Has anyone dealt with megacolon in a diabetic or civvie?

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majandra

majandra

Member Since 2018
Has anyone dealt with megacolon in a diabetic or civvie?

I'm pretty sure it is Rhubarb with the issue, but it is possible it is Mel. Of course I can never seem to isolate whether it is her or Mel using the box- both of them sneak in when I'm not looking!

Rhubarb has had less frequent BMs ever since she switched over to canned food. She had neuropathy which did improve drastically once her diabetes was controlled and using Zobaline. She is treated with Miralax as needed. Her normal became a BM every couple days. I could tell hers from the others because they also darkened, and were larger diameter. Now, it seems like all BM in the box are near the same colour, but some are doubling over. There are no larger diameter anymore. Just regular and doubled.

Rhubarb also has been inconsistent with eating all her food. She is drinking more water, but seems to be urinating normally. Her sugars have been normal, but I'm going to check today to be sure they still are.
Of course Mel also has had inconsistent appetite and weight loss, and given that I can't be sure whose poop is whose, she will need to be checked too, but my best guess is Rhubarb.
 
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I'm not understanding ... I meant that last question you asked, "Has anyone dealt with megacolon in a diabetic or civvie" should be in your original title, OR start a new thread with that question.
 
My Cosmo has megacolon. Thanks for reaching out!

Cosmo has always had very large BMs with bouts of constipation through his life. He was officially diagnosed in May via x-ray. Most Megacolon is idiopathic (unknown cause), but occasionally due to anatomy, congenital factors (like Manx syndrome) or other conditions. Essentially, the colon is or becomes very large and stretches out like an old elastic band. The colon muscles become weak and have a harder time contracting and moving stool...leading to constipation or blockage, if untreated.

Multiple cat households can be difficult to tell whose is whose. We are kind of litter box inspectors here :p and jump up to see who is in the box when we hear scratching so we can inspect the #2 :facepalm:

Do you find your kitties straining or having trouble at all? You don’t want to have them go more than a couple days without a BM.

It is diagnosed via X-ray, but most times, a kitty is diagnosed when going through a severe constipation episode or are impacted. Treatments vary. Diets, medications, enemas, fluids, etc.
 
I haven't been able to catch Rhubarb in the litter box since I had tried catching her midstream for urine tests. She calls out excitedly after using the box so I may be able to catch her with that if I'm not working or sleeping. I've never seen Mel in the box.
I'm trying to be hyper vigilant right now, cleaning the box every time I suspect it has been used, so I can be sure.
I did notice that Rhubarb's appetite was better after the last BM that I suspect was hers.
That's all I have to go on right now!
 
I would add that I see that you give Miralax as needed - just a heads up that Miralax requires quite a bit of added water to be given since it draws fluid into the stool. If you read the package - humans are supposed to mix it in water and gulp it down. Kitties need the same water ratio or they can become dehydrated.

Fiber can work well for some kitties as a treatment. A small sprinkle of psyllium on their food can help and psyllium is safe for diabetics. We bought Metamucil capsules (must be unflavoured!), opened them up into a Tupperware and then sprinkled just a tiny pinch on his food at first.

of course, Cosmo needed more aggressive treatment not really recommended for a diabetic, hence his SS :confused:
 
majandra said:
I haven't been able to catch Rhubarb in the litter box since I had tried catching her midstream for urine tests. She calls out excitedly after using the box so I may be able to catch her with that if I'm not working or sleeping. I've never seen Mel in the box.
I'm trying to be hyper vigilant right now, cleaning the box every time I suspect it has been used, so I can be sure.
I did notice that Rhubarb's appetite was better after the last BM that I suspect was hers.
That's all I have to go on right now!
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Well, hopefully not megacolon then :) I would just monitor a little closely and see if she is going #2 ok. If you suspect she hasn’t gone in a few days or is straining a lot without pooping, might be good for a vet visit :)
 
thebigfuzz said:
Well, hopefully not megacolon then :) I would just monitor a little closely and see if she is going #2 ok. If you suspect she hasn’t gone in a few days or is straining a lot without pooping, might be good for a vet visit :)
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LOL I didn't think of it before, but I'd been using a cam on my civvies food dishes when they have appetite issues. It may be much better used at the litter boxes!!
 
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