Changes

==Description==

==Description==

Colonic impaction is inintractable constipation which can occur in all species, including the dog and cat. There are hardened faeces in the colon and a delayed or failure of faecal passage.  The cause may be primary,  

Colonic impaction is intractable constipation which can occur in all species, including the dog and cat. There are hardened faeces in the colon and a delayed or failure of faecal passage.  The cause may   

Chronic cases may progress to Obstipation, the faeces become so hard and dry that defecation is no longer possible and ultimately there is secondary degeneration of the colonic musculature.

Chronic cases may progress to Obstipation, the faeces become so hard and dry that defecation is no longer possible and ultimately there is secondary degeneration of the colonic musculature.

===Ultrasound===

===Ultrasound===

Abdominal ultrasound shows a colon imapcted with faecal material. It may also reveal the cause in some cases such as foreign body, colonic mass or stricture.

Abdominal ultrasound shows a colon imapacted with faecal material. It may also reveal the cause in some cases such as foreign body, colonic mass, enlarged prostate or stricture.

===Radiology===

===Radiology===

Cisapride, a motility modifier is indicated in early cases of megacolon.

Cisapride, a motility modifier is indicated in early cases of megacolon.

Owners should be educated with regard to management. An appropriate wet diet should be fed, dietary supplementation with bran is helpful in some cases, water should be freely available and fresh and activity should be encouraged.

Owners should be educated with regard to management. An appropriate wet diet should be fed, dietary supplementation with bran is helpful in some cases, fresh water should be freely available and activity should be encouraged.

===Surgery===

===Surgery===

Surgical removal of faeces under general anaesthesia is neccessary in severe cases where enemas and laxitives have been unsuccessful. A colectomy is required in cases of obstipation or recurrent cases.

Surgical removal of faeces under general anaesthesia is neccessary in severe cases where enemas and laxitives have been unsuccessful. A colectomy is required in cases of obstipation or recurrent cases.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==