Constipation
There are several definitions for constipation. In veterinary terminology one speaks of a chronic impaction of the colon. Just so we understand what we’re talking about, let’s define the constipation condition as one which reflects a dog/cat which, not showing symptoms of a diarrhoea is straining repeatedly, but is unable to pass stool over a long period of time (several days).
A healthy dog will pass stool once or twice daily.
Associated with the inability to void faeces is discomfort and pain. Sometimes a bit of stool is passed, but it is hard and brittle, and sometimes even a bit of fresh blood can be seen on the hard stool.
Some smart guy will argue that a dog strains when it has diarrhoea and it is in pain. Well in the case of diarrhoea (which in many regards is the opposite of constipation) the fluid stool flows out of the anus continuously, and when you think it is finished, within minutes a new wave of contraction and expulsion of liquid faeces emerges – albeit less (see May 9, 16).
Causes of constipation
Several factors and even other ailments are associated with constipation. Very often pain is involved, eg, every time the dog wishes to make a motion, so much agony is present that he just doesn’t pass the stool.
One major cause of constipation is an inappropriate diet. A diet low on fibre often results in impaction of food in the colon (a part of the large intestine). The semi-digested food dries out and is difficult to pass.
I should mention, within this context, that many people feed their dogs excessive amounts of bone dust (bone shavings) which they purchase from butcher shops. These bone chips tend to create a hard stool. In all likelihood, because of the high mineral (calcium) content of bone, the dust cements itself together to form a hard, rocklike mass in the colon.
In fact, any non-digestive material like glass, paper, cloth, etc, can induce faecal impaction and therefore long lasting constipation.
Let me list some of the other causes (in addition to the ‘diet’ mentioned above) for constipation:
(i) Obstruction due to foreign body (see May 23).
(ii) Hair balls (in cats especially, since they constantly groom themselves). Hair and faeces from a concrement.
(iii) Growths (neoplasms, cancers)
especially in the colon.
(iv) Hernias (especially the perineal
hernia which exhibits itself as a bulge below the anus).
(v) A deviating rectum (rectal diverticu- lum) which I have only seen twice in 41 years.
(vi) Spinal paralysis
(vii) Fracture of the hip bones.
(viii) Enlargement of the prostate gland.
(ix) Anal sac inflammation.
I can’t think of any other causes of constipation which I have encountered over the many years of practice. Perhaps one of the readers might have had a pet with constipation of a different origin.
I mentioned above that a lack of fibre in the diet could lead to a chronic constipation. Foods that are low in fibre tend to ‘dry out’ (a lot of absorption takes place) in the lower intestines, and are therefore more difficult to pass.
Chronic constipation was referred to in the previous paragraph. The word ‘chronic’ reflects the fact that the condition has been going on for a while, and the end effect takes long in arriving. In other words, the onset of the constipation condition is not sudden. The impaction takes some time to develop.
Dogs with chronic impaction of the colon often defecate a hard stool that has some streaks of blood on the surface. Sometimes you can observe an interesting phenomenon – an animal with impaction actually passes a (brownish) watery stool. How can a dog with constipation pass a watery stool, almost akin to diarrhoea? Well, the answer is simple. The mass of impacted stool creates a blockage, and the liquid stool in front of the blockage is forced (by bowel activity) around the impacted mass.
Older dogs (like older people?), especially if there is not enough fibre in the diet, do tend to exhibit less movement (peristaltic) of the intestine. Also, their abdominal muscles would have grown weaker and cannot create the tension and pressure needed for the act of defecation to take place. Consequently, they don’t pass stool that often and the stool accumulates in the lower intestine (colon/rectum).
One sure way to know if your dog is having a hard mass of stool accumulating in the rectum is to digitally feel it. This can be done by putting on a thin plastic glove (surgeon’s gloves – they can be bought over the counter) and lubricating the glove around the index finger with vaseline. Raise the tail while someone is holding the dog steady (there is some discomfort to the dog, especially if the prostate is swollen), and introduce the finger slowly into the anus. You ought to feel the cement-like mass which is part of the blockage. In fact, since you are already in there, you may wish to remove pieces of hard stool. But I must mention if the impaction is much higher up (in the colon), then you won’t feel anything. Of course, if it is a small dog, one can easily palpate the abdomen; you ought to be able to feel the hard impacted mass.
Next week, we will deal with the treatment of chronic constipation.
Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA’s free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.
