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Also known as: '''''Faecal impaction — Constipation — Obstipation

| Also known as:

| '''Faecal impaction'''<br>

'''Constipation and Obstipation'''

==Description==

==Introduction==

'''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'''. 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.

'''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'''. 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.

There are numerous causes which can be categorised as follows:

There are numerous causes which can be categorised as follows:

Dehydrated patients should receive '''IV fluid therapy''', with correction of any concurrent electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities.

Dehydrated patients should receive '''IV fluid therapy''', with correction of any concurrent electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities.

A warm water '''enema''' can be used to soften and allow the impaction to pass. '''Laxatives''' such as Emollient laxatives (docusate sodium), Stimulant laxatives (bisacodyl), saline laxatives and disaccharide laxatives (lactulose) are also beneficial. Mineral oil and white petroleum lubricants should be avoided due to the risk of aspiration because of their tasteless nature.  

A warm water '''enema''' can be used to soften and allow the impaction to pass. '''Laxatives''' such as emollient laxatives (docusate sodium), stimulant laxatives (bisacodyl), saline laxatives and disaccharide laxatives (lactulose) are also beneficial. Mineral oil and white petroleum lubricants should be avoided due to the risk of aspiration because of their tasteless nature.  

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

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

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.

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.

Antiduirectic and anticholinergic drugs should be avoided.  

Antidiurectic and anticholinergic drugs should be avoided.  

===Surgery===

===Surgery===

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

Prognosis varies depending on the underlying cause.  

Prognosis varies depending on the underlying cause.  

==References==

==References==

[[Category:Intestine_-_Mechanical_Obstruction]][[Category:Dog]][[Category:Cat]]

[[Category:Intestine_-_Mechanical_Obstruction]][[Category:Dog]][[Category:Cat]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_lizzyk]]

[[Category:Expert_Review]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_Review]]