TL;DR: Rectal prolapse is a high-priority veterinary emergency that requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent tissue damage. Seek emergency care right away and take a photo of the area if possible to help the triage team prepare for your arrival.
What exactly is a rectal prolapse and why does it occur?
A rectal prolapse occurs when the internal lining of the rectum or the lower part of the large intestine protrudes through the anal opening. This typically appears as a moist, tube-like, pink or red mass. It is often the result of severe straining, which can be caused by various underlying issues such as diarrhea, constipation, intestinal parasites, or urinary tract obstructions.
Is a rectal prolapse considered a veterinary emergency for my cat?
- Urgency Level: High. Yes, this is a critical veterinary emergency.
- Exposure to air can cause delicate internal tissue to quickly become dry, irritated, and damaged.
- The blood supply to the tissue can be cut off, leading to tissue death (necrosis).
- Immediate care at an emergency clinic is necessary to prevent permanent damage and manage your cat's pain.
How can taking a photo help the veterinary triage team?
- If safe to do so, a clear photo allows the staff to quickly assess the color, size, and condition of the tissue.
- Sending a photo ahead or showing it upon arrival helps the team determine the level of urgency.
- This helps the clinic prepare the necessary treatment area and equipment before your cat is even moved into the exam room.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Rectal prolapse in cats is often seen in younger animals in association with severe diarrhea and tenesmus. Causal factors include severe enteritis, endoparasitism, disorders of the rectum (e.g., foreign bodies, lacerations, diverticula, or sacculation), neoplasia of the rectum or distal colon, urolithiasis, urethral obstruction, cystitis, dystocia, colitis, and prostatic disease. Ulceration, inflammation, and congestion of the rectal mucosa are common. Treatment includes prompt replacement of viable prolapsed tissue to its proper anatomic location, or amputation if the segment is necrotic. Small or incomplete prolapses can be manually reduced under anesthesia with lubrication. Hypertonic sugar solution (50% dextrose or 70% mannitol) applied topically may relieve edematous mucosa. Placement of a loose, anal purse-string suture for 5-7 days is indicated. Straining may be prevented by a topical anesthetic (1% dibucaine ointment) or a narcotic epidural injection. Postoperatively, a moistened diet and a fecal softener are recommended; diarrhea after surgery may require treatment. When viability is questionable, rectal resection and anastomosis are required. When rectal tissue is viable but not amenable to manual reduction, celiotomy followed by colopexy is indicated to prevent recurrence.
Chapter: Surgery, Gastroenterology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 190)