Clinical diagnosis and surgical management of chronic megacolon in a kitten

Abstract

Chronic cases of megacolon are found frequently in older cats but are rarely reported in kittens below six months of age. Megacolon is the abnormal and persistent dilatation of the colon without mechanical obstruction, leading to severe constipation. A 5-month-old kitten was presented to a local vet hospital for investigation of a long-term bowel dysfunction followed by obstipation for nine days. Prior to the presentation, the kitten underwent medical treatments including oral laxatives/purgatives and enema, but these remained unsuccessful. Clinical examination revealed severe dehydration and dullness, alongside a distended abdomen in lateral recumbency. The diagnosis of chronic idiopathic megacolon was made based on radiographic imaging after meticulous physical examinations of the distended abdomen. Subtotal colectomy followed by end-to-end colo-colonic anastomosis was performed. Supportive medications and fluid therapies were provided subsequently. Unfortunately, the kitten did not survive beyond 54 h following the surgical intervention. The overall delay in presentation and poor preoperative status were considered to be the main contributors to the unfavorable outcome. In summary, chronic cases of megacolon can be deadly in kittens. Therefore, any cases of feline constipation must be considered with priority to ensure early treatment, otherwise, unresolved cases may lead to definite megacolon in later life.