Symptoms & Treatments for Canine Colitis: A Comprehensi

Section 1: What is Colonic Megacolon in Dogs?

Colonic megacolon in dogs can be categorized into two types: dilated and hypertrophic.

Dilated megacolon occurs due to functional disorders within the colon itself, such as dysfunctions in the colon smooth muscle or neurological disorders. These types of disorders are generally irreversible.

Hypertrophic megacolon in dogs often arises secondary to intestinal obstructions or injuries, such as intestinal tumors or foreign bodies. If left untreated during the optimal window, it may progress to an irreversible dilated megacolon.

Older dogs are more prone to spontaneous colonic megacolon. The symptoms in the early stages are often subtle and may not be easily detected. In the later stages, severe symptoms may gradually manifest, with the dog showing signs like lack of energy, slowed reactions, and constipation.

Colonic megacolon in dogs worsens over time with constipation, as hard feces are difficult to pass through the intestines. Additionally, the distal end of the intestines continuously absorbs water, making the feces drier over time. This恶性循环 leads to further dysfunction of the colon smooth muscle, causing severe megacolon.

Section 2: Symptoms of Colonic Megacolon in Dogs

The most common symptom of megacolon is chronic constipation, accompanied by symptoms such as decreased appetite, weight loss, abdominal distension, dry heaving, vomiting, and difficulty defecating. Dogs may experience severe rectal prolapse during defecation, and the feces may contain blood or mucus. Symptoms ranging from constipation to megacolon include:

Constipation for over three days without a bowel movement.

Extended defecation time, with straining for over one minute each time.

Difficulty defecating while on a walk.

Reduced single defecation volume, with dry, hard feces that may occasionally have blood streaks.

Noise from the dog during defecation, indicating pain.

Increased abdominal circumference with weight loss, with palpable long, hard masses in the intestinal area.

Other symptoms may include vomiting, decreased appetite, depression, and reluctance to move.

Section 3: Treatment for Colonic Megacolon in Dogs

Mild cases of megacolon can be treated with medication to soften the feces and gradually restore normal intestinal peristalsis, thereby regulating constipation. However, if the condition is severe, with prolonged constipation and large amounts of feces in the intestines that cannot be expelled normally with medication, surgical removal of part of the colon and extraction of the hard feces may be necessary. Postoperative care includes medication to prevent infection and intravenous fluids to ensure normal bodily function.

Longterm constipation in dogs is not a trivial matter. It is recommended to feed the dog probiotics to regulate gut flora and promote intestinal motility. Then, improve the diet by feeding easily digestible and absorbable food to reduce the burden on the dog's intestines. If constipation persists, seek veterinary care promptly.

For more information on the symptoms and treatment of colonic megacolon in dogs, feel free to consult an online veterinary doctor!