Trichobezoars (Hairballs in the Stomach) in cats

  • Occurrence: common
  • Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis
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Trichobezoars, commonly referred to as hairballs, are accumulations of hair that form in the stomach of cats and can lead to digestive problems.

The most important facts at a glance

Trichobezoars, also known as hairballs, occur in cats when they swallow hair during grooming. This happens because the cat’s tongue is covered with tiny, hook-shaped papillae that pick up loose hairs. Although the digestive tract can excrete some hair, excessive hair loss or poor bowel movement can lead to the formation of hairballs. Long-haired cats or those that groom excessively are particularly susceptible. An unbalanced, low-fiber diet can slow down the passage of hair and promote the formation of hairballs. Symptoms of trichobezoars include vomiting, gagging, reduced appetite, and abdominal pain. Diagnosis is often made by clinical examination, and X-rays or ultrasound can be used if necessary. Treatment focuses on removing the hairballs, often with malt pastes or fiber, and in severe cases surgery may be necessary. An adapted diet and regular brushing can have a preventive effect. The prognosis is usually good, especially with early diagnosis. Research focuses on preventive diets and genetic factors to improve the treatment and prevention of hairballs.

Causes

Trichobezoars occur when cats swallow hair during grooming. Cats use their tongues, which are covered with tiny, hook-shaped papillae, to groom their fur and remove loose hair. During this process, some hair enters the stomach.

Although the cat’s gastrointestinal tract is designed to excrete some of this hair, hair can accumulate and form a lump if there is excessive hair loss or insufficient bowel movement. Long-haired cat breeds and cats that groom excessively are particularly susceptible to the formation of trichobezoars.

Another factor that promotes the formation of hairballs is an unbalanced diet. A low-fiber diet can slow down the passage of hair through the digestive tract, which promotes the formation of hairballs. Health problems such as skin diseases or allergic reactions can also lead to increased grooming and thus to an increased intake of hair.

Symptoms

Rare symptoms:

The most common symptoms of trichobezoars in cats are vomiting and gagging noises when the cat tries to vomit the hairball. Not all hairballs are easy to vomit, and some cats may gag several times before they are successful.

Another potential symptom is a reduced appetite or even loss of appetite, as the hairball in the stomach can cause a feeling of fullness. In some cases, cats may appear lethargic or show signs of discomfort in the abdominal area. Constipation or difficulty defecating can also occur, especially if the hairball is blocking the intestine.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of trichobezoars usually begins with a thorough clinical examination by a veterinarian. The owner is often asked if the cat has vomited hairballs recently or shows signs of digestive upset. A detailed history can help rule out other causes of the symptoms.

In some cases, an X-ray or ultrasound of the abdomen may be necessary to confirm the suspicion of a hairball. These imaging procedures can help determine the position and size of the hairball and rule out other objects or tumors causing the symptoms.

Therapy

The treatment of trichobezoars primarily aims to remove the hairball from the digestive tract. In many cases, hairballs can be treated with special malt pastes or dietary supplements that facilitate the passage of hair. These products often contain lubricants or fibers that help transport the hairball through the intestines.

In more severe cases, where the hairball causes a blockage, surgical removal may be necessary. An experienced veterinarian will carefully weigh the need for surgery and consider alternative methods before resorting to this step.

A change in diet can also be part of the treatment, especially if the cat regularly suffers from hairballs. A diet rich in fiber can help promote bowel movement and reduce the risk of hairball formation.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for cats with trichobezoars is generally good, especially if the condition is diagnosed and treated early. Most cats recover completely after the hairball has been removed or excreted. Regular follow-up examinations by the veterinarian can help monitor their health and ensure that no further complications occur.

In the long term, adjusting the cat’s grooming and eating habits can help reduce the formation of hairballs and prevent recurrence.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of trichobezoars in cats, regular brushing is crucial. Especially in long-haired breeds, brushing should be done daily to remove loose hair before it can be swallowed. In addition, a special diet with a high fiber content can help facilitate the passage of hair through the digestive system. These diets are formulated to support bowel movements and reduce the likelihood of hair accumulating in the stomach.

