MEGACOLON

Also known as Cow-pile Syndrome and RMS Rabbit Megacolon Syndrome

• Megacolon is an inherited genetic condition that causes nerve endings in a rabbits digestive tract to not function properly, thus causing irregular shapes and sizes of poops. 

Types of Megacolon?

• Megacolon as be classified as acute, chronic and toxic depending on whether the dilation of the digestive tract is temporary or chronic.
• Acute, non-toxic megacolon can be categorized depending whether there is inflammation of the colon and damage to the autonomic nervous system. 
• Chronic megacolon is presented as an inherent neurological and/or muscular dysfunction in the rabbits bowels.
• If inflammation is present this is called toxic megacolon. There is a reduction of smooth muscle activity, as a result of inflammation.

What are the signs and symptoms of Megacolon:

• Found in spotted rabbits that are mainly white with spots. Typically around the eyes (eyeliner), nose, ears and along the spine. Not every rabbit with this coloration will have this condition. 
• Irregular shapes and sizes of poop. 
• More prone to G.I stasis. 
• Constipation, bloating and abdominal pain or tenderness.
• Trouble maintaining weight. 
• Either have a ravenous appetite or not hungry at all.
• Intermittent diarrhea.
• Cecotropes
• Typically a health rabbits cecotropes are in a shiny cluster, kind of shaped like a blackberry. 
• Megacolon cecotropes are larger in size, longer in shape, still shiny in appearance and thick (tar like).
• Poor body condition typically around the spine, belly may appear bulging (potbelly) and staining around the tail and back paws. 

How to diagnosis Megacolon:

• Exotic Vets will diagnose by running tests. These  tests might be done:
• Abdominal X-ray scans: observing the size of the colon.
• A contrast enhanced CT scan is done to confirm findings. 
• Fecal sample to test and rule out coccidia. 
• Blood work panel.

Facts about Megacolon rabbits:

• Rabbits with megacolon may not absorb the nutrients from their food well which is why it is important to consult with your vet. 
• Rabbits need pellets in their diet for the extra nutrition and calories, which means larger serving size. 
• They may benefit from an extruded-type pellet. These pellets are easier to digest as they are pre-cooked. Supreme Science Selective Pellets are great for megacolon buns. 
• When it comes to veggies, consult with your vet. Some megacolon buns digestive system cannot digest veggies properly. Herbs like cilantro is a megacolon safe veggie. 
• Giving veggies and fruit can cause issues for Megacolon buns. Sugars in the diet can cause overgrowth of bacteria in a rabbits G.I system and cause gas/toxins to be produce. 
• So just say no to carrots and fruits. 
• It is important to keep meds on hand and bun first aid kit. 
• Baby gas drops
• Gut mobility meds like Reglan.
• Pain medications like Meloxicam 
• Digital thermometer 
• A rabbit safe lubricant for thermometer like petroleum jelly or KY Jelly.
• More vet visits to ensure health is good, maintain weight and to observe progress.

TIPS for your maintaining your Megacolon rabbits health:

• Avoid fresh or dried fruits and sugary treats. 
• This is why we created our NO TROUBLE'S BUNdle! It is a safe and healthy treat with zero sugars!
• Some megacolon designed treats use ingredients like pumpkin. 
• When introducing new foods, introduce them slowly. Observe your rabbits behavior and poops. 
• EXERCISE as it promotes gut mobility.
• A large x-pen with free roam time.
• Or like Trouble he has his own room!
• Feel your rabbits spine. If it feels on the thinner side, reach out to your exotic vet.
• HYDRATION: provide a large water bowl and change it at least once a day.  
• As for veggies it depends on if your rabbit has what is referred to as a dry gut or a wet gut. 
• If yes to veggies HERBS are the way to go! 
• Parsley, dill, mint, oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary, sage and our favorite cilantro.
• Give the herbs an extra rinse and it increases hydration for your buns. 
• DRIED PLANTAIN LEAF!!! Plantains are also known as "ribwort". No, this is not the banana kind of plantain. 
• Plantain leaf is our favorite dried herb for rabbits, as it has many health benefits!
• It helps with digestion, soothes urinary tract infections and irritations, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, helps the health of cuts, respiratory expectorant, fevers and is good for gastric inflammations. 
• HAY, HAY, HAY!!
• Offer a variety of cuts of timothy hay
• First or 2nd majority timothy hay
• A handful of orchard hay to place on top or mix in to offer a variety of texture and flavor.

Our Megacolon Buns:

TROUBLE

   We met Trouble at the shelter in September 2021. He was abandoned in a park. After he got adjusted to a diet of timothy hay, veggies (romaine, green leaf and cilantro) and pellets we started to notice that his poops were different and sometimes his happy personality was more mellow. Trouble is an all white bun with black eyeliner and spots of black which is classic characteristic for a megacolon bun, a Dwarf Hotot mix. We fundraised funds to get him to an exotic vet as we suspected he had megacolon. To monitor him until we got an appointment, we made a spreadsheet and even had a group chat for his poops! Trouble did have megacolon. He is a toxic megacolon with a dry gut. We had to completely change his diet to give him the best lifestyle. With the assistance of the exotic vet, Trouble got a custom diet. He has a large helping of Supreme's Science Selective Pellets, a bowl of dried plantains, measured cilantro (mostly just the leaves) and unlimited timothy hay.

    Trouble is why we made our No Troubles Tablet and Tummy Troubles forage. We choose dried herbs that are focused on our rabbits digestive health! Since the diet is specific and limited, we wanted to make sure they can have a treat to enjoy without the concerns of if it irritated their digestive tract. 

RYLEIGH

     Ryleigh is a white with orange and black spots Holland Lop. She is an acute megacolon bun with a wet gut. She isn't a typical presented megacolon as her odd shape poops aren't consistent. Ryleigh has a big appetite and loves to eat. She doesn't have an issue maintaining weight. To keep her healthy she is on a quarter cup Sherwood adult pellets, unlimited timothy hay and does get a small amount of veggies. Ryleigh loves her veggies but it's important to limit the amount. Her variety includes green leaf, cilantro, watercress and arugula. Twice a week she get just cilantro. Occasionally she does of wet poop, so I keep her bottom trimmed. With her tailored diet her misshaped poops and wet poops happen less frequently.

    Ryleigh's BUNdle is a mix of digestive health and some flowers. Her treat has a coating of pumpkin, but a very small amount, to limit sugar intake.  A little bit of sweetness just like her personality!

 

Sources:

https://www.osmosis.org/megacolon

https://therabbithaven.org/megacolon

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/RO-Spring-17-Megacolon.pdf