You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Megacolon is uncommon and can be difficult to treat

Megacolon is more common in older cats than it is in dogs, but in both species it is an uncommon cause of constipation. 

Recurrent signs include :

• Severe constipation
• Inappetance
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Increased salivation
• Depression
• Hypokalaemia
• Anaemia
• Increased white blood cell count with a shift to the left

Cause :

• Primary megacolon - unknown
• Secondary megacolon - develops secondary to any primary cause of constipation eg fractured pelvis, neuromuscular dysfunction

Treatment

• The condition is irreversible 
• Dietary modification may help - feed a highly digestible, low residue ration. In some cases a high fibre ration may help.
• Laxatives may help in some cases - eg lactulose 1-3 ml/kg/ 3 times daily
• Surgery - subtotal colonectomy.*

* Provet Feedback request. Good results have been reported for subtotal colonectomy in these cases but Provet would like to hear from you if you have performed this procedure. Please send clinical details to feedback@provet.co.uk 

Thank You 

Updated October 2013