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Maris for cats

Natural Remedy for Cat Constipation

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Vet Talk: Megacolon and Chronic Constipation in Cats

Vet Talks 3 min read
Vet Talk: Megacolon and Chronic Constipation in Cats

Constipation in cats is an all too common problem. Although in most cases, constipation can be easily treated, there are some instances when chronic constipation can result in more serious conditions, like megacolon. 

What is a megacolon?

Megacolon is when the intestine becomes enlarged, dilated, and packed with hard fecal matter.

Megacolon is when the intestine becomes enlarged, dilated, and packed with hard fecal matter. This is an extremely uncomfortable disorder for your kitty. If your cat has a megacolon, they may have frequent unproductive straining, lethargy, appetite loss, and vomiting. You may also notice small hard stools in the litter box and around the house.  Sometimes liquid stool is passed around the hard fecal mass, making owners think their kitty is having diarrhea.

What causes megacolon in cats?

There are a number of possible reasons for megacolon in cats, such as:

  • Your cat ingesting poorly digestible, firm matter like hair, certain plants, or litter.
  • Chronic underlying health conditions, like kidney disease-causing electrolyte imbalances, or arthritic discomfort
  • Physical internal obstruction, such as when cats have a broken pelvis— the pelvic canal can be physically narrowed and make stool difficult and too uncomfortable to pass, causing the stool to become dehydrated in the colon and eventually cause the colon to dilate.
  • Certain pharmaceutical drugs
  • Poor neuromuscular problems with the colon itself
  • Anxiety
  • A dirty litter pan (some kitties prefer super clean pans and will hold it!)

 Chronic constipation cats

What are the treatments of megacolon in cats?

Enemas are the first thing to try at your vet’s office to relieve obstipation.  Along with fluid supplementation, possible antibiotics, anti-nausea medications, and discomfort medication.  In severe cases, when an enema is not enough, anesthesia and manual de-bulking of the colon are necessary.

Medications such as enclose, Metamucil, Miralax, and fiber supplementation are ways to soften the stool, making it easier for the kitty to pass the stool after the colon has been emptied.  Cisapride and Dulcolax are medications to enhance the contractile strength of the large intestine. 

What are long-term solutions?

Daily medications are necessary, along with food therapy (low residue, highly digestible diets, or high fiber diets), and supplements.

NHV Maris is helpful for cats with chronic constipation or megacolon as it helps soften the stools and improve bowel movements. It contains herbs that help improve peristalsis, aids with gas, relieve stomach cramps, and is a natural aid to help enhance the contractile strength of the large intestine.

We also often teach our pet parents how to palpate for constipation. This helps tremendously since many times owners can save a trip to the vet and increase medications relieving the obstipation at home before it is severe.

What happens when constipation cannot be managed with medications?

In such severe conditions, sub-total colectomy surgery provides relief for many cats that can’t be managed with food, supplements, or medications.

What are preventative options?

Preventing your kitty from having hard, infrequent stools is key to avoiding megacolon.  The first sign of struggle to defecate with hard stools should be addressed with supplements, like NHV Maris.

Natural options for support

NHV Maris is a natural constipation aid. This formulation helps soften stools and contains herbs that help improve peristalsis and improve intestinal muscle tone.

NHV Hairb-EZ is good support for pets that groom excessively or are prone to hairballs. The formulation helps eliminate hairballs and helps dissolve ingested hairballs.

Water fountains are a great way to make sure your kitty drinks enough water and stays hydrated!

Exercise helps stimulate the intestines and keeps things moving.

Stress management. Keep your kitty’s litter pan clean to avoid litterbox stress. If anxiety is an issue with your kitty use NHV Matricalm along with NHV Maris.

Diet –  high fiber and low residue

Megacolon can be quite a scary issue for pet owners. Make sure your kitty has all the support they need with diet, supplementation, and medication. If your kitty’s constipation is severe, please seek veterinary assistance right away.

If your kitty has been diagnosed with megacolon and is suffering from an additional underlying condition, please contact us for an online vet consult, so that we can address all the issues and keep your kitty feeling well.

Dr. Hillary Cook DVM

Dr. Hillary Cook DVM

Dr. Hillary Cook is a graduate of Virginia Maryland Regional Veterinary Medical school. She has been practicing holistic and integrative veterinary medicine for over 20 years. She certified in Veterinary acupuncture and is fully qualified in Western and Chinese herbalism. She is the owner of Animal Wellness Center, an integrative veterinary clinic in Crozet, VA. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and a menagerie of pets including dogs, cats, and chickens. When time allows, you can find her in the garden or on the tennis court!

Published: June 9, 2017

1 reply

  1. Team NHV says:

    Hi Ravi,

    Thank you so much for reaching out to us. We’re so sorry to hear about your little kitty. We’re so grateful to you for sticking by her during a time when she needs your love and support most.

    Some good news is that we definitely ship to India! Here’s our site for you: https://in-nhvnaturalpetproducts.glopalstore.com/?utm_source=&utm_campaign=cs_p&utm_medium=wi_proxy&utm_content=country_selector_page
    We also encourage you to check with your local customs officials to determine if there will be any extra fees as well.

    We want to do everything we can to help your little one, can we ask first if she’s been able to visit a vet? While our supplements can help with discomfort management and etc, we think it would be best if she could seek professional veterinary attention first to make sure she gets the best care possible.

    We spoke with our in-house veterinarian Dr. Amanda and she had a couple of suggestions for your sweetheart that we thought might help:

    First, we’d recommend Old Timer. This is our main support for joint and muscle health. The herbs in this formulation can help to ease inflammation, discomfort, and can help balance the immune system.
    You can learn more about Old Timer here: https://in-nhvnaturalpetproducts.glopalstore.com/old-timer-for-cat-arthritis

    Next, we suggest Turmeric as it’s known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to reduce discomfort. On top of that, Turmeric can also help support important organs like the liver and heart.
    Here’s more on Turmeric for you: https://in-nhvnaturalpetproducts.glopalstore.com/turmeric-for-cat-cancer-symptoms

    We know this is a lot of information to take in, so please take your time in reviewing everything, and don’t forget that we’re always here to help should you have any questions at all. Please give your little one lots of love and cuddles from us.

    Yours in wellness,
    Team NHV

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