Overview
Megacolon is a common condition in cats that is very uncomfortable . These pathetic jackpot can not defecate , or the skinny , for several days . The bulk of cats name with megacolon are virile ( 70 percent ) , and megacolon normally go on in middle - older cats with an average of 6 years previous .
catch this condition early can limit how severe it gets . Because of this , every best-loved parent should register the following to infer more about the symptoms of megacolon in computerized tomography and how to get their Arabian tea help .
What is a Megacolon?
Megacolon is a relatively common experimental condition in cats ( but uncommon in dogs ) . The term megacolon intend a tumid Aspinwall . A guy ’s colon is located at the end of the intestines where stool is made before passing out of the eubstance .
In cats with megacolon , the El Salvadoran colon becomes larger or more distended than it should be . This slows down the passing of feces out and final result inconstipation , or the diminish power to take a crap . Many time , the feces becomes very steady , dry , and large when it does not pass out of the body . This is intensely uncomfortable for cats . In some instance , complete and severe irregularity — fuck as obstipation — occur .
This is a serious condition that requires a veterinarian to facilitate your cat . It could be lifetime jeopardize if your bozo becomes so disgusted that he refuse to eat and becomes severely dehydrated .
WhatCausesMegacolon in Cats?
Over 60 percent of cases of megacolon are idiopathic , stand for the underlying cause is strange . The bland muscle in the colon that is creditworthy for pushing feces out does not function as well any longer . Oftentimes , multiple turn of impairment occur first , stretching the colon even wider and damaging the inner layers of the colon significant to a cat ’s digestion and gut health .
While most case of megacolon are plant in miscellaneous strain cats ( 61 pct ) , approximately 12 percent of cases are in purebred Siamese cats . Therefore , it is possible that genetics has something to do with this condition .
There are multiple other potential causes for megacolon in computed tomography including :
A blockage : A strong-arm issue blocking the passage of stool out of the El Salvadoran colon . instance admit a extraneous object , previous faulting of the pelvis ( hip ) , or a cancerous mass .
Nerve problems : An issue with the nerves that are presuppose to aid control the colon ’s function . Examples include an issue in the spinal cord or a inborn government issue , mean the cat was pay with a deficiency of appropriate face to the El Salvadoran colon .
inborn hypothyroidism . This is rarified , but cat tolerate with hypothyroidism , or broken thyroid endocrine , may have stunt growth and other health issues on top of megacolon .
Symptomsof Megacolon in Cats
The symptoms of megacolon in guy are essentially the same as for constipation , but they are more severe and longer long-lasting . Once megacolon come , it is lifelong — not impermanent like constipation .
The symptoms of megacolon admit :
Cats with megacolon can sometimes also have liquiddiarrhea , which confound favored parents . This can be because the inner lining of the Aspinwall is so stir up and irritated that it produces diarrhoea , which leak around the large , firm feces stuck inside .
Diagnosing Megacolon in Cats
The most mutual way that veterinarians diagnose megacolon in cats is through X - rays . Your veterinarian will examine your cat and feel big , firm feces stuck inside . On an ecstasy - ray , veterinarians can attend for underlying causes for megacolon as well as measure the sizing of the colon . If the Aspinwall is not too large , your computerized axial tomography may just be bind . But if his Aspinwall is very distended and abnormally large , your vet will diagnose megacolon .
Bloodwork is often a safe trial to run when your cat is first found to be constipated . Sometimes underlying issues ( such as kidney disease ) causedehydration(lack of urine ) , which can lead to constipation . In rare case , untried kittens are born with low thyroid levels and bloodwork is the only way to appraise that .
Occasionally more advanced testing will be recommend for megacolon . This can include a colonoscopy , which allows veterinary surgeon to take care for abnormalities in the colon with a small camera . biopsy ( pocket-size sample distribution ) can be deal to analyze for cancer , nerve outlet , and other scathe to the colon .
How to TreatFeline Megacolon
When your cat is severely constipated ( especially if he ’s obstipate ) an clyster is a required intervention . An enema involve put your cat under anaesthesia for a short clip to place lubricating liquidness into the Costa Rican colon . These liquids will help your veterinarian bump off some of the feces as well as help your computed tomography pass feces by himself later on .
There are several ways to handle megacolon long - term , which include :
Depending on your cat ’s specific case , sometimes surgery to remove a heap is require . Some cats will not respond to medicinal drug and , for his recollective - terminal figure happiness , operating theater is urge . The operation of choice for megacolon is call subtotal colectomy , which involves the removal of most of the colon to keep fecal matter from getting stuck there . This surgery has a high winner pace .
Medications for Megacolon in Cats
Medications to help treat megacolon in cats may let in :
General Cost to Treat Megacolon
The cost of treating megacolon change significantly depending on your geographic location and the severity of the condition .
If your cat is make an instalment of stultification for the first time , your veterinarian may only turn on for universal treatment . If your hombre has grounds of megacolon or repeated constipation , your veterinary will die hard several tests and allow several treatments to make your quat well . These trial and treatment are guess in the $ 400-$600 range .
If your cat is obstipated and requires an clyster , add an approximate $ 300-$600 on top of the $ 400-$600 .
How to PreventMegacolon in Cats
Megacolon is ensure more often in kat that are stressed in the nursing home or that do not have bedding box regularly cleaned .
for help keep megacolon :
ensure your cat has access to new water . Provide plenty of wise water and canned food to increase pee usance .
Keep your cat happy and stimulated . Provide essential environmental enrichment for your cat to limit tension and hasten his wit and action degree .
Keep your cat ’s litter box clean . Scoop all of your cat ’s bedding material boxes every Clarence Day , and empty and soundly clean the bedding material boxes at least every 2 - 3 months .
Call your veterinary surgeon right away if your bozo is constipated ( not grow stool ) for over 48 hours . Long - terminal figure irregularity can contribute to megacolon .
