If your cat has been bleeding from the anus for more than 24 hours, it’s probably time to seek veterinary care. This problem is serious and can lead to life-threatening complications. In some cases, it can be as simple as a weakened anal artery. Listed below are some causes of bleeding from the anus in cats. To find out if this is the cause of your cat’s bleeding, read on.
Food intolerances
If your cat has gastrointestinal problems, food intolerances may be the cause. Food intolerances are very common in cats, but they can be difficult to diagnose, particularly if they’re accompanied by other health problems. This article will outline the signs and symptoms of food intolerances in cats. It also explains how to spot and avoid them. Cat food allergy symptoms can mimic other illnesses, so it’s important to seek veterinary assistance early on to make sure your pet’s diet is free of other problems.
If your cat has allergies to a particular protein, it might be a food you give it. It may have allergic reactions to the protein in your cat’s food, causing your cat to experience diarrhea and chronic vomiting. It may even develop a poor coat and hair loss. Food allergies can strike any cat at any age, and they are particularly common in cats over six months of age. Cats can be allergic to a variety of foods, including soy, fish, chicken, and beef.
Parasites
Your cat might be experiencing bleeding from the anus if it is infected with parasites. Parasites are tiny organisms that live in the cat’s digestive system. They can cause pain and discomfort, and can be very painful for your cat. Fortunately, there are treatments for parasites. The most common form of parasite is roundworm. These parasites can grow to be three to five inches in length and resemble spaghetti noodles. They can be easily identified in cat’s stool or vomit, and can cause bleeding and discomfort.
If you suspect your cat has gastrointestinal parasites, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. You should make sure to follow the instructions on your prescription medications carefully, because failure to do so could lead to reinfection. Good sanitation practices will help keep your cat parasite-free. Ensure your cat uses a clean litter box and keeps its surroundings as sanitary as possible. You should also visit the vet regularly, especially for cats who are three to nine weeks of age.
Hematochezia
Cat bleeding from anus is a common symptom of the inherited disorder hemochromatia. It may be a mild problem, but repeated episodes are more concerning. Hematochezia can be caused by several different conditions, but the two most common are parasites and cancer. If you see any signs of blood in the stool, check your cat’s activity level, and consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
If the bleeding continues to occur, your veterinarian may recommend further testing. A blood test may reveal the presence of intestinal parasites, including coccidiosis. Blood tests can also reveal other causes of anus bleeding. Infections may also be a factor. A pet may have internal parasites, which are difficult to detect on routine fecal screenings. Symptomatic treatment may involve a high-fiber, hypoallergenic diet.
Surgery to remove anal sacs
Anal sacs can become infected and cause bleeding, and sometimes they become inflamed. This can be due to bacteria that travel up the anal duct during bowel movement. A impacted anal sac provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth, and bloody fluid may eventually lead to an abscess. This can occur on either or both sides of the rectum. Fortunately, surgery to remove anal sacs for cat bleeding is relatively simple and will relieve your cat of its discomfort.
In some cases, the sacs can be expressed manually by a veterinarian. In these instances, the vet may inject drugs to soften the sac. Alternatively, antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight the infection. Fortunately, most cats respond to these treatments, and antibiotics are commonly administered orally for several days. If the antibiotics are ineffective or a tumor develops, surgery may be necessary. Despite the risk of infection, the surgery is usually a quick and easy process.