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help with megacolon
Hello! I've an 11-year old long-haired feline who has megacolon. We move around quite a bit, and I have had to shuffle him between vets, and am about to shuffle him again. Four years ago, just a few months before we were about to move overseas, he developed a constipation problem. His American vet gave him an enema and put him on stool softeners to be used only occasionally. Once we moved overseas, he had several enemas before his vet put him on liquid paraffin every day. I used to take him for a check every two weeks too make sure that the paraffin was working, and for the most part, it did, like a charm; only very occasionally, the vet would determine that he also needed a micro-lax (which I gather is like a glycerin suppository), and that would sort out any problems--this regime worked for several years. Still, periodically my vet would mention the prospect of a colonectomy--apparently, from x-rays, he did not absolutely have megacolon at the time, but it was arguable that the colon was at least a bit stretched. This vet had performed many colon-ectomies and assured me that there were few side effects and that it would instantly solve the problem. I debated this possibility for a long time, and then eventually I needed to move back to the states. Unfortunately, when I moved back, I had to leave my cat for six weeks with my mother. She says she gave him his paraffin every day (I am sure she did), but when I got home there was an obvious and critical problem. I immediately called a family vet (literally, a family member who is actually a very well-respected vet). This vet argued that a colon-ectomy could have serious side-effects, and that I should try to regulate the problem by other means if I could. This made sense, since I rarely got a negative report during my cat's fortnightly checks overseas; I probably could get the problem under control. Anyway, I brought my cat in to this vet's hospital, where an x-ray was performed. This time, the diagnosis was definately megacolon. They gave my cat an enema, and tried him on lactulose, since paraffin is not commonly prescribed in this country. This was about six months ago. Since that time, I have had to switch back to paraffin (I order it from overseas), because the lactulose did not seem to work at all. I have to say that he seems worse. He struggles obviously and often in the litterbox, and at first, I thought it was just a stumbling block, getting used to a new place and regime. My current vet told me that I could give my cat liquid glycerin suppositories to sort out any immediate problems, which I have to do about once a week or ten days. I take him in for a check every few weeks or so, but lately (I suspect because the weather has been hot) I have been noticing that he dehydrates rapidly, and the problem arises more frequently--he barely ever goes to the litterbox without a liquid glycerin suppository. I know his urinating is normal, because I am frequently monitoring his trips to the litterbox. The last two times I have taken him in for checks, they have given him sub-cutaneous fluids and an enema. They also suggested that I give him pedia-lyte, which I have been doing, though I confess only occasionally, when his flesh 'feels' a bit dehydrated. My vet seems to think that it is probably the hot weather, but I wonder. Tonight, for example, he strained four or five times in the box, so I gave him a liquid glycerin suppository. He feels a bit dehydrated again. He produced a bit of stool, but then resorted to squatting several times outside the box, in several different places, leaking out drops of liquid feces, and he was also vomiting foam. He did this last time (about a week ago) as well. OK, so it has usually been an effect of the liquid glycerin suppository that he vomits afterward--it is not always foam, and the vet said that this was normal. Tonight, his feces has had a strong odor that he does not normally have--normally (at least for the past six months) his feces has had almost no odor. I would dearly love to order a full blood work-up, but at the moment I don't feel like I can ask for something that my vet does not suggest. In a few weeks, however, I will be moving a few hours away for a new job that will last a year. I will continue to see my current vet periodically (I am likely to be a nomad for at least a few more years, and this vet is fairly close to my parents' home), but I will also find one who is close to where we will be living at my new job. In a sense, I will be glad to have some fresh tests/diagnosis, but it is also difficult to keep moving between vets. Before I make the switch to another vet, I'd love to have an outside opinion of the matter. I know I will be directed a certain way--but is there something I should suggest--any tests, for example? I worry so much about this problem--I keep thinking that something dreadful is going to happen in-between visits to the vet, perhaps even overnight or something, if I am not astute in my observations. I also wonder if there is something else wrong with him, maybe contributing to the constipation or else happening as a result of it--I really think that I notice changes in his symptoms, but it is hard to present that case--for example, who cares if his feces has a stronger odor all of a sudden? Maybe it was something he ate! I realize that I cannot insist upon having him seen and checked every few days, but the 'system' we have going at the moment just does not seem to be working like when we were overseas--everything just seemed so much more consistent then, and I wonder if that last bout of extreme constipation (when he was with my mother) actually changed the problem or created a new one. There is just something not quite right. Oh, and I should mention that every vet my cat has seen has tried to teach me to 'feel' for constipation--I am hopeless at this. Further, I should say that the summer here is much hotter than any my cat has experienced over the past four years, when we were overseas. Thanks in advance for any opinions you may have to offer.
