Early Surgical Management and Postoperative Outcome of Congenital Type IV Atresia Ani with Secondary Megacolon in a British Shorthair Kitten: A Case Report

A two-month-old British Shorthair kitten was presented to a veterinary surgical clinic in Zanjan, Iran. The kitten exhibited difficulty in defecation and hair matting around the perineal area, with an initial diagnosis of a rectovaginal fistula. Due to the owner’s non-compliance and discontinuation of treatment, the patient was re-presented at six months of age showing clinical signs of urinary tract infection. On distant observation, the perineal region appeared normal; however, physical examination revealed dehydration, urinary inflammation, megacolon, atresia ani, discharge of watery feces from the vulvar opening, and abdominal distension. A complete blood count indicated chronic inflammation. Ultrasonography revealed cystitis with increased bladder wall thickness. A contrast radiograph confirmed anal atresia and identified a type IV rectovaginal fistula. After three days of supportive medical management, surgical correction was performed under general anesthesia. An anal opening was created, and the megacolon was corrected. The rectovaginal fistula was closed. The kitten recovered uneventfully and showed normal defecation during a six-month follow-up period. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention in preventing severe complications associated with anorectal malformations in kittens.

کلیدواژه ها:

Rectovaginal Fistula ، Atresia Ani ، Surgical Correction ، Megacolon ، Kitten