How Do You Know if Your Dog Is Impacted

What is constipation?

Constipation is infrequent or difficult passage of stool or carrion and is typically a temporary status. Many constipated dogs volition experience straining or pain when attempting to defecate. Obstipation , a severe form of constipation, is ofttimes associated with a serious, permanent, or irreversible medical condition.

Since one of the major functions of the colon is water absorption, sometimes the retained stool becomes hard and dry, which makes passing it even more difficult. In some cases, dogs may become dehydrated. Some constipated dogs may pass small amounts of liquid feces or claret due to their excessive straining. Sometimes, the liquid feces are mistaken for diarrhea, simply really, when the domestic dog strains, a small corporeality of liquid fecal material is able to squeeze around the difficult fecal mass.

What causes constipation?

At that place are many potential causes of constipation in dogs. The most common cause is ingestion of irritating or indigestible substances. Dogs with long hair or those that lick or groom themselves excessively are also at take chances for becoming constipated.

Other common causes of constipation in dogs include:

• diseases of the colon

• drugs that cause constipation (such equally antihistamines, diuretics, narcotic pain relievers, and sucralfate)

• fear, anxiety, and other behavioral conditions that alter passage of normal bowel movements

• foreign bodies or abdominal obstruction

• hormonal diseases (hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism)

• inadequate practise and physical activity

• megacolon (enlarged colon)

• neurologic diseases

• painful conditions, such as osteoarthritis that make it uncomfortable to pass stool

• pelvic injuries or abnormalities

• sudden change in nutrition or ingestion of new foods

• tumors or masses in the colon or rectum

How can I tell if my dog is constipated?

Most dogs produce carrion at to the lowest degree once a day; many of them have bowel movements that correspond to the number of daily feedings. If your dog is constipated, he or she will probably attempt to laissez passer feces unsuccessfully several times. You lot may observe your dog circling excessively, scooting (dragging bottom along the ground) or squatting oft, or even crying out in severe cases. Other clinical signs include decreased appetite, vomiting, small amounts of watery feces or feces that contains mucus (without a normal stool), and weight loss. Some constipated dogs will take a tense, painful abdomen and weep or growl if you press on their tum or lower back.

Call your veterinarian if your dog fails to produce a bowel movement inside 48 to 72 hours of a previous bowel movement.

How is constipation diagnosed?

Most cases will exist diagnosed through a concrete test and medical history. When evaluating your dog's belly, your veterinary will likely feel a firm, distended colon. He or she may bear a rectal test to dominion out rectal strictures (a narrowing of the leave passage, resulting from a previous trouble), tumors, foreign bodies, or other abnormalities. In many cases, intestinal radiographs (X-rays) volition be performed to determine the extent of constipation and whether or not an obstacle exists. Blood tests and urinalysis are valuable to search for aridity or infection. In advanced cases, an abdominal ultrasound may help place the crusade of your domestic dog'due south constipation. Biopsies may also be recommended if a rectal mass or stricture is suspected.

How is constipation treated?

Well-nigh cases of constipation are relatively piece of cake to care for. The first step is to loosen or remove the impacted, hardened fecal matter. Removal may be accomplished through the use of one or a combination of therapies, including enemas, manual removal, and medications. Medications such as dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS) (brand name Ducosate®) or lactulose (make names: Cephulac®, Kristalose®, Generlac®, Constulose®, Enulose®) are commonly prescribed. In cases where stimulant laxatives are required, drugs such as cisapride (brand names: Prepulsid®, Propulsid®) or tegaserod, may be recommended.

Some dogs may require hospitalization while undergoing multiple enemas or to replace fluids to correct dehydration. More serious atmospheric condition may require additional treatments, including surgery or lifelong medical or dietary management. Either a depression- or high-fiber diet may be needed based on your pet's specific crusade of constipation. Dogs that take behavioral or psychogenic causes of constipation may need behavioral modification through preparation and/or medications. Supplements such every bit probiotics may also be used after the constipation has been corrected.

What is the expected outcome for constipation?

The prognosis for constipation is determined by the exact cause. Most dogs will enjoy a speedy recovery afterwards medical treatment has been completed. For dogs with more serious underlying diseases that cause constipation, the prognosis is good once the causative condition has been addressed. Most dogs can be successfully managed through a combination of medical, dietary, and surgical treatments.

"The prognosis for constipation is adamant by the verbal cause."

A serious, though generally uncommon, outcome or crusade of constipation in dogs is megacolon. Megacolon refers to a dilated and weak colon that causes severe constipation. In this condition, the weakened muscles of the colon fail to propel fecal matter out of the colon. This may be due to neurological harm, problems with the muscles lining the colon, or both. Megacolon may be seen every bit a primary condition or secondary post-obit long-term constipation. When the colon becomes enlarged with fecal material over an extended flow, its ability to contract may be reduced or lost, resulting in megacolon. Feces accumulate in this abnormally distended and enlarged colon.

How can I prevent my dog from becoming constipated again?

Based on the exact cause of your canis familiaris's constipation, your veterinarian may propose you to feed a therapeutic diet, add together supplements or medications to the food, or return for additional tests or treatments. For the majority of dogs, constipation is directly related to eating an unfamiliar food or object and further medical intervention is unnecessary. Other dogs may require lifelong treatment to aid maintain normal bowel movements.

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Source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/constipation-in-dogs

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