Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Short colon in two cats and a dog.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1989
- Authors:
- Fluke, M H et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Plain-English summary
Three pets, two cats and one dog, were taken to a veterinarian because they were having problems with their large intestines. X-rays showed that they all had a shorter than normal colon, which was also straight and had the cecum (the beginning part of the large intestine) located in an unusual spot on the left side of their bellies. This short colon didn't seem to be causing any specific health issues, but it might be linked to a history of having soft stools for a long time. The exact importance of having a short colon is still unclear.
Abstract
Two cats and 1 dog were referred for evaluation of signs of large-intestinal dysfunction. In each instance, contrast radiography revealed an abnormally short, straight colon, with the cecum located in the left hemi-abdomen. Short colon did not appear to contribute specifically to the active disease processes found. The anomaly may develop owing to errors in the processes of elongation and rotation of the embryo's midgut. The clinical relevance of short colon is unknown, but the disorder may contribute to a history of chronic elimination of soft feces.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2759901/