Constipation in dogs: causes, symptoms and treatment

Constipation is the difficult passage of a stool or feces. and usually a temporary condition. Many constipated dogs experience pain when trying to defecate. Severe constipation often associated with serious, permanent or irreversible changes in the state of the body.

Constipation in dogs: causes, symptoms and treatment

What are the causes of constipation?

There are many possible causes of constipation in dogs. Most common of these is ingestion of irritating or not digestible substances. Dogs with long hair and those that lick and take care of themselves overly active, are also at risk.

Other common causes of constipation in dogs include yourself:

  • Colon diseases
  • Taking medications that cause constipation (e.g. antihistamines, diuretics, some painkillers and sucralfate)
  • Fear, anxiety, and other behavioral changes that may affect normal stool passage and bowel movement
  • Foreign bodies, bones or intestinal obstruction
  • Hormonal diseases (hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism)
  • Physical inactivity
  • Megacolon (enlarged colon)
  • Neurological diseases
  • Some painful diseases, such as osteoarthritis, which complicate bowel movements
  • Pelvic and hind leg injuries
  • A sharp change in diet or intake of new products
  • Tumors of the colon or rectum

What are the symptoms of constipation?

Most dogs defecate at least once per day, but nonetheless, many dogs have bowel movements corresponds to the number of daily feedings. If your dog constipation, then he or she probably tried unsuccessfully several times do your own thing. You can see how your dog will spin excessively, or run, scrub the ground, often get up on squatting or even whining loudly. Other clinical symptoms there may be a decrease in appetite, vomiting, a small and watery stool, containing mucus (without normal stool), and weight loss. Some canine constipation can be very painful, and with palpation of the abdomen or lower back, they may whine or growl.

How is constipation diagnosed?

In most cases, the diagnosis is based on physical examination and medical history. When examining the abdomen of a dog, the veterinarian is likely to determine a firm and stretched thick the gut. The veterinarian can also have a rectal examination, to prevent narrowing of the passage due to a tumor, a foreign body or another violation. To determine the degree of constipation and the presence of obstruction may require an abdominal radiograph. A blood test will help you identify an infection or dehydration. AT in severe cases, an abdominal ultrasound is used, which also may help determine the cause of your dog’s constipation.

How is constipation treated?

In most cases, constipation is relatively easy to treat. treatment. The first step in treatment is usually to reduce quantities or removal of hardened feces. Removal may be performed using one or a combination of several methods, in including enemas, suppositories, manual removal, and medicinal preparations. For constipation, drugs such as sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate and lactulose. In cases where a stimulant laxative is required; cisapride may be prescribed or tegaserod. To some dogs, during treatment with using enemas, hospitalization may be required to lower risk of dehydration.

In severe cases of constipation, the dog may need to surgery or diet therapy. The dog may be need a diet either low or high fiber, depending on the specific cause of constipation in your pet. Dogs with a behavioral or psychogenic nature of constipation, behavior adjustment through training may be required and / or drugs. Various nutritional supplements such like probiotics, can also be recommended after getting rid of constipation.

What are the forecasts?

The prognosis for treating constipation depends on its exact cause. Most dogs return to normal after an early recovery in a few days. For dogs with serious root causes of the disease prognosis is usually favorable as soon as these reasons are resolved. Most dogs can be successfully treated with a combination of medicinal and diet therapy.

How can constipation be prevented?

Based on your medical history and the causes of your dog’s constipation, the veterinarian should advise you on the most suitable for her therapeutic diet. Most cases of constipation in dogs directly associated with unfamiliar food or a foreign object, and does not require further medical intervention. However, other dogs lengthy treatment may be required to help maintain normal stool passage and bowel movements.

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