Mega Colon Disease in Cats

Megacolon is a condition that goes hand-in-hand with constipation. Constipation occurs when it takes longer than usual for your cat to eliminate digestive wastes through feces. As the feces slowly passes through the large intestines, the liquid within the stool is reabsorbed by the body. This creates hard fecal matter that can cause additional blockage. As the amount of fecal matter continues to build, the large intestines can become enlarged, a condition referred to as megacolon.

  1. Cause

    • The specific cause for developing megacolon can be due to genetics or a trauma from injury. Almost two-thirds of the cases of megacolon have no distinct cause, according to PetEducation.com. Cancer may be responsible in rare cases, while inflammation and a muscle abnormality of the large intestines are also possibilities.

    Risk Factors

    • No specific age, breed or gender prejudices exist for the development of constipation and megacolon, but middle-aged male domestic short-haired cats seem more prone to the conditions. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle may provide additional risk for developing megacolon and constipation.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of constipation include a decrease in the amount of stool passed, and what is passed is hard and dry. The cat may strain to defecate and spend long periods in the litter box. Symptom of megacolon include constipation, lack of appetite, distention of the abdomen and bulging of the rectum. Your cat also may experience nausea, vomiting and painful bowel movements.

    Diagnosis

    • Changes in litter box habits can point to a host of medical problems, so diagnosis of megacolon and constipation depend upon ruling out the possibility of any other condition. Blood tests, urinalysis and X-rays are performed to check hormone levels and examine the pelvis and intestines for injury or foreign bodies. A medical history will be recorded to check for signs of chronic constipation, and a physical examination will be performed.

    Treatment

    • Medications such as lactulose are used to soften the stool to allow ease of elimination, while cisapride may be prescribed to help move food through digestion faster. A change to an all-meat diet may be necessary for cats prone to chronic constipation and megacolon. Surgery may be an option if your cat does not respond to dietary changes or medications, requiring a removal of the colon.