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ABDOMINAL STRAINING

 


This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only.

You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Sometimes pets are observed straining a lot - as if they are trying to pass a faecal motion - but are they ?

If you notice your pet repeatedly straining a lot (called tenesmus by veterinarians) - as if it is trying to pass a motion - but without passing anything, there are several possible explanations :

Straining related to the gastrointestinal tract is caused by :

  • Constipation 
  • Inflammation of the colon or rectum (called colitis or proctitis)
  • Large bone particles or other foreign objects being passed in the faeces
  • Obstruction due to a rectal or anal growth (benign or malignant cancer)
  • Narrowing of the rectum due to a stricture
  • Congenital abnormality of the anus (imperforate anus) in newborn animals

Straining related to the urinary tract is caused by :

  • Inflammation of the urinary bladder (called cystitis) 
  • Inflammation of the urethra (called urethritis) 
  • Obstruction of the urinary tract
    • Stones (also called uroliths or calculi)
    • Urethral plugs in cats 
    • Benign or malignant cancer 

Straining due to the prostate gland in males

  • Prostatic hypertrophy
  • Prostate cysts
  • Inflammation of the prostate - prostatitis
  • Prostate cancer

Straining due to orthopaedic problems :

  • Following fracture of the pelvis

Straining due to other causes :

  • Perineal hernia
  • Occasionally seen with anal furunculosis (perianal fistulae)
  • Occasionally seen with impacted anal (scent) glands

Your veterinarian will be able to determine the underlying cause by examining your pet - although sometimes XRays or other diagnostic tests will be needed. If you pet is straining and is unable to pass urine this can be a serious, life-threatening situation so you should seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

 

Updated October 2013