Can a cat live with megacolon?

Is Miralax safe for cats with megacolon?

Miralax powder for oral administration to soften stools is safe for ongoing use in cats. There are no known adverse effects associated with administering this product long term in cats as a stool softener. It should not repeatedly be administered as an enema in cats with megacolon.

What is megacolon in cats and how dangerous is it?

Megacolon is a chronic condition that occurs most often in cats and is basically a mega-sized, stretched-out, weakened colon. 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.”

What does a radiograph of a cat with megacolon show?

A radiograph of a cat with megacolon will show a very dilated colon filled with firm stool. The colon in this diagram to the right shows a colon that is at least twice the size of that of a normal cat. Cats with megacolon will generally have extreme constipation.

Is Miralax safe for cats to eat?

Miralax powder for oral administration to soften stools is safe for ongoing use in cats. There are no known adverse effects associated with administering this product long term in cats as a stool softener.

Can a 3 year old cat have megacolon?

However, in most cases, we cannot determine the reason that the nerves to the colon stop functioning. This disease generally occurs in middle-aged to older cats, but has also been seen in cats as young as three to four years old. In cases that do not have an identifiable cause, the condition is termed idiopathic megacolon.

How to distinguish between constipation and megacolon in cats?

Thirteen cats with constipation and 26 with megacolon were also evaluated and compared with the normal cats to characterize the accuracy of the reference range and to identify a cutoff to distinguish constipation from megacolon. A ratio of maximal diameter of the colon to L5 length was the most repeatable and accurate measurement.

What to do if your cat has megacolon?

Megacolon in cats. The role of colectomy In cats, clinical signs of constipation usually respond to laxatives, fecal softeners, enemas, and dietary management. Uncommonly, constipation is chronic and is associated with a marked increase in the diameter of the colon.

How many cats with megacolon are evaluated on radiographs?

Radiographs of 50 cats with no history of gastrointestinal disease were evaluated to establish a normal reference range for radiographic diameter of the feline colon. Thirteen cats with constipation and 26 with megacolon were also evaluated and compared with the normal cats to characterize the accur …

What are the side effects of Miralax?

Dehydration: Miralax binds the water in the gut, preventing it from entering back into the body. This can exacerbate dehydration. Diarrhea: Like with any laxative, it can go a little too far and cause diarrhea.

Is it safe to take Miralax for constipation?

The constipation could be a symptom of something more serious. Miralax is an osmosis laxative because of the water replacement in the digestive system. This is the safest form of laxative and causes the least side effects.

Is it safe to give a cat Miralax powder?

By: Erika Raines El Segundo, CA Replied on 04/19/2011 Miralax powder for oral administration to soften stools is safe for ongoing use in cats. There are no known adverse effects associated with administering this product long term in cats as a stool softener.

How much Miralax to give a cat for constipation?

This can vary a lot from cat to cat as it depends on several things like: As a general guide, cats need about ¼ of a teaspoon of Miralax twice daily. How fast Miralax works differs a lot from cat to cat. Some cats will experience relief within a few hours, others in a couple of days.

Is surgery necessary for a cat with megacolon?

As a surgeon, my wish is that cat owners realize that surgery relieves cats affected with megacolon very nicely in the vast majority of cases. And I wish this life-altering surgery were done sooner in the course of the disease.

Why is my cat constipated all of a sudden?

Constipation is a common problem in cats. Megacolon is a severe cause of constipation. Megacolon occurs when the large intestine becomes distended and filled with hard fecal material. Transmission is not possible between animals and not possible between animals and people

What causes megacolon in cats?

Nonetheless, the cause of this extreme form of constipation we call megacolon (or megacolon syndrome) is considered idiopathic in the majority of cats. Which is to say we have no definitive understanding of why these cats are so afflicted.

How to treat obstipation and megacolon in cats?

Treatment of Obstipation and Megacolon in Cats. Treatment of obstipation and megacolon is currently viewed as one of the few examples of a severe medical ailment for which a surgical option is considered curative. The subtotal colectomy procedure is considered the gold standard approach for this devastating condition.

What are the treatments for megacolon in cats?

If your cat’s megacolon is especially severe, and/or if other medical treatments have not been successful, your vet may wish to perform a colectomy. This surgery involves removing a portion of your cat’s large intestine.

When do you need a colectomy for a cat with megacolon?

Subtotal colectomy will become necessary in cats suffering from obstipation or idiopathic dilated megacolon. These cats, by definition, are unresponsive to medical therapy. Pelvic osteotomy without colectomy may be sufficient for some cats suffering from pelvic canal stenosis and hypertrophic megacolon.

Do you test for megacolon in cats with constipation?

While most cases of obstipation and megacolon are unlikely to have significant changes in laboratory data (e.g., complete blood count, serum chemistry, urinalysis), these tests should nonetheless be performed in all cats presented for constipation.

How long does it take for Miralax to work on cats?

Miralax is intended to be a short-term treatment and remedy for your cat’s constipation. If your cat does not have any results within a week of the treatment, it needs to be reported to your vet right away because this could be a sign of a bigger, more serious problem.

Can cats take Miralax for diarrhea?

Stop using Miralax for your cats if they have diarrhea signs. When your cats have any side effects like vomiting and lethargic, take them to the vet immediately. Moreover, here are some side effects that your cats may have, watch out for these as well:

What is Miralax for cats?

MiraLAX is an off-the-shelf constipation remedy. Primarily it’s designed for humans but if your vet agrees with you it can be used for cats as well. But, it is a short-term solution for her constipation and should not be used long term. So, now you know what MiraLAX is and why people use it.

Can I give my Cat Metamucil for constipation?

It comes in different flavors and your cat may lick it off your fingers. – Metamucil is a source of fiber. Mix one to four teaspoons with your cat’s food every 12 to 24 hours. – Miralax is another laxative and stool softener.

Why does Miralax cause diarrhea and constipation?

Dehydration: Miralax binds the water in the gut, preventing it from entering back into the body. This can exacerbate dehydration. Diarrhea: Like with any laxative, it can go a little too far and cause diarrhea. Dehydration is one of the main causes of constipation.