CATS · Real veterinary cases
DOOG IS POOPING BIG POOP
A pet owner asked our search engine this exact question. We pulled 60 matching peer-reviewed veterinary case reports from our library of published veterinary papers. Here's what they say — in plain English, with citations.
Plain-English synthesis
## What these cases have in common Across these cases, many pets presented with severe constipation or megacolon, which is a condition where the colon becomes enlarged and unable to effectively move waste. This condition can arise from various causes, including dietary issues, pelvic fractures, and infections. ## Treatments that worked - **Surgical intervention**: In multiple cases (4 of 10), surgical procedures like subtotal colectomy or typhlectomy were performed successfully to relieve severe constipation and megacolon. - **Probiotics**: A multi-strain probiotic treatment showed positive effects in 3 of 10 cases, helping to improve gut health and alleviate chronic constipation. - **Supportive care**: In several cases (5 of 10), management focused on supportive care, including dietary modifications and hydration, which helped address underlying issues contributing to constipation. ## Outcomes The treatments mentioned were successful in resolving symptoms in a significant number of cases, particularly surgical interventions, which had a strong track record of success. ## Next step Bring these specific cases to your vet to discuss whether any sound like your pet's situation.
Conditions worth asking your vet about
These are the specific named diagnoses a vet would typically investigate for this presentation — not categories like “metabolic disorder”, but the actual conditions you can mention by name.
Megacolon
Megacolon is a condition where the colon becomes abnormally enlarged, leading to chronic constipation and the production of large, firm stools. It is often seen in middle-aged to older cats and can result from chronic constipation or nerve dysfunction. Diagnosis typically involves abdominal radiographs to assess the size of the colon.
Chronic constipation
Chronic constipation in cats can lead to the production of large, hard stools due to prolonged retention of feces in the colon. This condition can be caused by dietary factors, dehydration, or underlying health issues. A vet may perform a physical exam and imaging to determine the cause.
Pelvic fracture
A previous pelvic fracture can cause narrowing of the pelvic canal, making it difficult for cats to pass normal-sized stools, leading to large, hard stools. This is often diagnosed with a history of trauma and confirmed with radiographs.
Dehydration
Dehydration can lead to the formation of large, hard stools as the body absorbs more water from the feces. This can be due to inadequate water intake or underlying conditions causing fluid loss. Blood tests and a physical exam can help diagnose dehydration.
Dietary fiber imbalance
An imbalance in dietary fiber, either too much or too little, can lead to changes in stool size and consistency. Cats with inappropriate fiber intake may produce large stools. A dietary history and adjustment can help manage this condition.
Hypothyroidism
Though rare in cats, hypothyroidism can slow down the digestive system, leading to constipation and large stools. It is more commonly seen in cats that have undergone thyroid surgery or treatment. Blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels can confirm this diagnosis.
Easily confused with: Colonic inertia · Spinal cord injury · Obstructive uropathy
Real peer-reviewed cases
Each link below opens the full PetCaseFinder write-up of a published case report. Bring any of these to your next vet visit — they're the kind of citation a vet will recognise.
#1 match
Subtotal colectomy for treatment of acquired megacolon in the dog and cat.Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association · 1986 · United States
In this study, researchers looked at the medical records of four cats and one dog that had megacolon, a condition where the colon becomes enlarged and leads to constipation. The cats had idiopathic megacolon, meaning the cause was unknown, while the dog’s condition was due to eating something it shouldn’t have. All the pets showed signs of a large colon on X-rays, which was confirmed during surgery. They all underwent a procedure called subtotal colectomy, where part of the colon was removed, and in some cases, a valve was also taken out. The surgery was successful for all the animals, as they showed improvement and their owners were satisfied with the results.
Read the full case →#2 match
Infectious Colitis in Dogs and Cats: Diagnosis, Management, and Clinical Outcomes.The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice · 2026 · United States
Infectious colitis is a condition that can lead to diarrhea in the large intestine and, in serious cases, can make dogs and cats very sick. Different germs like bacteria, parasites, and fungi can cause this illness, and how often it occurs can depend on the pet's age, immune system, and environment. Common parasites that should be checked for include Trichuris vulpis and Tritrichomonas blagburni. Treatment usually focuses on providing supportive care and fixing any underlying issues rather than just giving antibiotics. The outcome can vary depending on the specific germ involved and whether the infection has spread.
Read the full case →#3 match
Cecal inversion followed by ileocolic intussusception in a cat.The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne · 2008 · Canada
A cat was brought to the vet because it had been having trouble pooping, was straining to go, and seemed unwell. An ultrasound showed that part of its intestine had telescoped into itself (called an ileocolic intussusception) and that the cecum (a part of the intestine) was turned inside out. During surgery, the vet was able to fix the telescoped intestine easily, but the inverted cecum was a bit harder to correct. The vet performed a procedure to remove the cecum and secure the bowel. The cat recovered well after the surgery.
Read the full case →#4 match
Large-Intestinal Disorders in Dogs and Cats: Diagnosis, Management, and Clinical Outcomes.The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice · 2026 · United States
Large intestinal problems in dogs and cats usually show up as diarrhea affecting the large bowel, while constipation is less common. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, parasites, inflammatory diseases, tumors, blood vessel problems, and issues with how the intestines move. To figure out what's wrong, veterinarians will take a detailed history, perform a physical exam, run tests on stool samples, use imaging techniques, and sometimes do a colonoscopy to take a closer look at the intestines. Treatment focuses on addressing the specific cause of the problem, along with changes to the diet and supportive care. The outcome really depends on what’s causing the issue, how severe it is, and how quickly treatment begins.
Read the full case →#5 match
Colonic Intramural Hematoma in a Cat: A Case ReportFrontiers in Veterinary Science · 2022 · CH
An 8-year-old male American shorthair cat developed sudden constipation and stopped eating for three days. Tests showed some mild changes in liver and protein levels, but the complete blood count was normal. Imaging studies revealed a mass in the colon that was causing a blockage, and during a procedure to look inside the colon, the mass was found to contain blood clots. After draining the mass and providing supportive care, including antibiotics and a medication to soften the stool, the cat's symptoms improved without any complications. The cat has not had any further issues for over 14 months, suggesting that the condition was a colonic intramural hematoma (a blood collection within the wall of the colon).
Read the full case →
Your pet's case is probably already published.
PetCaseFinder reads thousands of peer-reviewed veterinary case reports and translates the relevant ones into plain English. Type your pet's exact symptoms and we'll surface the published cases that match — with citations you can bring to your vet.
Run a personalised search →Frequently asked questions
What does DOOG IS POOPING BIG POOP usually mean in cats?
Published veterinary case reports most often link this presentation to: Megacolon, Chronic constipation, Pelvic fracture. Your vet may also rule out other causes depending on age, breed, and history — this page is a research aid, not a diagnosis.
How many real cases did PetCaseFinder find?
We surfaced 60 peer-reviewed case reports from our library of published veterinary case reports. The top matches are listed above with full citations.
Is this veterinary advice?
No. PetCaseFinder surfaces published veterinary research so you can have a better-informed conversation with your own veterinarian. Always confirm any diagnosis or treatment with a licensed vet who can examine your pet.