Enema in Cats (Felis) | Vetlexicon
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Enema

ISSN 2398-2950

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Introduction

  • Introduction of fluid into rectum and colon distends the bowel and stimulates normal expulsive reflexes.

Uses

  • Evacuation of feces for:
    • Treatment of constipation Constipation.
    • Management of some poisonings, ie binding of toxin in bowel lumen and removal from body.
    • Treatment of hepatic encephalopathy Hepatic encephalopathy, ie removal of toxins from large bowel to prevent absorption and binding of ammonia in gut.
  • Preparation for:
    • Surgical procedures.
    • Colonoscopy Colonoscopy.
    • Radiographic studies, eg intravenous urethrography Radiography: intravenous urography.
    • Drug administration.
    • Administration of radiographic contrast agents.
    • Nutrient administration.
  • As part of lower gastrointestinal contrast study Radiography: large intestine contrast.

Advantages

  • Simple.
  • Equipment readily available in practice.
  • Rapid procedure.
  • Non-invasive.
  • Effective if performed well.

Disadvantages

  • Very messy.
  • If poorly done can be worse than not performing at all.

Alternative techniques

Do not use sodium phosphate enemas in cats.

  • Commercial mini enema kits (designed for human use):
  • Come in ready prepared packs with small nozzle therefore suitable for cats.
  • Manual bowel evacuation:
    • Digital per rectum (but unable to reach far into rectum).
  • Surgical evacuation.

Time required

Preparation

  • Time to gather equipment.

Procedure

  • 15 -30 min depending on time taken for animal to evacuate bowel.

Decision taking

Criteria for choosing test

  • Selection of enema solution depends on reason for procedure:
  • Tap water is cheap and adequate for many circumstances:
    • Can be repeated every 30 min.
    • 5-10 ml/kg.
  • Liquid paraffin or mineral oil may soften and lubricate impacted feces better but are difficult to clean from fur afterwards:
    • Repeat every 1-2 hours as necessary.
    • 2-3 ml/kg.
    • Docusate sodium.

Requirements

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Preparation

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Technique

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Aftercare

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Outcomes

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Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers