What is rectal prolapse?

Q: “ About five days ago I noticed my 10-week old kitten appeared to have her rectum pushed out. However, when I looked a little later, it was normal again. This has been going on and off. The kitten is not in any apparent pain and doesn't appear to even know that this is happening. What is this condition? Is this normal for a kitten?”

A: Protrusion of the rectum through the anus.

Rectal prolapse is the protrusion of a portion of the bowel through the anus. Cats and dogs may have limited prolapse of superficial (partial-thickness) rectal tissue without an associated underlying pathological process. However, animals that experience recurrent episodes of prolapse or that have prolapses of the full-thickness of the bowel wall usually have an underlying disease that causes excessive straining to defecate. The underlying pathology is usually a parasitic infection that causes inflammation of the bowel or anus (enteritis and proctitis, respectively). In kittens or puppies t his is most often associated with chronic or severe diarrhea. Other conditions producing increased intra-abdominal pressure or staining, such as space-occupying masses and tumors, urogenital tract disorders, difficult labor, foreign bodies, and other similar processes may also result in rectal prolapse.

Initial treatment of prolapse involves treating any underlying disease that directly or indirectly causes the bowel to protrude through the anal canal. A veterinarian may reduce minor, limited prolapses conservatively with manipulation. Recurrent cases may require surgical placement of a temporary suture to prevent recurrence. In severe cases, the prolapsed bowel segment may be strangulated and ischemic (lacking in adequate circulation) or necrotic (dead tissue). These cases will require surgical removal of the necrotic parts and reconstruction of the remaining bowel.

I encourage you to speak with your veterinarian about your observations; the kitten should be evaluated and the problem assessed. The condition may progress to a full-thickness protrusion that requires surgical replacement or amputation. If not addressed, a simple problem could become complicated and life threatening.

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