In addition, cat owners should make sure that their cat drinks enough water. Good hydration promotes digestion and can help prevent hairballs. There are also special treats and pastes that can help prevent hairballs. These often contain ingredients that support the natural elimination of hair.

A stress-free environment can also help reduce excessive grooming, which is a common cause of hairball formation. Toys and scratching posts can help keep the cat busy and distract it from excessive licking. Regular veterinary visits are also important to ensure that there are no underlying health problems that could increase the risk of hairballs.

Outlook on current research

Current research on trichobezoars in cats focuses on several key areas, including prevention, improving diagnostic methods, and developing more effective treatment options. One of the most promising areas of research is the study of nutrition and its role in the formation of hairballs. Scientists are investigating how special diets rich in fiber can help reduce the formation of hairballs by improving gastrointestinal motility and facilitating the excretion of hair.

Another research focus is on genetic predisposition. Some cats seem to be more prone to hairball formation than others, and researchers are trying to identify the genetic factors that may contribute to this. This research could lead to targeted therapies in the future that reduce the risk of hairball formation in genetically predisposed cats.

In addition, the role of environmental factors and their influence on the frequency of trichobezoars is being investigated. Studies show that stress and an inadequate environment can lead to excessive grooming and, consequently, to increased hairball formation. Researchers are developing strategies to improve the living conditions of cats in order to reduce stress and minimize the risk of hairball formation.

At the technological level, new diagnostic tools are being developed that allow veterinarians to detect hairballs early. This includes advanced imaging techniques that are more accurate and less invasive. The development of non-invasive techniques for detecting hairballs could reduce the need for surgical interventions and lower treatment costs.

Finally, research is also investigating the role of probiotic supplements and their potential benefits for the digestive health of cats. It is believed that a healthy intestinal flora can help reduce the formation of hairballs by optimizing digestive processes and improving the health of the gastrointestinal tract overall.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  1. What are trichobezoars? Trichobezoars, also known as hairballs, are accumulations of hair that form in the stomach of cats. They are caused by regular grooming, during which cats ingest loose hairs that can then collect in the digestive tract.

  2. How do I know if my cat has hairballs? Common signs of hairballs in cats include cough, gagging, vomiting, loss of appetite, and constipation. If your cat regularly shows these symptoms, it may be suffering from hairballs.

  3. How can I prevent hairballs in my cat? You can reduce the formation of hairballs by regularly brushing your pet, providing a balanced diet with sufficient fiber, and providing plenty of fresh water. There are also special foods that have been developed to prevent the formation of hairballs.

  4. Why are hairballs a problem in cats? Hairballs can lead to various health problems if left untreated. They can block the gastrointestinal tract and cause serious complications such as constipation or intestinal obstruction, which may require surgical intervention.

  5. How are hairballs diagnosed? Veterinarians usually diagnose hairballs through a combination of physical examination, history, and imaging procedures such as X-rays or ultrasound to check the digestive tract for blockages.

  6. Are there medical treatments for hairballs? Yes, there are various treatments for hairballs, ranging from dietary supplements and special foods to medications that promote gastrointestinal motility. In severe cases, surgical removal may be necessary.

  7. Can all cats get hairballs? Yes, all cats, especially those with long hair, can develop hairballs. Cats that groom excessively or are under stress are at increased risk.

  8. Are hairballs dangerous for cats? Hairballs can be dangerous if they block the digestive tract or lead to other complications. Early detection and treatment is important to minimize the risk of serious health problems.

  9. How often should cats vomit hairballs? Occasional vomiting of hairballs is normal in cats. However, if this occurs frequently or your cat shows other symptoms, you should see a veterinarian to rule out underlying problems.

  10. Can a change in diet help reduce hairballs? Yes, changing to a special hairball management food can help reduce the formation of hairballs. These foods are often rich in fiber, which promotes digestion and supports the elimination of hair.

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An interesting overview of gastrointestinal problems in cats, supplemented by information on the intestinal microbiome and the importance of probiotics, can be found here: https://petsvetcheck.de/fachbeitrag/magen-darm-probleme-bei-katzen/