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==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Megacolon may be managed medically, or surgically if the condition is severe or recurrent. Medical therapy aims to restore the patient's hydration and then clear the faecal impaction. Under anaethesia, the colon is manulally evacuated using warm water enemas, lubrication and gentle extraction of faeces with forceps or a finger. Care must be taken not to damage the colonic mucsoa during this procedure, and prophylactic antibiotics are recommended before commencement. Once the patient's colon is clear, the focus is shifted to preventing recurrence. Dogs and cats must have adequate access to litter or the outdoors to encourage regular defaecation, and regular exercise may be beneficial. Diets containing bulk-forming fibre may contribute to the recurrence of impaction, but a high-fibre diet may occasionally be useful in prevention. Stool softeners such as lactulose, and prokinetic drugs such as cisapride can promote motility and defaecation. Medical management is usually an ongoing, life-long committment which may be frustrating for the owner, and relapse is common.
The term subtotal colectomy describes the removal of the majority
The term subtotal colectomy describes the removal of the majority
of the colon. There are two variations of the technique depending
of the colon. There are two variations of the technique depending