# Insights into Atresia Ani Type IV in Felis catus: Preliminary Epidemiolocal Findings Associated with Surgery

## TL;DR

This study reports on the incidence and surgical outcomes of a rare rectal-anal birth defect in female cats, identifying factors that improve recovery.

## Contribution

The study is the first to report the incidence of Type IV Atresia Ani in cats and identify factors influencing surgical outcomes.

## Key findings

- A 4.7% incidence of Type IV Atresia Ani was found among 192 evaluated cats.
- Cats with a body condition score of 3, age 3–4 weeks, and fistula length 1–2 mm had better surgical outcomes.
- These factors reduced fecal incontinence and anal stenosis risks post-surgery.

## Abstract

Atresia Ani (AA) is a rare congenital anomaly affecting rectal and anal development in companion animals, with its occurrence in cats being poorly documented. This study investigated Type IV Atresia Ani (which includes a recto-vaginal fistula) in female cats, focusing on surgical intervention as the primary treatment. Over 2 years, nine female cats with Type IV Atresia Ani were analyzed for age, body condition, and fistula length. Statistical analysis revealed that a body condition score of 3, an age range of 3 to 4 weeks, and a fistula length of 1 to 2 mm influenced fecal incontinence and anal stenosis development during the perioperative period. Incidence of this condition was 4.7% among the 192 cats evaluated. Cats with a body condition score of 3, an age of 3 to 4 weeks, and a fistula size of 1 to 2 mm showed better surgical outcomes. This study is the first to report the disease incidence in cats undergoing surgery, according to the authors’ knowledge.

Atresia Ani (AA) is a rare congenital anomaly in companion animals affecting rectal and anal development. Its incidence in cats remains unreported. This retrospective study aimed to characterize age, body condition, fistula size, and perioperative outcomes in Type IV Atresia Ani (with recto-vaginal fistula) in female cats. Surgical intervention is the primary treatment. Conducted over 2 years, the study included nine female cats diagnosed with Type IV Atresia Ani and recto-vaginal fistula undergoing surgery. Statistical analysis used the R program (version 4.2.1) with Rstudio®® extension. Significant results were observed at a 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05. The condition had an incidence of 4.7% among the 192 cats evaluated over a 2-year period. The findings suggest that a body condition score of 3, an age of 3 to 4 weeks, and a fistula length of 1 to 2 mm correlated with better surgical outcomes, reducing the likelihood of fecal incontinence and anal stenosis development, and enhancing defecation awareness during the perioperative period. This study is the first to report the disease incidence in cats undergoing surgery, according to the authors’ knowledge.