Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Large-Intestinal Disorders in Dogs and Cats: Diagnosis, Management, and Clinical Outcomes.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
- Year:
- 2026
- Authors:
- Schmid, Sarah M
- Affiliation:
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences · United States
Plain-English summary
Large intestinal problems in dogs and cats usually show up as diarrhea affecting the large bowel, while constipation is less common. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, parasites, inflammatory diseases, tumors, blood vessel problems, and issues with how the intestines move. To figure out what's wrong, veterinarians will take a detailed history, perform a physical exam, run tests on stool samples, use imaging techniques, and sometimes do a colonoscopy to take a closer look at the intestines. Treatment focuses on addressing the specific cause of the problem, along with changes to the diet and supportive care. The outcome really depends on what’s causing the issue, how severe it is, and how quickly treatment begins.
Abstract
Large intestinal diseases in dogs and cats predominantly present as large bowel diarrhea, with constipation occurring less frequently. Etiologies are diverse and include infectious agents, parasites, inflammatory disease, neoplasia, vascular malformations, and motility disorders. Diagnostic evaluation incorporates a thorough history, physical examination, fecal testing, diagnostic imaging, and, when indicated, colonoscopy with mucosal biopsy. Therapeutic strategies are directed toward the underlying cause, complemented by dietary modification and supportive care. Prognosis is contingent upon the specific etiology, disease severity, and timeliness of intervention.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41781216/