Is megacolon in cats curable?

Can cat with megacolon be cured without surgery?

Feline Megacolon is a serious condition that can affect cats. As the name sounds, the disease causes a very large colon. While cats with this condition can not usually be cured without surgery, there are several things that can be done.

Is there a cure for megacolon?

There is no other cure for megacolon, and she has years ahead of her. My Ootay had megacolon, but by the time it was properly diagnosed she was too ill in other ways to manage such an invasive surgery. But if she had only been 6 years old I would have had the surgery done, no question.

What kind of surgery do you do for a megacolon cat?

Surgery for cats with megacolon. If a cat truly has megacolon (which means that the colon is not able to function at all) the only option may be to have surgery done. The surgery is called a subtotal colectomy. When a subtotal colectomy is done, the majority of the colon is removed.

How do I know if my cat has megacolon?

Most of the time a vet will diagnose megacolon by taking an xray. 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.

Can megacolon in cats be cured?

Feline Megacolon is a serious condition that can affect cats. As the name sounds, the disease causes a very large colon. While cats with this condition can not usually be cured without surgery, there are several things that can be done. Most of the time a vet will diagnose megacolon by taking an xray.

What is the best treatment for megacolon?

The W/D is a very high fiber food which in the past has been used to treat megacolon, which is what the doctor is saying she has. He is also saying if the w/d isn’t working then the only thing that can help her is surgery to take out the colon and resect the small intestine to the rectum.

What is the treatment for megacolon in cats?

When megacolon is present, constipation responds poorly to medical therapy. Without surgical treatment, megacolon may become an intolerable problem, with euthanasia of the cat as the probable outcome. Subtotal colectomy is now established as a satisfactory treatment for idiopathic megacolon in cats.

Where to find info on feline megacolon surgery?

There is info on it at the Yahoo Feline Megacolon Group that you can print out and take with you to your vet. I highly recommend that you visit this group! There is so much helpful info there for steps to take before your last resort (surgery).

What can I give my Cat for megacolon?

Some cats with megacolon do well with the addition of fiber (bran, pumpkin, metamucil) while other cats do better with a prescription low residue diet. If a cat truly has megacolon (which means that the colon is not able to function at all) the only option may be to have surgery done.

How much does a subtotal colectomy cost for a cat?

When a subtotal colectomy is done, the majority of the colon is removed. Most cats do very well after this surgery, however, there are a few important factors to know about this surgery: It can be very expensive. The surgery is difficult and usually the cat requires a long hospital stay. It can cost between $1500.00 and $3000.00.

What causes constipation in cats with megacolon?

Dehydration is a major factor in constipation. In order for your cat to recover from megacolon, it is important for you to monitor their hydration for at least a week after you see your vet. In order to do this, you can:

How can I Help my Cat recover from megacolon?

In order for your cat to recover from megacolon, it is important for you to monitor their hydration for at least a week after you see your vet. In order to do this, you can: Be vigilant for signs of constipation. Note how often your cat relieves itself. If your cat becomes constipated, you may be able to help.

How do vets diagnose megacolon in cats?

The most common way that veterinarians diagnose megacolon in cats is through X-rays. Your veterinarian will examine your cat and feel large, firm feces stuck inside. On an X-ray, veterinarians can look for underlying causes for megacolon as well as measure the size of the colon. If the colon is not too large, your cat may just be constipated.

What is the prognosis for feline megacolon?

Prognosis. The long-term outlook for cats that have feline megacolon is fair. While most cats will respond to therapy of the initial onslaught, even those that require surgery, repeat episodes are not uncommon. Early treatment of repeat episodes of constipation will add years and quality to the cats’ life.

How do you diagnose megacolon in cats?

The final diagnosis of idiopathic megacolon is made by excluding all other causes of constipation. For idiopathic megacolon, initial management is medical. These cats should be appropriately hydrated (IV fluids if dehydrated), then an enema, and deobstipation (manual removal of feces) should be performed.

How to treat megacolon and constipation in cats?

Treatment of Megacolon and constipation in cats 1 Oral administration of lactulose which helps to soften stools. 2 Occasional microlax enemas. 3 Cisapride or metaclopramide tablets which help to move the intestines. 4 Miralax granules added to the food. 5 A change in diets…

What is the best diet for megacolon in cats?

This diet is VERY high in fibre. Many vets will prescribe this because the old school way of thinking for treating megacolon is a high fibre diet. Granted this may work for some cats but many do not do well on a high fibre diet. A lower fibre, grain free, wet food diet is best.

Do male cats get constipation and megacolon?

Constipation and megacolon may be seen in cats of any age, breed and gender. However it is more commonly seen in middle-aged domestic shorthair cats. Male cats appear to be twice as likely to develop these conditions when compared to female cats.

What causes abnormal enlargement of the colon in cats?

Minimal colonic activity, where the colon is not releasing its contents, is another condition that can lead to abnormal enlargement of the colon. Megacolon can be a congenital or acquired condition. Cats with congenital megacolon lack normal smooth muscle function of the colon.

How do vets test for megacolon in dogs?

Occasionally more advanced testing will be recommended for megacolon. This can include a colonoscopy, which allows veterinarians to look for abnormalities in the colon with a small camera. Biopsies (small samples) can be taken to analyze for cancer, nerve issues, and other damage to the colon.

How long does megacolon take to pass in cats?

Megacolon in Cats The digestive process in cats takes about 8 -20 hours and before being eliminated. This may also depend on the type of food: raw, dry and canned. Given that a lot of cats don’t often drink a lot of fluids especially those that consume dry foods with no fiber, they may pass harder stools or experience constipation.

What is megacolon and how is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis of megacolon is based on history and physical exam, and is confirmed with radiographs (x-rays) of the abdomen. The diagnostic work-up should also include blood work to rule out any metabolic abnormalities.

When to take your cat to the vet for megacolon?

If your cat is displaying symptoms of megacolon such as difficulty or pain while defecating, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, or blood in its feces, you should take it to the vet for diagnosis and treatment. Your vet may place your cat under anesthesia and perform an anema to remove the blocked feces.

What are the treatments for constipation in cats?

If your cat’s struggles with constipation are severe enough, you vet may prescribe a medication called Cisapride. This is a medicine that can help improve your cat’s gastrointestinal motility, including the motility of the colon. Constipation is a relatively common problem for cats, so if your cat is struggling, your vet can help both of you.

What causes constipation and megacolon in cats?

Constipation and megacolon may be seen in cats of any age, breed and gender. However it is more commonly seen in middle-aged domestic shorthair cats. Male cats appear to be twice as likely to develop these conditions when compared to female cats. A sedentary lifestyle may contribute to the development of constipation and ultimately megacolon.

Do cats with megacolon need surgery?

Most cats respond well to medical therapy and diet change and do not need advanced procedures. Cats that have constipation and megacolon should be kept on high fiber diets for their lifetime. Cats that need surgery also have a good prognosis and can lead normal lives.

What causes an enlarged kidney in a cat?

Causes of Kidney Enlargement in Cats. Kidney enlargement can be a symptom of a variety of medical conditions. The kidneys may become inflamed as a result of injury, infection, or serious conditions like cancers or poisoning.