How to treat a cat for hemorrhoids at home: symptoms and treatment of pathology in kittens and adult cats

Though uncommon, hemorrhoids in cats can be an unsettling ailment that impacts both kittens and adult cats. It’s critical for pet owners to identify the symptoms early and give their animals the care they need at home. By managing this condition, you can make your cat more comfortable and stop the issue from getting worse.

Signs in cats can include blood in their stool, edema around the rectal area, or even difficulty passing gas. Both the cat and the owner may experience discomfort as a result of these symptoms, but with the appropriate care, you can lessen their suffering.

This article will discuss the typical signs of hemorrhoids in cats and provide helpful advice on how to treat the condition at home. The health and wellbeing of your pet can be greatly affected by how you handle this problem, regardless of how old your cat is.

What is hemorrhoids and do cats have them?

Hemorrhoids are a dilatation of the rectum’s veins that hurt when you defecate. Hemorrhoidal cones, which are formed by the expanding veins, make it difficult to empty the intestines and cause the patient great pain. This illness is uncommon in members of the feline family, but it does happen. Hemorrhoids can develop as a result of the following factors:

• constant use of low-quality dry food;
• violation of the drinking regime and chronic dehydration of the body;
• systematic constipation;
• excess body weight;
• immobilization, lack of physical activity;
• weak venous walls;
• thickened blood.

The pets in the risk group include senior animals, neutered cats of all ages, and pets kept in small apartments where they are not allowed to move around much. Hemorrhoids can occasionally be a result of diabetes mellitus because a sick animal’s veins become brittle and inelastic. All of this results in hemorrhoidal cone formation and venous blood stagnation.

Hemorrhoids or not?

Making the right diagnosis is essential to reducing an animal’s suffering. It’s important to differentiate feline hemorrhoids from other intestinal diseases that present with comparable symptoms, such as paraanal gland inflammation, rectum prolapse, and itching of the anus due to helminthic invasion.

Two paraanal glands in cats create a unique lubricant. Cats use these glands’ contents to mark their territory with scents unique to them. Additionally, the glands secrete a substance that aids in the passage of waste through the rectum. After defecation, the secretions’ ability to disinfect is crucial. Because some of the symptoms of hemorrhoids and inflammation of these glands are similar, they are sometimes confused.

When a woman experiences chronic diarrhea, difficult childbirth, or persistent digestive disorders, she may mistake prolapse of the rectum for hemorrhoids. Surgery is necessary for such a condition.

The cat moves on its bottom on the floor due to itching in the anus caused by parasite infestation (and inflammation of the paranal glands), which causes the sphincter to swell, become inflamed, and cause pain. For the purpose of giving the animal the appropriate treatment, all of this needs to be differentiated from actual hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of the disease

Initially, there is a tiny internal seal that feels like a tiny ball. The lump enlarges with growth and may eventually protrude beyond the anus as a pink conical node (see photo). The cat’s demeanor and walking style alter. The animal spreads its hind legs wide as it starts to walk. When using the restroom, the cat squeaks pitifully, licks its posterior for an extended period of time, and walks clumsily close to the tray.

See also: How to treat a cat’s wound: home remedies for purulent wounds and weeping cats, as well as healing ointments

The hemorrhoidal nodule enlarges, sustains damage with every bowel movement, and develops bleeding cracks on its surface as a result of early treatment failure. The cat reacts poorly to people and appears nervous, worn out, and sluggish. The anus may discharge mucus. Blood is almost always present in the feces. The sphincter hurts, swells, and is red. Seeing all of these symptoms is simple if you pay close attention to your pet’s behavior.

When treating a cat for hemorrhoids at home, it’s important to identify the condition’s primary symptoms, such as swelling, discomfort, or trouble urinating, and to administer the right care according to the severity of the case. Simple treatments like soothing creams, diet modifications, or warm baths can help reduce symptoms in both kittens and adult cats, but more severe cases might necessitate veterinary care. If symptoms worsen or persist, it’s critical to keep a close eye on the condition and see a veterinarian to make sure your cat is receiving the proper care.

Treatment of pathology

You should call a veterinarian right away if hemorrhoids are found, as self-medication will only make the condition worse. The physician will prioritize a well-balanced diet and optimizing alcohol consumption during the initial phases of the illness. These are the two deciding factors. Refusing poor-quality food that leads to digestive problems is essential.

You will have to give up dry food while undergoing treatment. Wet food containing fermented milk products and probiotics is preferred. The pet should always have access to fresh water. One of the factors contributing to the development of this illness is the body’s lack of fluid.

Pets that are too active are advised to exercise less, and pets that are too lazy should at least occasionally get up from the couch and play. Extremes are disliked by the illness; excessive activity strains delicate vessels, and inactivity results in blood stagnation in the pelvic organs. Hemorrhoidal cones grow as a result of both.

Care must be taken with the affected area; for instance, wash the anus three times a day with warm water. The sphincter can be cleaned with specialized antiseptic wipes from a veterinary pharmacy rather than using water. Levomekol ointment is then used to lubricate the anus. Hemorrhoidal cones are treated at home with:

• suppositories with an anesthetic effect;
• tablets to strengthen blood vessels and increase venous tone;
• yarrow decoction, which has an anti-inflammatory effect and promotes the resorption of blood clots.

When the nodes are still small and unharmed, such therapy is applied in the early stages. It is best to remove large nodes that could cause bleeding injuries. Liquid nitrogen is used in minimally invasive surgeries by veterinarians to remove hemorrhoidal cones after they have frozen.

See also: How to treat and prevent ascariasis in cats, roundworm removal tips from veterinarians, and helminthiasis prevention

In the most severe situations, a portion of the venous wall and the nodes are surgically removed. Rehabilitating the cat after surgery is necessary. The kitten has a good chance of recovering if cared for promptly. Even with the right treatment, cats whose illness has progressed to a chronic state will occasionally experience flare-ups.

Early diagnosis and treatment of feline hemorrhoids is essential. Observe your pet’s behavior on a regular basis and keep an eye out for symptoms like soreness, swelling, or strange bowel movements.

Hemorrhoids can be treated at home to help your cat feel less uncomfortable, but for a proper diagnosis and advice, see a veterinarian. Home treatments can aid in your cat’s recovery, such as changing their diet and cleaning the afflicted area.

It’s always preferable to prevent than to cure. Future hemorrhoids can be prevented by feeding your cat a balanced diet, exercising frequently, and taking care of their hygiene. Never be afraid to get professional assistance if things get worse or if you’re not sure what to do.

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