How do I know if my cat has megacolon?
Megacolon is often diagnosed by clinical signs which can include straining to defecate, weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, and anorexia (lack of appetite). On physical examination, the cat may have a painful abdomen, as well as be dehydrated and depressed.
Should I euthanize my cat with megacolon?
Euthanasia. Even though this is not an option I often recommend, dealing with severe megacolon or constipation can be chronically uncomfortable for your cat and intensive for cat owners. In some situations, euthanasia is a consideration with unmanageable cases.
Is megacolon in cats curable?
Even cisapride, a prokinetic agent, can stimulate only those feline colonic smooth muscles that are functional. When the colon is overdistended, i.e., when a megacolon is present, cisapride won’t help one bit. However, in the vast majority of cases, megacolon is curable with surgery.
What is the treatment for megacolon in cats?
Subtotal colectomy, the removal of the majority of the colon, is considered the treatment of choice for the surgical management of megacolon that is not responsive to dietary and medical management. This is major surgery, but the overwhelming majority of cats respond quite favorably.
How often do cats with megacolon poop?
Megacolon most commonly occurs in middle-aged, male, domestic shorthair cats. Stools may appear smaller than normal or be absent during episodes of constipation. Usually, affected cats pass a large amount of dry and hard stool one to three times per week.
Can megacolon be reversed in cats?
Cats with pelvic obstruction secondary to pelvic trauma can be treated by removal of the abnormal pelvic bones (pelvic ostectomy) to allow normal passage of feces again. Unfortunately, if the megacolon has been present for greater than four to six months, dilation and loss of function may be irreversible.
What do you feed a cat with megacolon?
A couple of teaspoons of psyllium, canned pumpkin, or wheat bran can be added to a cat’s regular food to increase the fiber content. Whichever diet works best, it is very important for the cat to remain well-hydrated so stool in the colon stays soft.
Can cats live with megacolon?
Megacolon in cats can cause devastating health consequences as the colon fills with old, hardened feces, and the colon is not strong enough to pass the “cemented stool.”
Why is my cats poop so big?
Cats fed low quality food may have more frequent or larger bowel movements because more of the food ends up unusable by the body. Cats fed too much food may also have more frequent and/or larger bowel movements. Abrupt changes in food may result in a change in how frequently your cat poops as it often causes diarrhea.
