Large Intestine Constipation

Large Intestine Constipation

1. Clinical Signs

   • Straining to defecate
   • Hard dry feces
   • Small amount of mucous and blood
   • +/- vomiting
   • Anorexia

2. Diagnosis

   • PE
   • Radiographs

3. Causes

   • Diet change
   • Older/obese animal
   • Secondary to disease
     • Anal sac disease pelvic injury back injury

4. Complication

   • Chronic - nerve damage (obstipation
   • Megacolon
     • enlarged distal colon, weaker contractions and slower motility

5. Therapy

   • Acute
     • Enema - Dioctyl or soap
     • Stool softener - lactulose
     • SubQ or IV fluids
   • Chronic
     • Diet change
       • fibre - low residue diet or high fiber
     • Laxatone
       • canned pumpkin
     • Increase soft food
     • Increase water intake
       • Important
     • Surgery
       • Last option is surgery to remove colon and attach small intestine directly to rectum