Restoralax (Miralax) in her food (3/4 of a teaspoon a day) made my 19 yo siamese chronic constipation go away many years ago. No taste, no smell, no side effects. It just keeps the water in the stool to make it flow. Her antacid ranitidine also further helped her make spectacular stools.
Pls give your cats wet food, or they will end up with not only constipation but renal insufficiency like mine did 4 years ago. I can manage her, but it's a lot of work to maintain a good quality of life.
Pls give your cats wet food, or they will end up with not only constipation but renal insufficiency like mine did 4 years ago. I can manage her, but it's a lot of work to maintain a good quality of life.
Hi, I do agree with some of the Vets suggestions, the kitten milk or 50/50 mix should help. I see no reason to try ice cream since you will be giving milk already besides ice cream is full of sugar and that's not safe for cats,
Vaseline ( white) is ok but just for short term or occasional use...since it's petroleum it's not safe for permanent use, instead you can try a small amount of unsalted butter(NOT margarine) or even pure lard I use this for my one cat with constipation issues
Good luck
Vaseline ( white) is ok but just for short term or occasional use...since it's petroleum it's not safe for permanent use, instead you can try a small amount of unsalted butter(NOT margarine) or even pure lard I use this for my one cat with constipation issues
Good luck
I have a manx kitten which I just adopted. I took her to the vet yesterday and the vet informed me that her spine is short and she has problems going to the bathroom. The vet told me to help keep her going without straining to give her a teaspoon of kitten milk three times a day; ice cream if she will eat a little; half and half at the same ratio as the kitten milk or a pencil eraser size amount of petroleum jelly a couple times of day. I am trying the kitten milk first.
Hello...my cat has had megacolon for most of her life and I didn't know it when I adopted her. After many vet visits and enemas they finally showed me what to feel for. They had me put my hands on either side of her hips and feel the lumps of poop lodged in her colon. I must say it was quite a startling discovery and I felt so bad for my little girl. I immediately put her on an all wet food diet with as much added water as she'd tolerate and that definitely helped to soften her stools. But she doesn't realize that there is poop in her colon and won't go unless prompted to. I've tried Lactolose, Cisipride, canned pumpkin, EVERYTHING and she just doesn't get it. Occasionally there will be a nugget in the litter box but that''s pretty rare.
But bringing her to the vets for an enema every time she needed to go was breaking me financially and when I'd give her an enema at home it just never had the same effect. She just doesn't seem to go for me with the home enemas. I've tried just warm water ones, ones with mineral oil, and ones with some soap mixed in and nothing seems to work. I don't want to put her down because she is a very happy cat when she is poop free and healthy otherwise. She's only about 9 years old right now and loves life.
So I thought long and hard about the mechanics of how she poops and I decided to be her peristalsis. So what we do is go to the litter box and I turn her so her butt is facing me. I then put my hands on either side of her colon and gently push with my fingers until I can feel her poop. I will then gently apply pressure all along her colon in a downwards motion, kind of like you would a tube of toothpaste and she'll immediately feel the pressure this causes and assume the poop position. I'll then feel her abdominal muscles working to push as well and I usually stop squeezing and try to let her push it out on her own, but sometimes she needs additional help. Normally this whole process takes about 5 min tops and we're out of there and enjoying life. We've been doing this technique for about 4 years now and she is healthy and happy. The only downside to this is that I'm the only one that knows how to do it and the only one she trusts enough. She won't let my husband and frankly no one else has wanted to try. So it's tough when we have to travel or want to go on vacation, but she's my fuzzyface so I deal with it.
