Megacolon Figure 1b

Figure 1b: Megacolon (in rat from day 11 through day 27)
Case history and photos

A female baby rat: agouti ambk blazed double rex dumbo born to MC parent.

Mother: Agouti Irish, dumbo rex

Father: Russian blue ambk, dumbo rex

Day 11 – kitten appears normal

Day 14 – weight loss, thinner than the rest of the siblings, weaker, less active, appears less coordinated than the rest of the litter

Day 18 – green thick fluid diarrhea with a foul smell….this lasted for 3-4 days in small amounts. Weight at this time was 26 gms.

Day 24 – abdomen begins to look enlarged

Day 26 – abdomen enlargement obvious and feels tight. Weight now at 40 gms as opposed to siblings 64-72 gms.

Day 27 – required euthanasia by veterinarian

*Notation from owner*:   “This combination of parent or lines will never be used in breeding again, and the owners of the other babies from this litter are told that they must never be used in breeding.”

Photos

11 day old kitten
Photo 1:  Kitten appears of normal size and without abdominal distention.
  failure to thrive
Photo 2: Kitten shows failure to thrive, with beginnings of abdominal distention.

comparative difference
Photo 3: Size difference seen here compared with sibling.
  size difference
Photo 4:  Comparative difference. Note on smaller sibling the abdomen beginning to bulge on either side of body.

comparison
Photo 5:  Again size difference can be observed.
  comparison
Photo 6:  Difference also seen in this photo as well.

Photos and case history courtesy of Siri

Cross-references

Linked from

Disclaimer

The Rat Guide and its affiliates accept no responsibility for misuse or misunderstanding of its information. This guide in whole or part, exists solely for the purpose of recognizing and understanding the care and illnesses in the pet rat. Please seek advice and treatment from a qualified Veterinarian if your rat is ill.

2000 - 2024 by Karen Grant RN. All rights reserved.
All other written and visual materials used by permission of specific authors for the sole use of the Rat Guide. Please visit our Privacy Policy for details.
Brought to you by KuddlyKorner4u
See Logos page for linking to the Rat Guide.
Contact us here: Rat Guide Team
Please note: Rat Guide email is not checked daily. Send e-mail to if you have an urgent medical problem with your pet rat. When possible, it is always best to take your rat to a qualified rat veterinarian.