Congenital Megacolon in a Lion (panthera Leo)

© Zoo Outreach Organisation; www.zoosprint.org Manuscript 1365; Received 23 May 2005; Finally accepted 01 August 2005; Date of publication 21 August 2005 1998 September 2005 | ISSN 0973-2535 (Print edition); 0973-2551 (Online edition) Megacolon refers to the abnormal dilatation of large intestine. It can be a congenital condition caused by the lack of, or incomplete nerve supply to the colon, or as a complication of one of several inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis. It can cause recurrent abdominal pain and fever and can be critical. In man and domestic animals, X-ray of the abdomen show a largely dilated colon occupying the abdominal space. Though reported in cats and rats, reports in other animals are scanty. Perusal of available literature did not show any report of the condition in the lion and hence is documented.