Intestinal Dilatation in Cats by Emily Swiniarski, DVM - Reviewed by Brittany Kleszynski, DVM on 04/30/2024; Published on 04/17/2020. Share on Facebook, Twitter, or Email.
Megacolon, a condition commonly afflicting cats, impairs their ability to defecate and can be a source of discomfort. Approximately 70% of diagnosed cases occur in male cats, with the average age of affected cats being six years old. Early detection of the condition is crucial to prevent its progression, making it essential for cat owners to recognize the symptoms and seek veterinary help.
Understanding Megacolon in Cats:
Megacolon, meaning an enlarged colon, affects the end portion of a cat's intestines, where feces are formed before excretion. In cats with megacolon, the colon becomes distended, slowing the passage of feces and resulting in constipation. There is a possibility that the feces will become hard, dry, and large, causing intense discomfort for the cats. Severe and persistent constipation, known as obstipation, can occur in some cases.
Causes of Megacolon in Cats:
More than 60% of megacolon cases have an unknown cause, referred to as idiopathic. The dysfunction of the smooth muscle responsible for pushing feces out may be to blame. Recurring episodes of constipation can eventually lead to megacolon, causing the colon to stretch even further and damage its inner layers responsible for digestion and gut health.
Mix-breed cats are the most common sufferers of the condition, accounting for 61% of cases, while around 12% of cases occur in purebred Siamese cats, leading to speculation about genetics being a contributing factor. Other potential causes of megacolon in cats include blockages, nerve problems, congenital conditions, and congenital hypothyroidism.
Identifying Symptoms of Megacolon in Cats:
Symptoms of megacolon are similar to those of constipation, but they are more persistent and severe. In many cases, cats with megacolon will stop producing feces, may exhibit small, hard pieces of stool, refuse to use the litter box, strain to defecate, vomit, have a swollen belly, exhibit blood or mucus from the anus, lose appetite, and display decreased activity levels. Some cats may also experience liquid diarrhea due to inflammation and irritation of the inner lining of the colon.
Diagnosing Megacolon in Cats:
Veterinarians often diagnose megacolon in cats through X-rays, which allow them to examine the colon, search for underlying causes, and measure its size. If the colon is not too large, constipation may be the only issue. On the other hand, a significantly enlarged and distended colon indicates megacolon. Bloodwork is another diagnostic tool that veterinarians may use to investigate underlying health issues causing dehydration or constipation. In rare cases, more advanced testing such as colonoscopies or biopsies is required to accurately diagnose the condition and determine the best course of treatment.
Treating Megacolon in Cats:
In cases of severe constipation or obstipation, an enema is required to enable the removal of feces and help the cat pass stool more easily. Long-term management may involve medications to stimulate colonic movement, laxatives to ease defecation, increased water consumption through canned food or drinking fountains, increased fiber in the diet, prescription diets designed to promote gut health, probiotics, and acupuncture. In some cases, surgery to remove a mass may be necessary if medications fail to produce results. The most common surgical procedure for megacolon is called subtotal colectomy, which involves the removal of most of the colon to prevent future fecal obstruction.
Preventing Megacolon in Cats:
Megacolon can be more common in cats living in stressful environments or those without regular access to clean litter boxes. Preventative measures include providing cats with fresh water, a clean litter box, and an enriched environment to reduce stress and stimulate their activity levels. Promptly addressing any cases of constipation can help prevent the development of megacolon.
Related Conditions:
Megacolon is often connected to constipation. Constipation that goes untreated can eventually lead to megacolon, while obstipation is a type of severe, persistent constipation.
- Science has identified Megacolon, a condition in cats, as an enlarged colon affecting their digestive-health and causing chronic-constipation.
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- Megacolon in cats can be genetic, with mix-breed cats being the most common sufferers, while around 12% of cases occur in purebred Siamese cats.
- Diagnosing Megacolon in cats may require X-rays, bloodwork, colonoscopies, or biopsies, depending on the severity and underlying causes.
- Treatment for Megacolon may involve enema, medications, increased water consumption, fiber-rich diet, prescription diets, probiotics, acupuncture, or surgery in severe cases.
