Oesophageal obstruction by trichobezoars in rescued jungle cat (Felis chaus)

Abstract

Oesophageal obstruction due to hairballs in cats is very rare. Excessive grooming behaviour in cats due to skin infection can lead to impaction in the digestive tract, resulting in deprivation of food and water and ultimately death. This report described a case of a rescued jungle cat showing signs of marked dehydration after death. On postmortem examination, a blockade of hairballs was observed in the oesophagus. Further examination of hair revealed that the hair was from the same species, not the prey species. This suggests that the over‐grooming behaviour of cats can lead to the over‐ingestion of hair, which might cause a blockage in the digestive tract, leading to death. The rescue centres should be well aware and prepared to diagnose such problems and manage the case accordingly for effective treatment of rescued animals.