I hope this helps other pet owners that have to deal with megacolon. It's a free treatment that doesn't seem to negatively effect her and she's super happy and proud of herself after she's had a poop (even if assisted). It also helps if afterward you give a little treat or something so they don't associate pooping time with anything negative. I think she understands that I'm just trying to help and even when there are large lumps she's never hissed or swatted or tried to bite. She's a very good natured cat and very gentle and trusts me completely...so maybe that's why I'm even able to poop her like this. I don't know how other cats would handle this technique but it's worth a try if it gives your pet relief and you relief in your wallet and from all those crazy medicines.
But bringing her to the vets for an enema every time she needed to go was breaking me financially and when I'd give her an enema at home it just never had the same effect. She just doesn't seem to go for me with the home enemas. I've tried just warm water ones, ones with mineral oil, and ones with some soap mixed in and nothing seems to work. I don't want to put her down because she is a very happy cat when she is poop free and healthy otherwise. She's only about 9 years old right now and loves life.
So I thought long and hard about the mechanics of how she poops and I decided to be her peristalsis. So what we do is go to the litter box and I turn her so her butt is facing me. I then put my hands on either side of her colon and gently push with my fingers until I can feel her poop. I will then gently apply pressure all along her colon in a downwards motion, kind of like you would a tube of toothpaste and she'll immediately feel the pressure this causes and assume the poop position. I'll then feel her abdominal muscles working to push as well and I usually stop squeezing and try to let her push it out on her own, but sometimes she needs additional help. Normally this whole process takes about 5 min tops and we're out of there and enjoying life. We've been doing this technique for about 4 years now and she is healthy and happy. The only downside to this is that I'm the only one that knows how to do it and the only one she trusts enough. She won't let my husband and frankly no one else has wanted to try. So it's tough when we have to travel or want to go on vacation, but she's my fuzzyface so I deal with it.
I hope this helps other pet owners that have to deal with megacolon. It's a free treatment that doesn't seem to negatively effect her and she's super happy and proud of herself after she's had a poop (even if assisted). It also helps if afterward you give a little treat or something so they don't associate pooping time with anything negative. I think she understands that I'm just trying to help and even when there are large lumps she's never hissed or swatted or tried to bite. She's a very good natured cat and very gentle and trusts me completely...so maybe that's why I'm even able to poop her like this. I don't know how other cats would handle this technique but it's worth a try if it gives your pet relief and you relief in your wallet and from all those crazy medicines.
My Vet told me yesterday to use both Miralax & Lactulose, and ordered the Cisipride I am waiting for UPS to drop it off...Tinks went big time this morning, long road ahead of us...praying for everyone here <3
Does anyone else hear have a problem of the cat vomitting up her bowels ?
Tinks does that and it stopped for 3 weeks then it happened 3 days ago, all over the place because the colon is so enlarged, says the Vet...at first my Husband tried to tell me she was doing it from her rear, until he witnessed it & could not believe it....On all your postings I never read what Tinks Vomit is like, am I alone on this issue ???
Tinks does that and it stopped for 3 weeks then it happened 3 days ago, all over the place because the colon is so enlarged, says the Vet...at first my Husband tried to tell me she was doing it from her rear, until he witnessed it & could not believe it....On all your postings I never read what Tinks Vomit is like, am I alone on this issue ???
yes we have been using that sticky Lactulose in syringe form for months now, yesterday The Vet ordered the Cisipride, it should arrive today by UPS, also I added 1/4 tsp of Miralax into her food, heard all strange noise's last night while trying to rub her gently, This Morning was very Successful, still no where in sight for her to get 100% better, The Vet said go ahead and do the Miralax, wow that worked ! fingers crossed for today ! I use it once a day with the Lactulose...this is so sad :( Prayers to Everyone ...
sorry to hear abt Tink...as with any condition it can be worked with as long as you keep reading and learning all you can abt this condition. Pumpkin is a good source of fiber, however cats with megacolon fiber isn't a good idea as I've recently read, high fiber takes out the moisture in the colon and dries up the stool..making passage even slower and more difficult. as stated in some earlier posts you need to be using lactulose or miralax (not both)...has your Vet advised you on one of these products? they will help soften the stool and promote bowel movements.
