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Introduction

Michael S. Leib

Diseases of the large intestine are common in both dogs and cats. The clinical signs are obvious and unpleasant to owners and usually result in a prompt visit to the veterinarian.

The most common clinical sign of large intestinal disease is di­arrhea, usually characterized by increased frequency of defeca­tion, decreased quantity of stool per defecation, tenesmus, he- matochezia, and excess mucus. Concurrent involvement of the small intestine may additionally result in melena and weight loss. Vomiting and reduced appetite may also accompany some large bowel diseases. Constipation, the second major clinical sign of large intestinal disease, may be associated with a variety of dietary and environmental factors, neurological or muscu­loskeletal disorders, and may progress to megacolon. This chapter will discuss the normal anatomy and physiology of the large intestine and many of the common colonic diseases of dogs and cats.

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Source: Steiner J.M. (ed.). Small Animal Gastroenterology. Schluetersche,2008. — 387 p.. 2008

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