What are symptoms of megacolon?

What are symptoms of megacolon?

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.

Do all Charlie rabbits have megacolon?

Not all charlies will be affected by Megacolon, they just have a “predisposition” for it. There is a wide range on how the syndrome could affect a rabbit. The En and en genes are the English spotting genes (aka English spotting coat color locus or Dominant white spotting locus).

How is cecal dysbiosis treated?

Leafy greens (e.g. romaine, endive, dandelion greens, etc.) can be offered at 2 cups per five pounds of rabbit per day. Hay and greens alone can provide all of the essential components of a healthy rabbit diet. Pellets can eventually be reintroduced (1/8 cup per 5lbs of rabbit) once the soft cecotropes have subsided.

What is the treatment for megacolon?

Patients with idiopathic megacolon or megarectum may require surgery if they have refractory symptoms. Depending on age, pelvic floor, and anal sphincter function, patients who have isolated megacolon can be treated with either subtotal colectomy with ileorectostomy or diverting loop ileostomy.

What is a Charlie Bunny?

A Charlie is not actually a rabbit that has too little color; it’s a rabbit that has two broken parents and can only produce brokens when bred to a solid. Thus, in the rabbit world, a true Charlie is usually referred to as a “Genetic” Charlie.

What causes cecal dysbiosis in rabbits?

One of the most common ways owners unknowingly contribute to cecal dysbiosis is by feeding rabbits food items that are too high in simple sugars and starches. These diets typically also have reduced fiber content, which results in cecocolic hypomotility.