Fecal Incontinence

Loss Fecal Control

Loss of fecal control can be caused by congenital abnormalities and trauma leading to nerve damage which results in loss of anal tone and the ability to pass poop normally.

Most cats that have urinary incontinence will also have no bowel control. Poop will pass on its own and the cat will be completely unaware, or the poop may need manual expression to help it pass through the anal passage. It is imperative that a cat with little to no bowel control has a strict diet with adequate fibre to ensure the poop is the optimal shape and texture to pass safely. This not only prevents fecal blockage, but prevents diarrhoea, constipation, bacterial infections and makes manual expression much easier.

Mega Colon

Mega colon is the term used for a mega sized stretched colon. When nerve damage and paralyses is present and there is no sensation or anal tone, the muscles around the colon don’t work properly. If poop isn’t pushed into the rectum in a normal manner it can accumulate in the colon and cause constipation and in severe cases obstipation needing veterinary intervention. This causes the colon to become enlarged and distended and the faeces collects inside.

Managing megacolon is possible, using a conservative approach first, with surgery reserved for unresponsive or advanced cases. A medical approach involves the use of laxatives, stool softeners, colon wall stimulants, and high fibre diets. These do not correct the underlying cause, but they do allow fecal material to pass so the cat does not become constipated and ill.

Megacolon can also be caused by physical obstruction like a hairball, or narrowing of the pelvis.

When a conservative approach has been unsuccessful surgery must be considered. A procedure called subtotal colectomy removes the non-functioning part of the colon. Although this procedure may involve removal of most of the colon, the anal sphincter will be left intact so the cat should not lose bowel control. Most cats do reasonably well after this procedure with few permanent side effects

If you’d like help and support with fecal incontinence and expression please get in touch.