TL;DR: Rectal bleeding in cats is a high-priority medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary consultation to identify potentially life-threatening causes. Providing a photo of the blood or stool can help your veterinarian quickly triage the severity and determine the next steps for care.
What is rectal bleeding in cats and what does it look like?
Rectal bleeding, or the presence of blood in a cat's stool, is a concerning clinical sign that indicates an underlying health issue. This may appear as bright red blood (hematochezia), which usually signifies a problem in the lower digestive tract or rectum, or dark, tarry stools (melena), which suggests bleeding higher up in the gastrointestinal system. It can be caused by various factors including parasitic infections, inflammatory bowel disease, physical trauma, or ingestion of foreign objects.
Is rectal bleeding in my cat an emergency?
- Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately if you notice your cat bleeding from the rectum, as this should be treated as a high-priority situation.
- Be aware that while bleeding can be caused by treatable issues like severe constipation, it could also indicate life-threatening internal bleeding, poisoning, or an obstruction.
- Seek immediate care if the bleeding is accompanied by lethargy, pale gums, vomiting, or signs of pain.
How can a photo of my cat's stool help the veterinarian with triage?
- Provide a clear photo of the blood or stool to allow the medical team to assess the exact color, consistency, and volume of the blood.
- Use photos to help the vet quickly differentiate between different types of GI distress without waiting for another bowel movement.
- Help the clinic prioritize your cat's care more effectively based on the severity of the visible symptoms.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In cats presenting with rectal bleeding (hematochezia), differential diagnoses should include rectal polyps, rectal prolapse, and rectal tears. Rectal polyps may cause tenesmus, hematochezia, and diarrhea; they are often palpable per rectum and bleed easily. Rectal prolapse involves protrusion of rectal layers through the anus, often associated with tenesmus from intestinal, anorectal, or urogenital disease. Rectal tears, resulting from lacerations within the lumen, are characterized by tenesmus and hemorrhage, and fresh blood on a glove or feces after rectal examination. Diagnosis of rectal tears is indicated by the sudden loss of resistance during palpation and the presence of fresh blood on the rectal sleeve. The severity of any suspected tear should be immediately assessed to initiate appropriate treatment or referral.
Chapter: Gastroenterology, Surgery
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 189)