting your question in a new thread.