The Hairy Obstruction

By Kay Hisano | Dated March 13, 2024

We often encounter furry friends getting into all sorts of silly objects they are not meant to. Today, we’d like to shed light on a common issue that affects many cats: hairball obstruction. Unlike dogs, cats do a far better job at grooming themselves. However, this doesn’t always work in their favor. Sometimes the grooming can lead to the loose fur being ingested and accumulating in the digestive tract causing intestinal obstructions.

Meet Freddie, a resilient feline who recently visited us due to vomiting, lethargy, and a loss of appetite. After a thorough examination, including a blood test and some imaging, Dr. Helen was highly suspicious of a potential intestinal obstruction and recommended going ahead with an exploratory laparotomy. An exploratory laparotomy is a surgical procedure where the abdomen is opened to visually inspect the organs for abnormalities or diseases. It allows veterinarians to diagnose and potentially treat conditions such as intestinal obstructions, tumors, or abdominal trauma in cats.

After a thorough feel and look at Freddie’s abdomen Dr. Helen could feel a fur ball lodged in the small intestine causing the blockage. With Dr. Helen’s swift diagnosis, we were able to get Freddie back to his bright, happy self.

While Freddie’s case was successfully resolved without invasive surgery, it serves as a reminder of the importance of preventing hairball-related issues in our feline companions. Look how handsome and comfortable Freddie is looking with his flower-shaped Elizabethan collar a couple of days after his surgery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who is at a higher risk for an hairball obstruction

• Can affect any cat but more prevalent in long-haired breeds:
  • Persians
  • Maine Coons
  • Ragdolls

What are the signs to look out for

• Common signs include:
  • Vomiting
  • Reduced or loss of appetite
  • Lethargic
  • Reduced or absent defecation
  • Abdominal discomfort

What can be done to prevent hairball obstructions:

1. Regular brushing
   • Incorporate gentle brushing sessions into your cat’s routine to remove loose fur and reduce hair ingestion during grooming.
2. Special Diets
   • Consider feeding your cat specialised diets formulated to reduce hairball formation or adding fiber-rich foods to aid digestion
3. Hairball Remedies
   • Commercial hairball remedies are available in various forms, including gels, pastes, and treats. These products often contain mild laxatives or lubricants to help prevent hairball formation or aid in their elimination
4. Stress Management
   • Create a calm and comfortable environment for your cat to reduce stressors that may trigger excessive grooming

However, if you are worried about a potential hairball obstruction do not try and try the above remedies on your own, bring your pet to the vet as if left unresolved it can lead to an emergency.