Successful treatment of type III atresia ani and rectovaginal fistula in a kitten

G. Turan,B. Kibar Kurt

doi:10.21825/vdt.v90i4.20712

Abstract

A six-weeks-old, female kitten presented with dehydration, depression, atresia ani and a discharge of watery feces from the vulvar opening. On radiographic examination, the blind-end of the rectum was determined to be >1 cm cranial from the anal dimple, classifying it as type III atresia ani. Atresia ani combined with a rectovaginal fistula is an uncommon congenital defect of the terminal rectum and anus that can occur in kittens. After supportive medical treatment for three days, the patient was strong enough for surgical correction. The distal rectal pouch was connected to the unperforated anus and the rectovaginal fistula was closed. The kitten recovered uneventfully and was able to defecate normally at 38 weeks follow-up. In this case report, the importance of early surgical correction to avoid potential life-threatening complications from this congenital abnormality is demonstrated.

Highlights

Congenital abnormalities of the rectum and anus are uncommonly encountered in cats
In type IV atresia ani, the anus and terminal rectum are normally developed, but the cranial rectum terminates as a blind pouch within the pelvic canal is present (Figure 1)
Rectovaginal fistulas are associated with failure in the embryonic cloaca section of the urorectal fold

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Congenital abnormalities of the rectum and anus are uncommonly encountered in cats. The true incidence is unknown due to neonatal and postpartum deaths occurring before diagnosis and the possibility of treatment, and the lack of reporting (Wykes and Olson, 2003). In type III, the anus is closed and the blind end of the rectum is more cranial. In type IV atresia ani, the anus and terminal rectum are normally developed, but the cranial rectum terminates as a blind pouch within the pelvic canal is present (Figure 1). The fistula allows evacuation of feces and the animal survives the postpartum period In this case report, a kitten is described with the uncommon combination of type III atresia ani and rectovaginal fistula, which was successfully treated with surgery. The perineal soft tissues were retracted to access the distal rectal pouch This was brought out through the incision, opened and sutured to the surrounding skin using interrupted sutures of a 3-0 multiflament, absorbable suture material (Vicryl, Ethicon, USA). The owner was contacted by phone when the cat was 38 weeks old and he informed that she was healthy

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION