What can I give my Cat for megacolon?
This vet does not sound like he is very versed in Megacolon. When a cat has megacolon this means their colon muscles are not working properly to push the stool out. So, this is usually helped by giving the cat a motility drug called Cisapride. The Cisapride helps contract the muscles to push the stool out.
Does your cat suffer from megacolon?
This condition is called megacolon. Feline megacolon requires constant treatment. Bruce, a welcome visitor to PoC, devised a treatment for his cat who he believes suffers from megacolon or at least chronic constipation.
What kind of food do you feed your male cat?
Also my male cat is on Blue Wilderness Chicken and Rice which is grain free I was going to do half Ca Natural and half Blue plus canned food for both. I do a mix of good quality canned mixed with select varieties of Fancy Feast, as my male is picky about canned food.
Can cisapride cure megacolon in cats?
In many case, they’re a temporary Band-Aid approach. Even cisapride, a prokinetic agent, can stimulate only those feline colonic smooth muscles that are functional. When the colon is overdistended, i.e., when a megacolon is present, cisapride won’t help one bit. However, in the vast majority of cases, megacolon is curable with surgery.
How can I help my cat with megacolon?
A high fiber diet is recommended, which will keep the stools softer. Natural laxatives such as pumpkin can be added to the diet. Cisapride may also be prescribed to help improve the motility of the colon for more effective bowel movements.
Is a raw diet good for cats with megacolon?
Prevention. Megacolon can be prevented with healthy lifestyle management. Feed a species-appropriate, raw or grain-free canned diet. Give a good probiotic and digestive enzymes with each meal.
What food is good for constipated cats?
6 Best Food for Constipated Cats OptionsHills Prescription Diet Digestive Care. ... Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Food. ... Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gastroenteric Formula/ Naturals. ... Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support. ... Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Food.More items...•
Can cats recover from megacolon?
Life often returns to normal, or near normal, within several weeks. Though a subtotal colectomy is not necessarily a perfect solution, the majority of people whose cats have had one are quite pleased with the results. They continue to share life with a feline friend who, without the surgery, would not have survived.
How often do cats with megacolon poop?
In addition, it may pass several bowel movements each day. However, after one to two months, the stools will become formed and the cat will have an average of three bowel movements every two days.
How much pumpkin should I feed my constipated cat?
A small amount of pumpkin can relieve a mild case of feline constipation in 48 hours. Start by mixing a teaspoon of plain canned pumpkin into your cat's food once a day. You can increase this to two times per day and up to four teaspoons, but do so gradually.
What vegetables are good for cat constipation?
Greens and Other Foods If you're looking to greens to help with Tabby's constipation, try green beans. They can be cooked, canned, raw or even baby food. Peas are another green option for her. Though not green, pumpkin, or other winter squash, is a standard home remedy for cats and dogs suffering from constipation.
How long does it take for pumpkin to help a cat with constipation?
If you decide to help treat your cat's constipation or diarrhea by adding pumpkin to his diet, you should see improvements within a few hours to 1-2 days. Most cats will enjoy a bit of pumpkin mixed in with their wet food, or all by itself.
Does pumpkin puree help cats with constipation?
The fiber in pumpkin can both reduce excess moisture in your pet's digestive tract and add bulk to stools, helping to remedy diarrhea. The water in pumpkin also helps to alleviate constipation.
Can megacolon in cats be cured without surgery?
Treatment of megacolon in cats depends upon the cause and severity. A medical approach is usually tried first, but surgery may be necessary for severe or chronic cases. A medical approach involves the use of laxatives, colon-wall stimulants, enemas, and high-fiber diets or low-residue diets.
How long does it take to get megacolon cats?
Cats affected with idiopathic megacolon are usually between 5–9 years old. Diagnosing the condition usually happens long after constipation has been present, especially in a multiple cat household, or when cats are indoor/outdoor. In these cases, owners may not be aware of their cat's normal bowel habits.
Is megacolon reversible?
Hypertrophic megacolon is often reversible with the early removal of the colonic outflow obstruction. If left untreated, the obstruction will result in progression of the condition to an irreversible dilated megacolon.
Can a raw diet cause constipation in cats?
Some raw foods do contain too much bone which is not good, as this can make a cat constipated.
Do cats poop less on a raw diet?
One of the immediate results when feeding kitty a raw cat food diet is less cat poop, and cat poop that smells less. While some owners welcome this change, others are concerned that their cats might be constipated.
Does raw food make cats poop less?
Raw food definately causes less poop, and it should be dry. This is normal. THis is what their poop should be like. They are getting an appropriate diet and therefore digesting the majority of what they are consuming.
Do cats live longer on raw diet?
As history and research has shown, providing the diet a feline was intended to eat, not a human diet, has many beneficial aspects to living a healthier and longer live than when feed a commercial dried or wet food diet.
How long can a cat live with megacolon?
There is no expiration date attached to a diagnosis of megacolon, but the disease is serious and should never be ignored. Early intervention is the...
Can cat megacolon be cured?
Treatment of megacolon in cats depends upon the extent and severity of the condition. The longer it continues, the more aggressive the treatment mu...
How does a cat get megacolon?
Under normal circumstances, the colon or large intestines absorb water and store fecal material. When the movement of feces is delayed and feces re...
What are the symptoms of megacolon in cats?
A cat with megacolon will strain when trying to pass feces, but will usually pass very little, or nothing at all, despite great effort. A trace of...
How do you treat megacolon in cats?
You need to take your cat to the vet. First, intensive treatment is needed to clear out the impacted colon, and then medical and dietary treatment...
What do you feed a cat with megacolon?
There are different theories, and you should discuss this in detail with the veterinarian treating your cat. The two most common recommendations ar...
How much does it cost to treat a cat with megacolon?
It is impossible to estimate this cost, as there are so many different possible factors in each case. You should always ask your veterinarian for a...
What can cause megacolon in cats?
In most cases (62%), the cause of megacolon in cats is unknown. The next most common cause is damage to the pelvis, causing narrowing of the pelvic...
How do I know if my cat has megacolon?
The main signs, as listed above, are difficulty passing feces (straining unproductively, often with discomfort, in the litter box), as well as dull...
Is megacolon fatal in cats?
Most cats do survive, but cats treated medically tend to suffer recurrences that need ongoing treatment, and sometimes the issue becomes increasing...
Is cat megacolon contagious to other cats?
No. Megacolon is not caused by an infectious agent, so it will not spread from cat to cat.
How serious is megacolon in cats?
This can be a very serious and life threatening disease, requiring urgent veterinary treatment.
What is the best stool softner for cats?
Usually megacolon cats also have harder drier stools and require a stool softner alongside the Cisapride. Miralax is a wonderful stool softner. Lactulose is a stool softner as well but I have had much better success with the Miralax. Miralax is a odourless/tastelss powder you can add to the cats canned food to eat.
What does it mean when a cat has a megacolon?
This vet does not sound like he is very versed in Megacolon. When a cat has megacolon this means their colon muscles are not working properly to push the stool out. So, this is usually helped by giving the cat a motility drug called Cisapride. The Cisapride helps contract the muscles to push the stool out.
How long was Ootay on a 10 mg tablet?
Four years later, with gradual increases as the medicine lost it's effectiveness, she was up to 15 mg a day. Ootay was on them for 6 years, and maxed out on the dosages by the fourth year.
What is W/D in a colon?
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.
Can you take a cat home with a megacolon?
Megacolon in a cat that young is facing a lifetime of medications that have to be continually increased. however I advise you to take the cat home, so she is yours, and you have control over what happens to her, and take her to a vet experienced in this surgery.
Can mineral oil affect cats?
Mineral oil can interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Any laxative can., so be sure to give the lactulose on an empty stomach an hour before a meal.#N#Prolonged use of mineral oil can cause deficiencies of certain vitamins. On the other hand, cat lax is made with cod liver oil. Too much cod liver oil can cause a vitamin A toxicity in cats.#N#Because of these issues, I use three different kinds of hairball remedies, rotating them.#N#thanks for the update on Kattie. I'm glad she's doing better, she is lucky to have you there!
How often do cats have bowel movements?
However, after one to two months, the stools will become formed and the cat will have an average of three bowel movements every two days. There should be no loss of fecal control.
What is the organ that stores water and stores fecal material?
The gastrointestinal tract terminates in the large intestine with a tubular organ called the colon. The colon serves as a site for the absorption of water and storage of fecal material and ends at the rectum. The walls of the colon contain muscles that are stimulated to contract by nerves from the spinal cord.
How to tell if a cat has a megacolon?
Megacolon is often diagnosed by clinical signs which can include straining to defecate, weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, and anorexia (lack of appetite). On physical examination, the cat may have a painful abdomen, as well as be dehydrated and depressed.
What tests are done to determine the size of the colon?
Other diagnostic tests such as blood and urine testing, ultrasound, and colonoscopy may also be performed.
What is the wall of the colon?
The walls of the colon contain muscles that are stimulated to contract by nerves from the spinal cord. When the colon contracts, fecal material is pushed out of the body.
What causes megacolons?
An injury to the spinal cord can cause megacolon. In addition, mechanical obstruction caused by tumors, foreign bodies, hairballs, and strictures can lead to megacolon.
Can a cat lose bowel control after colon removal?
Although this procedure may involve removal of most of the colon, the anal sphincter will be left intact so the cat should not lose bowel control. Most cats do reasonably well after this procedure with few permanent side effects.
Causes of Megacolon in Cats
Cats may start with mild to moderate constipation and over time without treatment, develop megacolon and chronic constipation. Anything that prevents the passage or movement of stool in the large intestine can lead to megacolon:
Symptoms of Megacolon in Cats
In the beginning, owners may notice harder and larger than normal stool in the litter box. As the illness progresses, cats often sit in the litter box longer than usual without producing stool at all. By this time, they may also have nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite.
How is megacolon diagnosed?
Megacolon in cats is diagnosed based on a history of decreased and/or difficulty producing stool or constipation. Cats with the symptoms listed above along with a physical exam finding of firm stool in the large intestine is suggestive of megacolon.
What treatments are available for cats with megacolon?
Treatment of megacolon depends on the cause of the constipation: foreign objects and tumors need to be removed and trauma to the pelvis may require surgery. Illnesses that contribute to dehydration and constipation such as chronic kidney disease also need appropriate treatment.
Is megacolon preventable?
The right nutrition and diet play an important role in preventing megacolon in cats. Always talk to your vet before changing your cat’s diet as this can lead to other problems.
What Is Megacolon?
Megacolon is a condition where the lower part of the digestive tract (the colon) becomes grossly enlarged, full of a large amount of fecal material that the cat is unable to pass. “Mega” means “enlarged” and “colon” is the name of the part of the digestive tract that’s affected by this dilation (widening) and dysfunction.
How Common Is Megacolon?
Megacolon is a common condition in cats, especially in middle-aged animals (the average age is around six years of age). Male cats are more likely to suffer from this, making up 70% of cases, compared to 30% in female cats.
How Do Cats Get Megacolon?
Megacolon has several possible causes, in order of incidence as follows:
Symptoms Of Megacolon In Cats
Chronic constipation is the best way to describe the symptoms of megacolon. The main clinical signs noticed by owners are usually linked to the behavior of the affected cats around defecation.
Causes Of Megacolon In Cats
In nearly two thirds of cases (62%), the cause cannot be identified, and such cases are classified as “idiopathic”. Nearly one in four cases (23%) are caused by narrowing of the pelvic canal (such as after pelvic fractures in a road accident) which causes a partial obstruction, then leading to megacolon.
Diagnosis Of Megacolon
If your DVM veterinarian suspects that your cat may have megacolon, the following steps may be taken. As well as confirming the diagnosis, it’s important to identify the underlying cause so that the most appropriate treatment can be given.
Treatment Of Megacolon
Megacolon is usually treated with medications (laxatives, stool softeners, colon wall stimulants and high fiber diets), and ultimately surgery.
What is a megacolon?
Megacolon is when the intestine becomes enlarged, dilated, and packed with hard fecal matter.
What causes megacolon in cats?
There are a number of possible reasons for megacolon in cats, such as:
What are the treatments of megacolon in cats?
Enemas are the first thing to try at your vet’s office to relieve obstipation. Along with fluid supplementation, possible antibiotics, anti-nausea medications, and discomfort medication. In severe cases, when an enema is not enough, anesthesia and manual de-bulking of the colon are necessary.
What are long-term solutions?
Daily medications are necessary, along with food therapy (low residue, highly digestible diets, or high fiber diets), and supplements.
What happens when constipation cannot be managed with medications?
In such severe conditions, sub-total colectomy surgery provides relief for many cats that can’t be managed with food, supplements, or medications.
What are preventative options?
Preventing your kitty from having hard, infrequent stools is key to avoiding megacolon. The first sign of struggle to defecate with hard stools should be addressed with supplements, like NHV Maris.
Natural options for support
NHV Maris is a natural constipation aid. This formulation helps soften stools and contains herbs that help improve peristalsis and improve intestinal muscle tone.
owieprone PetForums VIP
generally i wouldn't say this but have you tried Iams? Normally it's not good but for those with intestinal problems tend to do quite well on it.
owieprone PetForums VIP
you could try them with normal iams, we feed Neeps that (she possibly has megacolon but the vet hasn't decided yet) and she does SOOO much betteron it!
Taylorbaby PetForums VIP
we have now tried different advice after 14 years of nothing working it has really changed his life, I think it maybe helpful as alot of food/info can be wrong on this illness.
Kuzca&Nessie PetForums Newbie
You're right. But luckily, the treatment with lactulose and extra fiber in food, has resulted in the diminution of the diameter the colon for half in one month.
tibbythecat PetForums Junior
This forum and the yahoo group saved my Dizzy's life so its worth taking a look!