My one kitty doesn't have mega colon but he does have a con-stricture in his bowel and I use lactulose regularly for him. 2mls with 4mls of water via a syringe or dropper,1-2x per day...as required. this is avail thru any pharmacy..
My one kitty doesn't have mega colon but he does have a con-stricture in his bowel and I use lactulose regularly for him. 2mls with 4mls of water via a syringe or dropper,1-2x per day...as required. this is avail thru any pharmacy..
Hello,
I am CJ Tinks MOM I am gonna try the Pumpkin today, Tinks is a 9 yr old Siamese (female) going through this mega colon too, its breaking our hearts :(
I am CJ Tinks MOM I am gonna try the Pumpkin today, Tinks is a 9 yr old Siamese (female) going through this mega colon too, its breaking our hearts :(
Megacolon:Adult cat. Miralax 1/4 tsp add to food about a tablesppon of food. Adjust to less if neccessary nno more than that. Must be daily or stool will become hard again.
Do not use lactulose when using miralax. Only use one.
Cistipride for motility.
Diet: Use grain-free foods. High quality premium foods such as Merrick, Wellness, EVO, Halo etc.
Provide Fresh water throughout day can add some ice chios to encourage cat to drink.
Make sure you are treating Megacolon. If your cat has other issues make sure you are treating the proper diagnosis. Consult your Vet or seek a holistic vet.
Most vets do are not taught nutrition and pet foods are not regulated other than the pet food companies. Commercial foods are not good. as you think
Read this article in it's entirety. http://www.squidoo.com/safe-healthy-natural-cat-food
Do not use lactulose when using miralax. Only use one.
Cistipride for motility.
Diet: Use grain-free foods. High quality premium foods such as Merrick, Wellness, EVO, Halo etc.
Provide Fresh water throughout day can add some ice chios to encourage cat to drink.
Make sure you are treating Megacolon. If your cat has other issues make sure you are treating the proper diagnosis. Consult your Vet or seek a holistic vet.
Most vets do are not taught nutrition and pet foods are not regulated other than the pet food companies. Commercial foods are not good. as you think
Read this article in it's entirety. http://www.squidoo.com/safe-healthy-natural-cat-food
A cat I saved has mega colon we give him metoclopramide and lactulose through our vet it works lasts a year than have to go back to renew it ,anyway also can try real unsweeted pumpin to help soften stool just mix it in their food my cats love it .if you have any questions let me know via my email address it is ***@**** and all the best you sound like a wonderful parent for you cat. mrs Wynne
A cat I saved has mega colon we give him metoclopramide and lactulose through our vet it works lasts a year than have to go back to renew it ,anyway also can try real unsweeted pumpin to help soften stool just mix it in their food my cats love it .if you have any questions let me know via my email address it is ***@**** and all the best you sound like a wonderful parent for you cat. mrs Wynne
sorry almost missed your post, you have posted on a very OLD thread and asked a question to velvet who only posted back 2 or 3 years ago...so unfortunately I doubt you'll get a reply from her.
Please follow the recommendations of your Vet with any medications, do NOT go by what someone mentions on this or any forum...RANITIDINE should never be used as a laxative!!!!!!
using lactulose is regarded as safe, it is a stool softner....my Vet has prescribed 2mls mixed with 3mls of water 2x a day. I wouldn't use more than that as it could cause cramping. it won't work overnight and sometimes isn't effective but worth a try.
for megacolon its best to use insoluable fibers that soften the stools and promote faster evacuation so the stool doesn't sit in the colon and become hard and large.
other insoluable fibers are pumpkin,wheat bran, zucchini, celery, sweet potatoes. so you can also try adding one of these to his food...just start slow.
good luck, post again if we can help.
