Cat losing control of bowels12/18/2023 ![]() ![]() However, megacolon can also arise in the cat as a primary disease with no obvious underlying cause – this is termed idiopathic megacolon. Megacolon can result from several months of severe constipation and obstipation, causing a gradual and permanent deterioration in the ability of the colon to contract due to persistent over distension. Narrowing of the colon can also occur through strictures, tumours, foreign bodies etc. If severe, and if this results in prolonged obstipation, secondary megacolon (see below) may develop. This can cause compression of the colon in the pelvis and a build up of faeces behind the area of constriction. Obstruction of the colonĭeformities of the pelvis (for example a healed fracture of the pelvis after trauma) can cause narrowing of the pelvic canal. In some cases, faecal incontinence (uncontrolled defecation) may arise, but in others, faecal retention and constipation are seen (sometimes with urinary retention – inability to pass urine – also). The nerves that control the contraction of the bowel can be damaged as a result of trauma (eg, road traffic accidents and ‘tail-pull’ injuries affecting the lower spine). Some metabolic disorders such as low concentrations of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism, a rare condition in cats), and low blood potassium or calcium can interfere with the ability of the colon to contract and can thus predispose to constipation. Chronic kidney disease is common in older cats and leads to increased urine production and so cats tend to become mildly dehydrated and this can be a cause of constipation. Water is absorbed from faeces in the colon and if cats are dehydrated (or not drinking enough) they will try to reabsorb more fluid from the colon, resulting in dry and hard faeces. Abscesses or other painful skin conditions around the anus may also cause reluctance to defecate. In some cases there may be pain from the colon or rectum if there are abnormalities there or if the cat has eaten something that causes trauma to the lining of the colon as it passes through. This may make getting in and out of the litter tray or adopting a position to defecate painful. Older cats especially may suffer from pain and discomfort associated with, for example, osteoarthritis. The cat has had a bad experience when using a litter tray.The litter tray is in a noisy or unpleasant place.The cat doesn’t like the type of cat litter used.There is competition (with other cats) for a litter tray.Some of the important causes and considerations are listed here: Behaviour and lifestyleĬats can be reluctant to defecate if, for example: Many different factors can cause or contribute to constipation in cats. With repeated bouts of constipation or obstipation the colon can become distended and lose its ability to contract and push faeces towards the rectum, a condition called megacolon (meaning very enlarged colon). ![]() If there is prolonged constipation, the faeces may become severely impacted in the colon and rectum, and this is known as obstipation. ![]() When constipation occurs, faeces are retained longer than normal in the colon or rectum (large bowel), and as a result the faeces tends to become dryer and harder (through absorption of water across the intestine), which may make the problem worse.Īnimals with constipation may exhibit signs of pain when trying to pass faeces (defecate), and this may be accompanied by excessive straining to pass faeces. Constipation is a term used to describe absent, infrequent or difficult passage of faeces (stools). ![]()
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