When this happens, surgical removal of the affected portions of the colon may be necessary. In cases of megacolon, the diameter of the colon can sometimes be stretched so far that the muscles of the digestive tract are permanently damaged. TINY BALLS OF MUCUS IN STOOL MANUALAnesthesia for manual removal of feces may be recommended in severe cases. If an underlying condition, such as kidney disease, may be causing dehydration and constipation, treating the problem and rehydrating the cat with fluid therapy can help.įor more severe forms of constipation, enemas may be necessary. Other medications, such as stool softeners, laxatives, and motility modifiers, may help, as well. If constipation is mild, veterinarians may supplement a cat’s diet with fiber, such as canned pumpkin, bran, or psyllium. Treatment varies depending on the degree of constipation and the amount of discomfort a pet is experiencing. Affected BreedsĪll breeds of cats are susceptible to developing constipation. Veterinarians will also recommend blood work to look for underlying diseases that may cause dehydration leading to constipation. If your cat is straining in the litterbox and there is no evidence of urine or only a small amount of urine, contact your veterinarian immediately! Owners may mistake this for constipation, which is a problem since a blocked urinary tract is a medical emergency. Male cats with a blocked urinary tract may also strain in the litterbox. Small amount of liquid stool with mucus or blood.However, the cause of megacolon is undetermined in most cases.Ĭats with constipation or obstipation may exhibit the following signs: It has also been suggested that severe prolonged retention of feces (as with constipation or obstipation) can stretch and damage the muscles of the colon, causing megacolon to develop. Researchers believe that megacolon is caused by a problem with contraction of the muscles in the colon. Fecal material accumulates in the colon, resulting in constipation. Megacolon is characterized by a decreased ability of the colon to move fecal material through in the normal way. In some cats, a condition called megacolon contributes to constipation and obstipation. Dehydration, often caused by kidney disease.Reluctance to use the litterbox because of stress, a change in litter, a full/dirty box, or painful urination.Blockages from hairballs or other foreign materials.The cause of constipation and obstipation (the severe, end-stage form of this disease process) is believed to be multifactorial. While constipation may occur periodically, obstipation is a more persistent and severe form of constipation, in which defecation is impossible or nearly impossible. Feces are often hard and dry, which may cause cats to strain or have difficulty passing feces. OverviewĬonstipation may sound like an innocuous enough problem, but for some cats constipation can lead to disease processes that can even be life ending.Ĭonstipation is a condition in which cats pass feces less often or in smaller amounts than normal. And in extreme situations, if the colon’s nerves have been damaged by prolonged impaction, surgery may be recommended to remove the damaged section of colon. Severe cases can require a procedure to remove the impacted feces. A mild case of constipation can be treated by adding fiber to the cat’s diet or by giving him a laxative. Symptoms include straining to defecate, tiny or hard feces, and sometimes not defecating for days. Many things can cause a cat to become constipated: an intestinal blockage, stress, not enough exercise, not enough water, arthritis, a tumor, or something else entirely.
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