How do I know if my rabbit has megacolon?
A healthy rabbit’s fecals are consistently spherical with little to no varying in size/shape, they are not overly small or large for the rabbit’s size, and aren’t too dry or too wet in consistency. You may have a megacolon rabbit if his typical fecal output is very large, misshapen, or varies in size.
How do rabbits get megacolon?
Megacolon is an inherited genetic condition that causes the nerve endings in a rabbit’s intestinal tract not to function properly, and it often gets progressively worse as the rabbit gets older.
Can rabbits live with megacolon?
Rabbits with megacolon can still lead quality lives!! Keeping them on a healthy diet and keeping a close eye on eating/pooping habits will help in the long run.
What are the signs and symptoms of megacolon?
Common symptoms of megacolon include constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain or tenderness. In more severe cases, hard fecal masses called fecalomas may also be present. Depending on the cause, megacolon may have additional symptoms.
How do you treat megacolon in rabbits?
There is no one set treatment for rabbits suspected of having megacolon, and many different treatments have been trialled. Drugs to promote normal movement of the gastrointestinal tract are often prescribed as well as high fibre diets and intravenous fluid to correct dehydration.
How can you tell if a megacolon is toxic?
Toxic megacolon is characterized by extreme inflammation and distention of the colon. Common symptoms are pain, distention of the abdomen, fever, rapid heart rate, and dehydration.
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The provider may order any of the following tests:
- Abdominal x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan.
- Blood electrolytes.
- Complete blood count.
How can I help my rabbit with megacolon?
Is toxic megacolon fatal?
A toxic megacolon is rare, but life-threatening. It is a complication of severe colon disease or infection. Toxic megacolon can be deadly because it puts you at risk for infection throughout the body, shock, and dehydration. Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening condition that needs immediate treatment.
How long does it take for toxic megacolon to develop?
Approximately half of the patients with TM develop this complication in the first three months of their IBD diagnosis. 30 TM usually occurs in patients with pancolitis, but patients with only left-sided colitis also can develop it. The most common presenting symptom is severe bloody diarrhea.
Can megacolon be cured without surgery?
With intensive treatment (including biofeedback if pelvic floor dysfunction is present), at lease one half of patients can avoid surgery. Maintenance therapy relies on daily use of osmotic laxatives.
What is the best treatment for toxic megacolon?
Treatment
- Medicines. Treating the original condition or infection may help reduce toxic megacolon.
- Bowel rest and bowel decompression. These treatments remove gas and substances filling the colon.
- IV fluids. You may be given an IV of fluids and electrolytes to help nourish your body and prevent dehydration.
- Surgery.
How do you get rid of megacolon?
Treatment
- Medicines. Treating the original condition or infection may help reduce toxic megacolon.
- Bowel rest and bowel decompression. These treatments remove gas and substances filling the colon.
- IV fluids. You may be given an IV of fluids and electrolytes to help nourish your body and prevent dehydration.
- Surgery.
Is toxic megacolon curable?
Medicines. Treating the original condition or infection may help reduce toxic megacolon. Anti-inflammatory medicines can help control inflammation. Antibiotics can help treat or prevent infection.
How long does it take toxic megacolon to develop?
Signs and symptoms of acute colitis may be present for as long as 1 week before dilatation develops.
Can toxic megacolon go away?
It depends how serious it is, as well as your symptoms, age, general health, and the cause of the condition. Medication to treat the underlying condition that resulted in toxic megacolon can help. If the cause is IBD, treatment often includes steroids and an immune system drug like infliximab or cyclosporine.