Disorder - Atresia coli

Organ Systems Involved
Gastrointestinal

Alternative Names
Colonic atresia; Intestinal atresia

Presenting Signs

In atresia coli, a section of the large bowel is absent, resulting in a blind ending intestinal tube. This prevents the passage of faeces out of the intestinal tract. The owner will notice, within two to ten days after birth, a distended abdomen, and the kitten will be straining unsuccessfully to pass faeces. Atresia coli occurs during embryonic development and is the most common type of atresia (closure or absence of normal body openings) in domesticated animals. If left untreated, affected kittens will die.

Cats at Risk

Cats usually present between 2-10 days of age.

Treatment

Surgical correction is the only treatment available. There have been no reports of successful surgical correction of atresia coli in cats.

PubMed References
Atresia coli

Contributor
Cassandra Robinson