Congenital large intestinal hypoganglionosis in a domestic shorthair kitten

J Feline Med Surg. 2010 May;12(5):418-20. doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2010.04.001.

Abstract

CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INVESTIGATIONS: An 11-week-old female domestic shorthair kitten presented with a history of constipation since weaning. Abdominal distension was noted on physical examination and abdominal radiographs revealed a large volume of faeces in the descending and transverse colon. Colonoscopy was unremarkable and euthanasia was performed at the owners' request.

Diagnosis: The histological diagnosis of large intestinal hypoganglionosis was made post mortem.

Significance: This appears to be the first reported case of congenital hypoganglionosis in a kitten with histopathological confirmation of the diagnosis. It may potentially be a more common cause of constipation in kittens and young cats than has previously been suspected.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Cat Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cats
  • Constipation / diagnosis
  • Constipation / etiology
  • Constipation / veterinary
  • Euthanasia, Animal
  • Female
  • Hirschsprung Disease / complications
  • Hirschsprung Disease / diagnosis
  • Hirschsprung Disease / veterinary*
  • Intestine, Large / pathology*