Expert: Jessica - 9/12/2009

Question
i have taken in two orphaned kitten they are around 10-12 weeks old. They are both females. The one's bottom is red and soft. Almost as though is extended out right under her tail. Any idea what I can do for her over the weekend? She doesn't seem to be bothered by it nor does she have problems going to the bathroom thanks

Answer
Hi Becky.  It’s really difficult to say whether this is an emergency situation or not.  It could be some severe irritation from diarrhea or straining, which should be addressed for certain on Monday, or it could be a potentially life-threatening condition called a prolapsed rectum.  

A rectal prolapse usually results from continued straining due to loose or hard stools or to parasites that cause gas and cramping.  This causes the end of the large intestine to protrude from the anus and is an emergency situation.  The combination of anal tension and dry air can restrict moisture and blood flow to the tissue and cause it to quickly die.  Surgery may attempt to cut out the dead tissue and reconnect the healthy intestinal tissue to the rectum, but many times, the surgical site becomes infected due to fecal contamination, and prognosis for cats who have reached this point is guarded.  

If you are seeing anything more than 1/4” of pink tissue protruding from her anus, I would urge you to get her to an urgent care center immediately.  If the rectal tissue has not died, prolapses can typically be treated by simply pushing the tissue back into place, and then placing what’s called a purse-string suture around the anus to keep it there for a few days.  Any underlying cause of inflammation that’s found should be treated with antibiotics, pain relievers and/or anti-parasitic medications.

In the meantime, be sure to keep any exposed tissue warm and moist by applying moistened paper towels as best as you can.  This is your best chance at keeping prolapsed tissue alive.

Most cats with prolapsed rectums recover completely once the underlying cause is addressed, which in kittens is usually parasitic in nature.  Some cats have congenital defects that lead to recurring episodes, as happened with one of my cats, and they end up needing to have surgery to repair it.  In my cat’s case, the vets performed a colopexy – they sutured her colon to her abdominal wall, and after 7 prolapses, this solved her problem permanently.

On the other hand, if it's just some bad irritation, there is not really anything you can do.  A little Neosporin may not hurt it, but the kitten is more than likely just going to lick it off, and her rough tongue will just further inflame her sore little bottom.  And since no one can be positive whether this is inflammation or a prolapse until a vet looks at it, I can't say that using the ointment is an okay idea.

Good luck with your little one!

Jessica