Ileus in Cats: 2025 Vet Insights 🐱🩺

I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. In this 2025 guide, we dive deep into ileus—a serious condition where your cat's intestines lose their ability to move food and gas. With clear explanations, diagnostic steps, and modern treatment protocols—plus support tools from Ask A Vet, Woopf, and Purrz—you’ll learn how to recognize, treat, and manage this digestive emergency. Let’s get started! 💙

📌 What Is Ileus?

Ileus occurs when the intestines stop propelling content forward—either from functional paralysis or blocked passage—leading to gas and fluid build-up. It’s different from a physical obstruction, though symptoms often overlap :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

⚠️ Types & Causes

• Functional ileus: Loss of motility due to severe inflammation, surgery, sepsis, toxins, electrolyte imbalance (e.g., hypocalcemia), medications :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Mechanical obstruction: Foreign bodies (like string), tumors, intussusception, strictures can mimic ileus :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Post-surgical ileus: Common after abdominal operations; inflammatory response inhibits movement :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

🔍 Who Is at Risk?

Post-abdominal surgery cats, those with severe GI inflammation (enteritis), electrolyte imbalances, trauma, sepsis, or ingesting foreign material are at higher risk :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

👁️ Signs & Symptoms

• Persistent vomiting (may include bile or undigested food)
• Abdominal distension, discomfort
• Constipation, inability to pass gas
• Lethargy, inappetence
• Dehydration, electrolyte issues

Sometimes vomit is intermittent in partial or early ileus :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

🔬 Diagnosing Ileus

1. History & Exam

Ask about vomiting, appetite, surgery, toxin exposure. Palpation may find firm intestines or foreign object.

2. Imaging

• X-rays: Dilated, gas-filled intestines may be visible—but cannot always distinguish functional ileus :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Ultrasound: Reveals distended bowel, assesses motility, identifies fluid/gas layers, or physical obstruction :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

3. Bloodwork & Electrolytes

Look for dehydration, low calcium, potassium, and metabolic changes :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

4. Contrast Radiography or Endoscopy

Used to confirm or rule out obstruction if initial imaging is inconclusive.

🛠️ Treatment & Veterinary Care

1. Stabilization

• IV fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
• Electrolyte supplementation (calcium, potassium)
• Anti-nausea & pain relief meds

2. Promote Motility

• Prokinetic drugs (e.g., metoclopramide, cisapride) after obstructive causes ruled out :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Prolonged none-oror feeding for gut rest, then gradual refeeding.

3. Remove Any Blockage

If a foreign body or mass is detected, surgical or endoscopic removal is essential :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

4. Supportive Care

• Early enteral nutrition may aid motility—small bland meals via tube as needed :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Monitor abdominal girth, stool frequency, behavior.
• Frequent electrolyte and imaging checks.

🌱 Home Care & Monitoring

• Ask A Vet: 24/7 support for fluid protocols, prokinetic dosage adjustments, and follow-up advice.
• Woopf: Home hydration kits and training for safe fluid delivery.
• Purrz: Track vomiting, appetite, bowel movements, and abdominal changes to spot relapses early.

🔬 2025 Vet Advances

• High-resolution ultrasound detects motility and fluid layering early :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• AI-assisted motility evaluation to distinguish ileus from obstruction.
• New prokinetic drugs emerging from human medicine trials for veterinary use :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

✅ Vet-Approved Management Plan

1. Stabilize with IV fluids & correct electrolytes
2. Perform imaging to rule out mechanical obstruction
3. Use prokinetics when appropriate
4. Provide nutrition to support motility
5. Treat any root cause: surgery or anti-inflammatories
6. Monitor closely via blood work & imaging
7. Employ home-care tools Ask A Vet, Woopf, Purrz for recovery support

✨ Final Thoughts from Dr Houston

Ileus is a serious yet often reversible gut paralysis. Rapid diagnosis, stabilization, treatments to restore motility, and careful home support can make all the difference. With Ask A Vet, Woopf, and Purrz by your side, you’ll have the tools and guidance to help your cat through this challenging condition. Your attention can restore your cat's purr and wellness. 💙🐾

Need guidance? Visit AskAVet.com or download our app for expert, on-demand support every step of recovery.