This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
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Megacolon is a fairly common issue in cats that occurs when the large intestine (or colon) is distended and filled with feces in a severe form of constipation. Megacolon may occur as the result of another medical condition, or as a condition all its own. If left untreated, this condition can be quite serious as it causes distress to the cat who is unable to toilet properly. Fortunately, your vet can help. By carefully diagnosing and treating feline megacolon, you can relieve your cat's distress and manage their symptoms for a comfortable life.
Steps
Diagnosing Megacolon in Cats
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1Recognize possible causes. By knowing the potential causes of megacolon, you can help to better diagnose your cat.[1] Although megacolon sometimes occurs as a primary condition, it usually comes the result of one or more of the following:
- Colon muscles that do not contract normally
- Prolonged constipation
- Physical trauma resulting in a fractured pelvis
- Ingesting non-digestible items
- Neurological disorders
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2Track symptoms. Pay attention to your cat's bathroom behavior. If they have stopped defecating, appear to be having trouble doing so, or seem to be in abdominal pain, there is a chance that they could be suffering from megacolon. If you notice such symptoms, you should seek veterinary care. Any time your cat stops eating or seems unusually lethargic, seek help right away.[2] Symptoms of megacolon include:
- Difficulty defecating
- Pain while defecating, accompanied by wincing or meowing
- Blood in fecal matter
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Defecating outside the litter box
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3Be prepared to answer some questions. When you visit your vet, plan to bring along some information. In order to properly diagnose your cat, your vet will ask a series of questions.[3] Be prepared to describe:
- The complete medical history of the cat (to the best of your knowledge)
- What (if any) medications your cat is currently taking
- What symptoms you have noticed
- When these symptoms began
- If your cat has experienced any physical trauma
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4Run some tests. In order to determine what is going on with your pet, the vet will need to perform a series of tests.[4] If your cat is showing symptoms of megacolon, your vet is likely to perform:
- General physical examination
- Rectal examination
- X-rays
- Additional diagnostic tests (such as blood work, urinalysis, and/or ultrasound)
Treating Megacolon in Cats
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1Determine and address the cause. If your vet is able to determine the underlying cause of megacolon in your cat, the best course of action is for your vet to address this root cause.[5] Additional diagnostic tests may be performed to help determine this cause, and a treatment plan will be devised. These tests may include:
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Contrast studies
- Additional blood work
- Colonoscopy
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2Administer an enema. Whether or not a root cause is determined, perhaps the best way to relieve the distress on your cat's colon is for your vet to perform an enema.[6] In order to do this:
- Your cat will be placed under anesthesia
- Fluid will be injected into your cat's colon
- The blocked feces will be manually expressed
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3Provide medication. Your vet will likely suggest the use of medication to help relieve your cat's condition and to prevent future constipation. Depending on the nature of your cat's megacolon, you may be asked to continue providing medication after your cat returns home.[7] Such medications will likely include:
- Cisapride, which initiates colon contraction
- Lactulose, which acts as a stool softener
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4Perform a colectomy. If your cat's megacolon is especially severe, and/or if other medical treatments have not been successful, your vet may wish to perform a colectomy. This surgery involves removing a portion of your cat's large intestine.[8] Should this be needed, be aware that this surgery involves:
- General anesthesia
- An overnight stay in the animal hospital
- Recovery time where you cat will need accommodations
- Significant medical fees
Managing Megacolon
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1Alter your cat's diet. In order to help heal megacolon, and to help prevent its return, you may be asked to place your cat on a high-fiber diet. Ask your vet for recommended brands and portion guidelines.[9]
- Look for cat food labeled "high fiber."
- You can find these at pet stores, grocery stores, through your vet, or online.
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2Ensure proper hydration. Dehydration is a major factor in constipation. In order for your cat to recover from megacolon, it is important for you to monitor their hydration for at least a week after you see your vet. In order to do this, you can:
- Provide fresh water
- Make sure your cat is drinking every day
- Make sure your cat is urinating every day
- Include canned food in their diet
- Add water to their dry food
- Follow any additional instructions from your vet
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3Be vigilant for signs of constipation. Note how often your cat relieves itself. If your cat becomes constipated, you may be able to help. Ask your vet about how to use a micro enema at home. At the first sign of constipation, this simple home intervention could prevent a larger problem from developing.
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4Let your cat rest. In order to recover, your cat will need to rest. Consider limiting your cat's activity level and making any necessary accommodations.[10] You may need to:
- Relocate food and water bowls
- Relocate litter boxes
- Limit playtime
- Limit your cat's contact with other pets
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5Attend any follow-up appointments. Depending on the severity of your cat's condition, as well any underlying causes, your veterinarian may want to schedule one or more follow-up appointments with your cat. In order to ensure that your cat is healing properly, it is important for you to attend these appointments.[11] The number of appointments (if any), as well as their frequency will vary based on a number of factors. These include:
- Your cat's age
- Other health problems present
- The underlying cause of megacolon in your cat (if any)
- The likelihood of reoccurrence
References
- ↑ http://www.cat-world.com.au/megacolon-in-cats
- ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2122&aid=3471
- ↑ http://www.cat-world.com.au/megacolon-in-cats
- ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2122&aid=3471
- ↑ http://www.cat-world.com.au/megacolon-in-cats
- ↑ http://www.cat-world.com.au/megacolon-in-cats
- ↑ http://www.cat-world.com.au/megacolon-in-cats
- ↑ http://www.cat-world.com.au/megacolon-in-cats
- ↑ http://www.cat-world.com.au/megacolon-in-cats
About This Article
If your cat is displaying symptoms of megacolon such as difficulty or pain while defecating, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, or blood in its feces, you should take it to the vet for diagnosis and treatment. Your vet may place your cat under anesthesia and perform an anema to remove the blocked feces. Usually, your cat will be given medications like Cisapride and Lactulose afterwards to prevent future constipation. Alternatively, if other medical treatments have been unsuccessful, your vet may perform a colectomy and remove a portion of your cat’s large intestine. This treatment involves an overnight stay but can be expensive. For more advice from our Veterinary co-author, including how to alter your cat’s diet to prevent megacolon, keep reading!
