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Colonic Impaction - Dog and Cat (view source)
Revision as of 08:51, 10 August 2010
, 08:51, 10 August 2010no edit summary
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 slower transit time allows more salt and water to be reabsorbed, leaving drier faeces in the colon which are more difficult to pass. Peristalsis may increase initially but is then significantly reduced or even absent due to chronic distension and smooth muscle degeneration.
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 slower transit time allows more salt and water to be reabsorbed, leaving drier faeces in the colon which are more difficult to pass. Peristalsis may increase initially but is then significantly reduced or even absent due to chronic distension and smooth muscle degeneration.
There are numerous causes which can be categorised as follows:
* Dietary
An abnormal diet with insufficient water content, scavenging or ingestion indigestable material such as plastics, certain plants, hair and bones can all cause problems.
* Mecanical obstruction
An obstrucion of the colon or rectum will cause faecal material to become impacted and dry. The obstruction may be intraluminal such as a foreign body
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.