Megacolon / Constipation
What is Megacolon? Megacolon is a large intestine condition that occurs as a result of long-term constipation and build up of fecal matter in the colon along with low colon motility.
How does my cat get Megacolon? In most cases, the exact cause of megacolon is unknown. Some cats develop megacolon due to an obstruction in the colon or a narrowing of the pelvic canal, neurological injury or genetic deformity. Megacolon is often seen in middle aged or older cats.
How do I know if my cat has Megacolon? Over a period of time you may notice that your cat is straining to use the litter box or see evidence of blood in the stool. The stool may also be harder or smaller or fewer than normal. Some cats become quite ill and may vomit, stop eating, become lethargic or experience abdominal pain. Your veterinarian will look for signs of dehydration and perform an abdominal exam to feel for hard feces in the large colon and possibly take x-rays of the abdomen or do a digital rectal exam to feel for a narrowed pelvic canal or presence or dry, hard feces in the colon. Blood and serum biochemical tests may also be done to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
What can I do about Megacolon? Diet therapy is vital to the recovery of cats diagnosed with megacolon. Work with your veterinarian in selecting the right plan, which may be a high-fiber or low residue prescription diet or adding fiber sources to the diet. Your veterinarian may also advise using stool softeners, laxatives or enemas or prescribe a motility drug. Your veterinarian may also need to manually extract feces. Be prepared for follow-up veterinary visits so that your veterinarian can monitor how well your cat is responding to the diet and/or medications and the health condition of the stools. In severe, chronic cases, a veterinarian may need to surgically remove the affected section of the large intestine.
Is there anything I can do to prevent my cat from getting Megacolon? Make sure that your cat receives adequate amounts of water by providing fresh water in more than one bowl in the house or switching to canned foods that contain higher moisture amounts than dry foods. Select quality diets high in fiber as well. Keep your cat at a healthy weight and provide lots of exercise, as obesity can increase a cat’s risk for this condition. Finally, pay attention to the deposits left by your cat in the litter box and report any changes to your veterinarian.
Are there certain breeds that get Megacolon more often? Megacolon/constipation issues can affect any cat, especially male cats 6 years or older. The Manx and Siamese appear to be more susceptible. Some Manx kittens are born with sacral spinal cord deformity that causes megacolon.