Introduction
The small intestine plays an essential role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Absorption is made possible by the very high mucosal surface area. Most pathological processes affecting the small intestine cause some degree of structural mucosal damage, resulting in a reduction of the mucosal surface area.
This may lead to decreased absorption and cause further intestinal dysfunction, accompanied by clinical signs such as diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, weight loss, and lethargy. Small bowel diarrhea is characterized by a normal or slightly increased defecation frequency and a large volume of feces passed at each defecation. If there is blood in the stool, the feces will usually be of dark color (melena).Intestinal parasites are the most common cause of small intestinal disease in dogs and cats, followed in dogs by dietary indiscretion. However, a wide array of disease processes can affect the small intestine of small animals including other infectious agents, such as viruses, bacteria, or fungal organisms, adverse reactions to food (i.e., food allergy or intolerance), IBD, or neoplasia. This chapter provides an overview of some of these small intestinal diseases.
5.3.2