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| | ==Diagnosis== | | ==Diagnosis== |
| | ===Clinical Signs=== | | ===Clinical Signs=== |
| − | Cats with colonic impaction may be presented with
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| − | a history of reduced frequency of defecation or failure to
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| − | defecate for a period of time ranging from days to
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| − | weeks. The animal may have been observed to make
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| − | frequent but unsuccessful attempts to defecate and to
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| − | spend a prolonged time in the litter box. The cat may
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| − | also be presented because it is lethargic, inappetent,
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| − | anorexic and intermittently vomiting. These latter signs
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| − | may be due to the absorption of bacteria and toxins
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| − | through the damaged mucosal barrier in the dilated
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| − | colon. The vomiting reflex is also stimulated by
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| − | distension of the colon and irritation of the mucosa. The
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| − | animal may be in a crouched position indicative of
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| − | abdominal discomfort.
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| − | Although constipation is usually associated with
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| − | absence of defecation, the impacted faeces can irritate
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| − | the mucosa inducing secretion of fluid and mucus that
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| − | leaks around the colonic mass to give 'paradoxical diarrhoea'.
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| − | Chronic or persistent straining associated with
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| − | constipation may lead to perineal hernia or rectal prolapse
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| − | (Welches and others 1992).
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| | ===Laboratory Tests=== | | ===Laboratory Tests=== |