Megacolon is a debilitating condition causing severe, recurrent constipation in cats. Proactive management prevents suffering, and surgical intervention can provide lasting relief in refractory cases.
Megacolon causes recurrent episodes of painful obstipation. Straining without defaecation, abdominal distension, and the accumulative toxin load from faecal impaction create chronic suffering. Medical management can control mild cases but becomes less effective as the colon progressively loses function. The welfare-positive decision to recommend subtotal colectomy before repeated anaesthetic evacuations become the norm reflects recognition that the surgical option provides lasting relief. Post-operative care requires dietary management to manage loose stools, but the improvement in quality of life compared to recurrent impaction is substantial. Early surgical referral prevents unnecessary suffering in progressive cases.