Megacolon (MC)

Megacolon (MC) (rabbit)

LABOKLIN Service ID: 8810

Congenital megacolon is a disease leading to a dilatated colon, impaired intestinal motility, digestive problems and a decreased viability. A mutation in the KIT gene is responsible for the impaired intestinal peristalsis. The disease is associated with English spotting in rabbits. Inheritance of English spotting is incomplete dominant. Animals without English spotting are self-colored, carriers are white with spots and a black stripe on the back, while homozygous affected animals are almost completely white. These rabbits, also known as "Chaplins", are often affected by megacolon. Inheritance is autosomal recessive with incomplete penetrance, probably modified by environmental factors such as diet.