Please follow the recommendations of your Vet with any medications, do NOT go by what someone mentions on this or any forum...RANITIDINE should never be used as a laxative!!!!!!
using lactulose is regarded as safe, it is a stool softner....my Vet has prescribed 2mls mixed with 3mls of water 2x a day. I wouldn't use more than that as it could cause cramping. it won't work overnight and sometimes isn't effective but worth a try.
for megacolon its best to use insoluable fibers that soften the stools and promote faster evacuation so the stool doesn't sit in the colon and become hard and large.
other insoluable fibers are pumpkin,wheat bran, zucchini, celery, sweet potatoes. so you can also try adding one of these to his food...just start slow.
good luck, post again if we can help.
We've just joined the group of megacolon cats with our 11 yr old male British Shorthair. I've read your comment about the Ranitidine and gathered that you are giving it to your cat with success. But how did you calculate the dosage? Our cat weighs 30 pounds (he's lost 6 since the onset of illness). His Cisapride dosage is 10 mg - if that gives you an idea on weight/dosage ratio. The Cisapride does not seem to be doing much for him though he has become resigned to having a capsule tossed down his throat. We found the small liquid glycerin suppositores and those work really well.
I've also read pros and cons regarding low density foods and high fiber foods. How are you feeding your cat?
Thanks so much! Your post was the best collection of information I've found so far.
I've also read pros and cons regarding low density foods and high fiber foods. How are you feeding your cat?
Thanks so much! Your post was the best collection of information I've found so far.
yes stool softners work great, but the one to use for cats is called LACTULOSE....ratiopharm 667mg/ml. I use it for one of mine who also has issues..
its avail thru our human pharmacies. its a sticky liquid that you need to add water with. I safely use 2mls Lactulose (.40 of a tsp) plus 2mls water(.40 tsp)
once a day...twice if really constipated. judge this on an as needed basis, and when starting anything start will less than whats recommended just to see how its going to effect gravel...don't want it to give him the poops.
so I recommend you start the first day with 1ml (less than 1/4tsp) if he doesn't have a poop the next day do the 2mls, if this still isn't enough do the 2mls 2x a day...and believe me that WILL work....
This can be used daily to keep him regular or on an 'as needed basis'
its avail thru our human pharmacies. its a sticky liquid that you need to add water with. I safely use 2mls Lactulose (.40 of a tsp) plus 2mls water(.40 tsp)
once a day...twice if really constipated. judge this on an as needed basis, and when starting anything start will less than whats recommended just to see how its going to effect gravel...don't want it to give him the poops.
so I recommend you start the first day with 1ml (less than 1/4tsp) if he doesn't have a poop the next day do the 2mls, if this still isn't enough do the 2mls 2x a day...and believe me that WILL work....
This can be used daily to keep him regular or on an 'as needed basis'
Thanks for your comment. I think I'm using the last of the cisapride. It cost $60 a lick. Last about 6 wks. didn't seem to work that well.
Just got Gravel home a few minutes ago.
I'm going to try a stool softner that I found. Megalax. Since gravel will not even get close to any meds i think this will work.
It is tasteless and odorless. Vet said this would be okay. Have to guess at the right amount.....
Just got Gravel home a few minutes ago.
I'm going to try a stool softner that I found. Megalax. Since gravel will not even get close to any meds i think this will work.
It is tasteless and odorless. Vet said this would be okay. Have to guess at the right amount.....
hi and welcome to our forum. good for you for taking this kitty into your home and caring for her....
I am wondering if your kitty is on a canned diet? kibble diets are already so dehydrated they lead to constipation issues. proper hydration alone can correct this chronic problem.
You can also add some pumpkin(plain NO spices) 1-4Tbsp per meal and wheat bran 1-2Tbsp per meal into the wet diet this adds good fiber. kitty must be getting alot of fluids in the diet when supplementing with fiber to minimize the impaction.
