| RESEARCH PG 2 |
| Acquired megacolon may result from numerous possible pathologic processes, which may occur inside or outside the colon and may or may not involve metabolic or neurological disorders. A considerable number of cases occur without an identifiable cause. Constipation and injuries to the pelvis are frequently encountered known causes of megacolon in cats. Ingested foreign bodies are a partially preventable cause of this condition as well. Diagnosis of megacolon is based on the affected cat’s history, and on physical examination and x-ray findings. Cats with megacolon typically will be chronically constipated, or obstipated, with no passage of feces. If not treated promptly, complications may occur, including intestinal obstruction, fecal incontinence, and overgrowth of bowel bacteria, which results from bowel immotility. Cats experiencing these complications may vomit and may be lethargic and anorexic (have no appetite). Cats with these symptoms may die if not treated. Feline megacolon is a syndrome rather than a specific disease. Consequently, identifying the underlying cause of the megacolon, if feasible, and treating that cause, if possible, is important. Treatment of megacolon per se may include conservative medical therapy or surgery. Sometimes medical treatment alone is sufficient; however, in many cases medical treatment fails and surgery will be required to save the cat’s life. In some cases surgery is the treatment of choice. Medical treatment of megacolon involves removing the impacted feces by giving multiple warm water enemas over two to four days. Many cats have to be sedated or put under general anesthesia to allow the veterinarian to manually and gently remove the feces from the rectum. If anorexia or lethargy is present, antibiotics and fluid supportive therapy may be given. Once the rectum is evacuated, future fecal impaction may possibly be prevented by adding fiber to a moist diet, such as psyllium-based supplements or canned pumpkin pie filling. Administration of laxatives and/or prokinetic drugs that help improve the motility of the colon may be helpful. Providing clean litter may help to encourage defecation, and help maintain bowel motility. Surgery involves removing most of the colon (lower bowel). This procedure is called subtotal colectomy. Most otherwise healthy cats tolerate the surgery well. Surgery often cures the problem, and typically the constipation resolves. Post-operatively most do not experience any significant problems. Some cats may have soft stools after surgery or increased frequency of defecation, but they are rarely fecally incontinent. If owners are unable to properly manage a cat with megacolon, and surgery is not an option due to concerns such as the health of the cat and major expense, then euthanasia is a humane alternative. Rainbow Bridge Get your tissues...this is Roma THE OLDER CAT A cat becomes part of the family and its loss is every bit as painful as the death of a close relative. It’s very natural to feel upset and emotional when your pet dies and it will take time to get over your loss. It often helps to talk about your cat's death. It's quite normal to feel angry. This is part of the process of coming to terms with your loss. Try not to feel guilty or blame yourself or your veterinary surgeon for your cat's death. Remember that you cared for your cat and did all you could when it was ill. As veterinary surgeons we're here to do as much as we can for your cat’s well-being but there will always be a point where we can’t offer any treatment or cure. Treasure your memories. Try to remember the good times and what you loved most about your cat. |
| In general, constipated cats can be divided into two types of clinical groups: A. Cats with severe impaction or obstipation. B. Cats with long histories of moderate constipation. Both types may require long-term therapy to control their disease. However, the cats in the first category may require more effort to remove the impacted feces. Cats with severe impaction or obstipation must be admitted to a veterinary hospital for treatment with oral laxatives, enemas, or manual evacuation under anesthesia. The specific approach depends on the severity of the obstipation. In extremely affected cats, the breakdown and removal of the fecal mass may have to be done over two or three days. During hospitalization, the cat should also receive good, supportive care. On an outpatient basis, moderate impaction can be relieved with simple water enemas. For maintenance therapy, you can do the following: Supplement the cat's diet with bran, metamucil, or a similar bulk-forming material. However, there are some cats that do not improve, or even get worse after fiber content is increased. Add laxatives as needed. Groom the cat regularly to remove dead hair from the coat. Keep the cat's litter box extremely clean to promote regular defecation. Do not change litter box brands abruptly. Remove covers from the litter box to prevent odor. There are many different types of laxative and cathartic drugs that you can use to treat constipation. Laxatives are usually milder and cause the elimination of formed feces. In most cases, cathartic drugs will induce diarrhea. Consult with your veterinarian before giving your cat any medication. The prognosis for cats with impaction depends on the underlying cause and duration of the impaction. Mild cases usually have a good prognosis, but severe cases may lead to a secondary megacolon. You should be aware of the possibility of continued preventative and maintenance therapy. Gatorade(r), chicken broth, apple juice, and cola - Should NOT be given to dehydrated pets. They can make the dehydration worse. |
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| For all of our Special and PURR-FECT PURR-SONS Who wrap there tails around our hearts~ leaving there paw-prints with a love unconditional from the start~ we dread the day we have to part~ by Purrby's MUM |
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