Constipation and Megacolon
Radiograph of a cat with megacolon
Constipation
An occasional episode of constipation is not usually cause for alarm. Stools seem
harder than usual and there may be some unproductive straining. It is important to
realize that unproductive straining can be a sign of both constipation and diarrhea. In
both cases small amounts of mucousy, blood tinged stool can be passed. Also,
sometimes straining to urinate can be confused with straining to have a bowel
movement. Straining to urinate can be an emergency situation so if there is any
question it is important to see your vet right away. Also the lack of stool being passed
may not be constipation if straining is not involved. This is especially the case after
anesthesia or fasting for any reason. If there has not been a bowel movement for a
few days but no straining or other signs of discomfort are present it may be
worthwhile to wait a little longer.
Our pets can become constipated for a variety of reasons. The most common culprits
of constipation are excessive grooming, ingestion of a foreign body (suck as gravel,
bones, blankets, or toys), or some kind of internal obstruction such as a broken
pelvis. Some medications can also cause constipation so it is important to tell your
veterinarian about any medications your pet may be on. A single episode of mild
constipation can often be treated with the use of certain medications that help to
lubricate the colon. Fluids and frequent walks can also be beneficial.
In cases where this approach doesn’t seem to help it is important to see you
veterinarian. Some pets may need IV Fluids, enemas (which should never be
attempted at home), and in very severe cases even surgery. For pets that have
reoccurring constipation a food change maybe needed to manage the condition.
Often, addition of certain fiber sources such as canned pumpkin or the use of a food
that is higher in fiber can reduce the frequency of these episodes. Another treatment
for dogs dealing with recurring constipation is the addition of medications that assist
the colon in working properly such as mild stool softeners or medications that
encourage movement with in the colon.
When constipation becomes a more permanent and continuous problem, it becomes
what is known as obstipation. This is when the pet is unable to effectively or
completely empty the colon. An obstipated colon often becomes dilated and packed
with rock hard feces. This creates a very uncomfortable condition for the patient and
usually presents with lethargy, straining to have a bowel movement, appetite loss, and
even vomiting. In these cases all of the above procedures are usually required to “deobstipate” the patient. General anesthesia is usually needed along with fluids. In many
of these cases enemas and fluids have to be given several times to fully remove the
fecal mass.
No one can predict how frequently these episodes will occur. Some pets manage well
for long periods of times and others can have reoccurrences regularly medications
and diets can help to decrease the frequency but often can not eliminate the
occasional need for “de-obstipation”. There are many forms of management that can
be done at home to decrease the cost and severity of these episodes so please talk
to you veterinarian if this is becoming a chronic problem.