Probiotics are also another good addition.
I'm not sure about using cisapride especially long term. it has been removed from the market for humans b/c of possible heart arrhythmias and heart attacks....I know Vets still use it however I question the safety.
I am wondering if your kitty is on a canned diet? kibble diets are already so dehydrated they lead to constipation issues. proper hydration alone can correct this chronic problem.
You can also add some pumpkin(plain NO spices) 1-4Tbsp per meal and wheat bran 1-2Tbsp per meal into the wet diet this adds good fiber. kitty must be getting alot of fluids in the diet when supplementing with fiber to minimize the impaction.
Probiotics are also another good addition.
I'm not sure about using cisapride especially long term. it has been removed from the market for humans b/c of possible heart arrhythmias and heart attacks....I know Vets still use it however I question the safety.
Read your post about the problem with Cisapride. My cat will not take anything thru the mouth. Nothing. She was a wild cat for 9 years and I have had her for 9 years. She showed up in my lumber yard and stayed until I closed it and brought her home. She didn't like that for a few months either. No one else can touch her but me.
She is not a people cat. She is in the vets office once a month. I have tried everything.
I got Cisapride compounded with chicken flavor. this is the only thing she will take in her food. Problem is it cost.
hope you have luck...
She is not a people cat. She is in the vets office once a month. I have tried everything.
I got Cisapride compounded with chicken flavor. this is the only thing she will take in her food. Problem is it cost.
hope you have luck...
my sister's cat had severe megacolon
the only thing that helped after years of tests,vets
latalose, kristolose and various medications.....
try miralax.....
the only thing that helped after years of tests,vets
latalose, kristolose and various medications.....
try miralax.....
I am sooo glad I found this site. My Lillith has had a megacolon for about a year. She is also hypothyroid - after a radiation treatment which totally destroyed her thyroid.
I have been having trouble with her deciding that our (actually my husband's) couch and our bed (on my husband's side) were much better places to defecate. At first I just thought she was mad at my husband - a bit of humor). I now put plastic over our bed all day and at night the couch and spray them both with pet block as an additional deterrent. I don't like doing this but is works pretty good.
I have decided to stop giving her dry food at all even though she LOVES it. She has no trouble with the pumpkin. I have been giving her 1ml of Lactulose and 1ml of Cisapride. I am glad to see that others give a lot more of the Lactulose and think I am going to start giving her more.
One thing I have been doing which seems to help temporarily is Vitamin E on her rear which is often very red.
Again, thank you to all of you for your comments and suggestions.
I have been having trouble with her deciding that our (actually my husband's) couch and our bed (on my husband's side) were much better places to defecate. At first I just thought she was mad at my husband - a bit of humor). I now put plastic over our bed all day and at night the couch and spray them both with pet block as an additional deterrent. I don't like doing this but is works pretty good.
I have decided to stop giving her dry food at all even though she LOVES it. She has no trouble with the pumpkin. I have been giving her 1ml of Lactulose and 1ml of Cisapride. I am glad to see that others give a lot more of the Lactulose and think I am going to start giving her more.
One thing I have been doing which seems to help temporarily is Vitamin E on her rear which is often very red.
Again, thank you to all of you for your comments and suggestions.
Hi this is Brenda with my cat Fritzy who is 13 1/2 yrs. old. I went through pretty much all that you described in the above articles. I gave Fritzy the medacolon operation after great consideration and though about 2 mos and a consultation with my vet. . It cost almost $3,000.00 but it was worth it. Fritzy is my buddy and I love him to death.
I was shocked to see that cisapride can cause heart problems but we didn't try that too long. Fritzy was very good afterwards, his stitches healed nicely the only problem I do have after wards and for the past two years is a sore potty which I am giving him anti-inflammatory and antibiotic.
