Megacolon, Obstipation and Constipation in Cats
Megacolon is a serious disease in older cats. The large intestine becomes dilated and flaccid, the passing of stools becomes sluggish, and your cat becomes constipated. Eventually, your cat can no longer pass stools, which is, of course, life-threatening.
Drug therapy includes the use of Cisapride, a drug that forces the large intestinal muscles to contract harder. This can help pass stools, but over time, this drug will cause more dilation and flaccidity of the colon, speeding up the disease process.
Before Cisapride is used, we recommend a number of other therapies.
- Acupuncture and manual therapy (chiropractic adjustments)are often remarkably helpful.
- Diet modification: feed your cat a raw food diet, or at least a home-cooked diet consisting mostly of meat. These diets will produce far less stool, and the colon has far less effort in passing the stool.
- Supplements:
- Low-Level Laser Therapy
- Homeopathy
- Cats with severe constipation and megacolon might benefit from a combined diet and supplement approach that we can offer during a Phone Consult, call 303-702-1956
Apricot Seed and Linum, a Chinese herbal product
Colon Formula, a nutraceutical and herbal supplement that contains herbs to gently encourage the colon to pass a stool
Digestive enzyme support, try Similase is one example
Add fiber to the diet, for example, sweet potato, oatmeal, beans