Effective Ways to Prevent Megacolon in Cats: Tips & Car
It's common for pets with Hirschsprung's disease to exhibit symptoms of constipation or chronic constipation, but constipation alone does not necessarily indicate Hirschsprung's disease. Hirschsprung's disease can be categorized into primary and secondary types, with approximately twothirds of cases being primary, where the cause remains unknown.
Common symptoms include: drooling; vomiting; difficulty defecating; frequent attempts to pass stool without success, with no bowel movement for two days or more; hard, dry stools, which may also contain blood; unexplained loss of appetite but an increase in abdominal circumference (the lower back feels firm to the touch, and sometimes hard lumps can be felt); weight loss; dehydration; and defecating outside the litter box.
How can we prevent or treat this condition?
Prevention Methods:
1. Increase water intake by encouraging your cat to drink more. Just like humans, drinking plenty of water during weight loss can aid in metabolism. Keep multiple clean water bowls filled with fresh water around the house, especially in areas where your cat frequently spends time. Keep the bowls clean and position them away from the litter box. You can also attract your cat to drink more by adding flavorings like fish or by sprinkling beer yeast powder. Enhance the moisture content of their food by offering wet food options, such as canned food.
2. Boost the fiber content in their diet by choosing highfiber commercial cat food, such as sterilization or weight loss formulas, which are rich in fiber and low in fat.
3. Maintain your cat's weight at a healthy level.
4. Gently massage your cat's abdomen to stimulate gastrointestinal motility. Regularly grooming your cat's fur (once or twice a day) can also help prevent the ingestion of excessive hair, which can increase the risk of hairballs or Hirschsprung's disease.
Treatment: Initially, conservative treatment is recommended, with the most common method being enema. Please note that this is not the same as enema for humans, and you should never attempt it at home! If enema combined with medication is no longer effective, the next step is to surgically remove the necrotic colon tissue. This may involve removing part of the colon that is nonfunctional and necrotic, or in some cases, a complete removal. If the colon blockage is due to pelvic narrowing, the pelvis can be widened surgically to allow for normal bowel passage.
