Mega Colon diagnosis

teyannanecole

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My cat was recently diagnosed with Mega Colon. Two weeks ago he was put under and underwent a manual elimination of fecal matter and that next week he was back in the same situation. The doctor recommended that he have a colonectomy. I took him to a specialist who did not recommend the colonectomy, but an additional manual elimination. The following day I took him to his original vet (we moved to another near by city) and he recommended a colonectomy. Since it is such a serious surgery, I am extremely cautious and hesitant to put him through that.

Does anyone have any experience with mega colon, colonectomy and/or reversing the recommendation to get a colonectomy?
 

raintyger

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You might want to join the Yahoo! feline megacolon and chronic constipation group.

I remember someone posted the same question a while back. Not too many members then were familiar with the procedure. That particular member went ahead and did it, but I think they had a really rough time in the aftermath.

Other owners I have heard say it does take adjustment, but they were very happy after the dust settled. Keep in mind that it is extremely invasive surgery and that life will not be the same afterward. Some owners, for instance, have to give up sleeping with their kitty because of leakage problems. But on the whole they were happy. Living with chronic constipation can be very stressful since you only get 3 or 4 days and then they're supposed to have pooped again. So I guess once the owners got over the rough part immediately after surgery they were happy to finally get some relief.
 
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kenneth haley

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My wife and I put our cat through the colon shortening operation. It is a decision I regret. The megacolon was pretty well controlled for years with lactulose twice a day. We opted for the operation because Bart was sick of the lactulose being squirted down his throat. Bart went from a healthy monster of 22lbs to 16lbs and not eating. The first night that we brought him home from the vet he would be in his box scratching around every 20 seconds, he was very distressed.

If the megacolon can be controlled with lactulose and an occasional veterinary edema , I personally would not opt the the colon shortening surgery. 

As you said the surgery is risky. We had a 2nd cat, Homer undergo the surgery. Homer developed anemia from the operation. He could barely walk 3 ft to get to his box. He was such a good boy. He never recovered. 

Lactulose, soft food with extra water mushed in. Edemas in emergency's. If this can't control the constipation, i think the surgery is your only option. I feel for you, good luck.
 
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anne with cats

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Yes I agree that you should get on the feline megacolon group on yahoo. Also, has anyone suggested using Miralax powder mixed in with watered down food?  Other members use coconut or olive oil. Was cat truly diagnosed as megacolon or severe constipation? I think some vets prescribe cisparide, which stimulates the colon. I would suggest wet food only, occasional dry treats, and lots of water. I used to give my cat raw milk once in awhile.
 
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