This 5 year old MN DLH cat has a history or constipation of 6-12 months duration and presented today for constipation and lethargy.
Physical exam: tense non painful abdomen, large diameter of hard fecal material in colon
This 5 year old MN DLH cat has a history or constipation of 6-12 months duration and presented today for constipation and lethargy.
Physical exam: tense non painful abdomen, large diameter of hard fecal material in colon
Rads of the abdomen: The small intestinal loops are of even diameter and non-dilated, a small amount of gas is seen within the small intestinal loops and considered within normal limits. The descending colon is moderately to severely distended by inspissated fecal material of mineral opacity. The ratio of maximal diameter of the colon to the length of the vertebral body of L5 is increased above normal at 1.5.
Moderate to severe dilation and constipation of the descending colon without
radiographic evidence of any underlying mechanical cause. A ratio of
maximal diameter of the colon to L5 length higher than 1.48 is an indicator of
megacolon with a low false positive rate (specificity 85%, sensitivity 77%). If the
patient remains refractory to conservative management subtotal colectomy should be
considered.
