Megacolon is a serious condition that some cats develop in which the muscle of the large intestine (colon) loses its strength. This results in the inability of the colon to contract normally which is required to move feces through. Feces then accumulate in sections of the colon, stretching the colon thereby increasing its diameter dramatically. The cat eventually ends up with a megacolon.
These cats are chronically constipated and uncomfortable. Vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite are frequently seen. After the condition is confirmed by the veterinarian, the cat is rehydrated with intravenous fluids (many are presented dehydrated), anesthetized and the colon manually emptied. Upon recovery, the affected cat is given laxatives, medications to stimulate the colon to contract, and a special diet with soluble fiber to help prevent recurrence of the condition.
Many cats are kept on this treatment for the rest of their lives, especially if they developed this condition in middle to old age because in these patients, the colon often fails to regain its normal ability to contract. Why did the colon lose its contraction ability? In many cases, the cause is unknown. In a few cats, it may be a genetic predisposition...namely the Manx cat.
In some cases that do not adequately respond to medical management, surgery is necessary. In the surgery (subtotal colectomy) the affected section of intestine is removed. Most cats respond well to the surgery. Many have diarrhea initially, but this usually resolves within 6 weeks of surgery.
Prevention of megacolon in the cat is problematic. However, if the cat afflicted with megacolon is presented to a veterinarian for treatment in the early stage rather than the later, it may at least be possible to avoid surgery
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