Intussusception in Cats: Symptoms, Urgency, and Veterinary Care

Intussusception is a life-threatening condition where a segment of intestine telescopes into an adjacent segment, causing obstruction, ischemia, and potential perforation. It requires immediate veterinary attention.

Common Signs

• Sudden, severe abdominal pain (crying, hunched posture, reluctance to move)
• Repeated vomiting (may become fecal-smelling)
• Diarrhea or bloody stools ("currant jelly" stool)
• Lethargy, weakness, collapse
• Anorexia, dehydration
• Palpable abdominal mass (sausage-shaped)
• Fever (if perforation/sepsis)
• Weight loss (if chronic/partial)

Causes & Risk Factors

• Parasites (heavy roundworm, tapeworm burden)
• Dietary indiscretion, foreign bodies
• Viral enteritis (panleukopenia, coronavirus)
• Intestinal tumors (lymphoma, adenocarcinoma)
• Post-surgical adhesions
• Idiopathic (especially young kittens)

Diagnosis & Treatment

• Physical exam, abdominal ultrasound (target sign), radiographs.
• Stabilization: IV fluids, analgesia, antibiotics, correct electrolytes.
• Surgery (resection & anastomosis) is usually required. Manual reduction rarely successful/recurs.
• Prognosis depends on duration, bowel viability, and underlying cause. Early surgery = good outcome.

Action

If your cat shows any signs, go to an emergency vet immediately. Delay can be fatal.