The biggest tell-tale signs that your rabbit may have megacolon syndrome are their poops. Even from a young age, rabbits that have genetic megacolon will typically show some sort of sign, and that is typically large, oval shaped poops, usually covered in mucus.
Typically, genetic MC rabbits are mostly white with some spotting around the eyes, nose, ears, and spine. Not every rabbit with this coloration will have this condition.
Affected rabbits are generally underweight, have intermittent diarrhoea which resembles cow pat consistency or the formation of fecal pellets of dramatically different sizes and consistency. No cecotrophs or normal pellets are produced during the flare ups.
Rabbits with megacolon need pellets in their diet for the extra nutrition and calories, and they may need larger servings than other rabbits. They may do better on an extruded-type pellet - these are easier to digest as they are pre-cooked. Supreme Selective pellets and Versele-Laga Complete are two examples.
Large egg shaped poops can result from megacolon, This is a rare occurrence in rabbits that typically arises from genetics (En En) or occasionally after trauma. This condition is uncommon, but if you suspect your rabbit has it you should consult a specialist about appropriate long term care.
The belly of constipated rabbits is usually inflamed and lacks the characteristic sound of peristaltic bowel movements. In addition, the rabbit is likely to be lethargic, without energy or lying in its cage. You may also grind your aching teeth.
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. This is a life-threatening complication that requires immediate medical treatment.
In most cases, megacolon is reversible. This depends on whether it is possible to treat the underlying cause. In acute and toxic megacolon, the underlying cause can usually be treated or otherwise resolves itself naturally, so dilation of the colon is reversed.
If untreated, a toxic megacolon can result in severe complications, such as: Bleeding and blood loss. Whole-body infection (sepsis)
Rabbits with an intestinal obstruction present severe abdominal pain and as a result will become anorexic, unwilling to move and grind their teeth in pain (bruxism). They will also press their abdomen on the ground, have a bloated and distended abdomen, and cease production of faecal pellets.
Rabbits with GI stasis often look bloated, pass little to no stool, and have big, gas-filled stomachs and intestines on x-rays. Blood tests often reveal evidence of dehydration and abnormal electrolyte values. There may also be changes associated with other underlying diseases (such as kidney or liver disease).
Toxic megacolon is a condition where part or all of the colon is inflamed and bulging larger than normal size (dilated). It may bulge because of swelling because of inflammation. The colon may also fill with gas. This condition can be a complication of severe colon disease or infection.
In rabbits with GI stasis, the most common presenting complaint is a gradual decrease in appetite over 2 to 7 days and subsequent decrease in fecal production.
Symptoms of GI stasis include very small (or no) fecal pellets, sometimes clinging to the bunny's bottom. In some cases, very small fecal pellets will be encased in clear or yellowish mucus. This potentially serious problem (enteritis, an inflammation of the intestinal lining) should be treated as an emergency.
The biggest tell-tale signs that your rabbit may have megacolon syndrome are their poops. Even from a young age, rabbits that have genetic megacolon will typically show some sort of sign, and that is typically large, oval shaped poops, usually covered in mucus.
The most common cause of megacolon worldwide is infection with Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease).
The best laxatives for this purpose are osmotic agents, such as magnesium salts, sorbitol, or lactulose (the latter two may increase flatulence). Patients need encouragement to take sufficient amounts to produce a result.
Also called Hirschsprung's disease, it is a congenital disorder of the colon in which nerve cells of the myenteric plexus in its walls, also known as ganglion cells, are absent. It is a rare disorder (1:5 000), with prevalence among males being four times that of females.
Megacolon has been defined as a diameter of the rectosigmoid region or descending colon on abdominal plain film of greater than 6.5 cm, of the ascending colon of greater than 8 cm, or of the cecum greater than 12 cm.
Toxic megacolon (TM) is a potentially fatal condition defined as an acute colonic dilatation, greater than 6 cm in diameter, of the transverse colon, and loss of haustration on radiologic examination in a case of severe colitis.
Rabbits with constipation should be seen by a vet without delay. Very small doses of olive oil given orally may help with mild constipation. Remove the rabbit's dry food, feed more hay and fresh vegetables and ensure it has plenty of fresh water. Encourage the rabbit to exercise.
The rabbit may quickly lose all interest in eating, cease passing droppings, show a bloated/distended abdomen, and show signs of abdominal pain (grinding the teeth, pressing their abdomen on the ground, sit hunch up with eyes half closed).
Remove dry food from her hutch and encourage more exercise. A teaspoon of olive oil could get her bowels moving. If that doesn't work, your vet can give your rabbit a laxative or enema. Rabbit constipation mustn't be permitted to last for longer than 24 hours.