Apparently, because the colon is virtually removed then they bring the small intestines over and sew it up with the 2 in. of colon left, the poop does not have the same juices or process it goes through if he had his colon. So he attends to his potty which I deter him by saying, "Fritzy don't touch your potty." because it just makes it sore. He listens to Mamma. I have tried vaseline and several creams for relief but other than that he is a happy kitty and because he is older he sleeps more but enjoys watching TV with mummie in the evening and he comes to cuddle before bedtime and in the morning he comes and cuddles. I also bought him a tree which he enjoys looking out the window to see the birds and any other activity outside that is going on and I have the window open a bit so he can hear the birds. Seems to work for us. Animals give unconditional love and are company for any animal lover. I know the operation is expensive but I had the best vet surgeon in southern CA. You could shop around for reputation and a better price. Good luck to all and thanks for sharing your experiences on this thread. Brenda and Fritzy ....
I was shocked to see that cisapride can cause heart problems but we didn't try that too long. Fritzy was very good afterwards, his stitches healed nicely the only problem I do have after wards and for the past two years is a sore potty which I am giving him anti-inflammatory and antibiotic.
Apparently, because the colon is virtually removed then they bring the small intestines over and sew it up with the 2 in. of colon left, the poop does not have the same juices or process it goes through if he had his colon. So he attends to his potty which I deter him by saying, "Fritzy don't touch your potty." because it just makes it sore. He listens to Mamma. I have tried vaseline and several creams for relief but other than that he is a happy kitty and because he is older he sleeps more but enjoys watching TV with mummie in the evening and he comes to cuddle before bedtime and in the morning he comes and cuddles. I also bought him a tree which he enjoys looking out the window to see the birds and any other activity outside that is going on and I have the window open a bit so he can hear the birds. Seems to work for us. Animals give unconditional love and are company for any animal lover. I know the operation is expensive but I had the best vet surgeon in southern CA. You could shop around for reputation and a better price. Good luck to all and thanks for sharing your experiences on this thread. Brenda and Fritzy ....
We adopted a cat from a shelter about 5 years ago & they estimated he was 4-6 years old. Within a couple weeks, we started noticing his trouble to go to the bathroom. After 2 years of working with vets to find a good routine to prevent his needing enemas (cisapride, lactulose, prescription foods, etc.), it all stopped working & we took him in for the partial colectomy. This completely fixed him & turned him into a brand new cat for about a year, before we wound up back at the vet for another enema. At this point, he is on a strict diet of Science Diet i/d (gastrointestinal health) wet food + 1/4 teaspoon of Miralax laxative every day & this has kept him regular (& sometimes a little more than regular) for about a year now.
Re your cat. I have a male 12 year cat who had megacolon. I treated hims for 2 years with cizapride, colace, and lacsatone and all that but the bottom line is cat's die from this eventually. I decided instead to pay 2,500.00 for surgery. They removed most of the colon (large intestine and then used the small intestine to be attached to the 2" colon left. With this operation they have dog pile after while poops.
Their anus is sore for several weeks and so is his insides where he is in pain while he has a bowel movement. This is where I am at right now.
I called the Vet and he said he may have some colitus in the little bit of the colon that is left. So he has given me a prescription to hopefully clear this up and his pain goes away. If that is the case, we will be home free. It was a hard decision to have the operation, but really you have two choices either you put you cat to sleep after so many months of having mega colon or you can choose the operation but they told me the success rate is 90% for the surgery but you can ask the doctor. It is a hard decision but you have to address it one way or the other to try your best to fix the problem
Hope this helps
Brenda
Their anus is sore for several weeks and so is his insides where he is in pain while he has a bowel movement. This is where I am at right now.
I called the Vet and he said he may have some colitus in the little bit of the colon that is left. So he has given me a prescription to hopefully clear this up and his pain goes away. If that is the case, we will be home free. It was a hard decision to have the operation, but really you have two choices either you put you cat to sleep after so many months of having mega colon or you can choose the operation but they told me the success rate is 90% for the surgery but you can ask the doctor. It is a hard decision but you have to address it one way or the other to try your best to fix the problem
Hope this helps
Brenda
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