Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgical options for treating constipation in cats
By White, R N·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2002·Davies White Veterinary Specialists·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Surgical management of constipation.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat with severe constipation was diagnosed with idiopathic megacolon, a condition where the colon becomes enlarged and unable to function properly. The veterinarian performed a subtotal colectomy, a surgery that removes part of the colon while preserving the connection to the small intestine. After the surgery, the cat experienced some loose stools for a short time, but overall, the long-term outlook was very positive, and the cat was expected to live a comfortable life without further issues.
People also search for: cat constipation treatment · idiopathic megacolon surgery cat · cat loose stools after surgery
Abstract
There are many recognised causes of constipation in the cat and the management of the condition depends on the clinician's ability to recognise the appropriate aetiology in each case. Most surgery therapies for constipation in the cat are related to the management of idiopathic megacolon, although causes such as pelvic outlet obstruction, complications of neutering surgery, perineal herniation, and malunion pelvic fractures may also require surgical intervention. Currently, the surgical management of megacolon consists of subtotal colectomy with the recommendation that the ileocolic junction be preserved. The procedure, in general, is associated with few life-threatening complications although the majority of individuals will experience a transient period of loose stool formation in the immediate post-operative period. In the majority of cases, the long-term outcome following subtotal colectomy is considered excellent.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12354516/