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33rd Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings


Stream:   |   Session:
Date/Time: 30-11--0001 (00:00 - 00:00)   |   Location:
Surgical management of type I atresia ani in cats: description of Heineke-Mikulicz-like anoplasty technique and results for 8 cases.
Bondonny L, Taroni M, Favier S, Jacqmin M, Ferrand F-X
CHV Onlyvet, Lyon, France.

Objectives:

Atresia ani is an uncommon condition in cats. We report the surgical management of type I anal atresia using a Heineke-Mikulicz-like anoplasty.

Methods:

Medical records of cats presented for type I atresia ani between 2022 and 2023 were reviewed. Diagnosis was made clinically and confirmed by X-ray or CT scan with contrast study. Surgical management consisted of Heineke-Mikulicz-like anoplasty. Two longitudinal incisions of the rectum and anus were made through the area of the stenosis, at 3 and 9 o'clock. For each incision, a transverse closure was performed to increase the diameter of the anus. Cats were re-examined 2 weeks postoperatively. Long-term outcome was assessed by phone interview with the owners

Results:

Eight cats with a median age of 12.5 weeks (8 - 20 weeks) were included. Type I atresia ani was confirmed by radiographs with contrast study only in 6 cases and with CT scan in 2 cases. A postoperative complication was noted in 1 case, with wound dehiscence 2 days postoperatively. Long-term follow-up was available for a median time of 7.8 months. No recurrence was reported. Long-term results were excellent in 6/8 cases. Intermittent fecal incontinence was reported in 2 cases.

Conclusions:

Type I atresia ani consists of a congenital stenosis of the anus. A full clinical examination and appropriate imaging studies are required to define the type of atresia. Heineke-Mikulicz-like anoplasty appears to be appropriate for the management of type I atresia ani in cats and has achieved excellent results in 6/8 cases, with no recurrence in this case series.

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