Gastroduodenal Perforation in a Cat: Clinical Findings, Diagnosis, and Treatment Management
Abstract
Gastrointestinal perforations, although rarely reported in cats, are life-threatening conditions that can result in septic peritonitis and death if left untreated. Contributing factors include long-term or high-dose use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), gastrointestinal neoplasms, inflammation, and foreign bodies. This report describes the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic management of a feline case of gastroduodenal perforation complicated by septic peritonitis. A 5-year-old male domestic shorthair cat was referred with anuria and diagnosed with urolithiasis. Following unsuccessful medical therapy, the cat underwent cystotomy. Postoperatively, meloxicam and a cephalosporin antibiotic were administered. By the third day post-surgery, the cat exhibited anorexia and systemic deterioration. Radiographs showed decreased abdominal detail and a ground-glass appearance. Ultrasonography revealed free abdominal fluid, intact urinary bladder, and fluid-filled stomach. Bilateral acute nephritis was noted. Abdominocentesis confirmed septic peritonitis cytologically. During exploratory laparotomy, brown free fluid consistent with gastric content was identified in the abdomen. Extensive peritonitis, circulatory compromise, and adhesions were present. Due to poor prognosis, intraoperative euthanasia was performed. While gastroduodenal perforation in cats is rarely documented, this case suggests a possible link between NSAID use, renal dysfunction, and gastrointestinal rupture. The cat had no prior gastrointestinal symptoms and had undergone surgery for an unrelated condition. This highlights the importance of cautious NSAID use in patients with compromised renal function and suggests the need for further studies to better understand risk factors and outcomes associated with feline gastroduodenal perforation.
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Veterinary Surgery
Journal Section
Case Report
Authors
Diğdem Uygur
0000-0002-0291-2391
Türkiye
Aslı Uygur
0000-0002-5045-1737
Türkiye
Aydın Yilmaz
0009-0006-4305-3550
Türkiye
Publication Date
April 29, 2026
Submission Date
August 9, 2025
Acceptance Date
April 6, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 23 Number: 1