Section: Veterinary Care In-depth
Diagnosis In-depth
Obtaining a complete medical history (including diet, eating habits, environment) and performing a thorough physical examination including a thorough digital rectal examination are necessary in order to create an appropriate diagnostic plan for the constipated patient.
A complete blood count (CBC) will evaluate for the presence of systemic infection or inflammation sometimes associated with abscesses, fistulae, or prostatic disorders.
A biochemical profile evaluates kidney, liver, electrolytes (specifically, potassium and calcium), total protein, and blood sugar status. All of these parameters are important to establish in the chronically constipated patient, and to rule out the possibility of concurrent diseases.
A urinalysis helps evaluate the kidneys and hydration status of the patient.
Abdominal radiographs (X-rays) may reveal colonic or rectal foreign bodies or tumors, prostatic enlargement, old pelvic fractures, hip dysplasia, and will reveal the degree of constipation.
Multiple fecal examinations are important to rule out gastrointestinal parasites, specifically whipworms, which can cause pain and straining associated with constipation.
Your veterinarian may recommend additional tests to insure optimal medical care. These are selected on a case-by-case basis.
A thyroid profile may be recommended in the chronically constipated dog, as hypothyroidism can be associated with constipation.
A parathyroid level may be recommended in the hypercalcemic (elevated calcium) constipated patient, as hyperparathyroidism has been associated with constipation.
An abdominal ultrasound evaluates the abdominal organs and helps assess for the presence of tumors. It is a very sensitive test in evaluating the prostate. The procedure is relatively safe, although it may require a mild sedative. It is often recommended that a specialist perform the procedure.
Colonoscopy (lower GI endoscopy) may be of benefit in the patient with constipation. It is a rather noninvasive way to evaluate the colon, and identify the presence of a tumor, stricture, or other lesion. Your veterinarian may also want to sample tissue for the presence of inflammation or cancer.
Since it is necessary to "clean out" your dog to allow for proper visualization of the colon, oral solutions are administered the evening and morning before the procedure, in addition to several enemas. Hospitalization is brief, and healing is generally quick and uneventful. It does, however, necessitate general anesthesia, and therefore is associated with minor risks. It is often necessary to refer the patient to a specialist, and is only performed when other diagnostics are either inconclusive or the patient is not responding well to therapy.
Related Articles
-
1
Over-the-Counter Medicine Concerns in Dogs
It is quite tempting to give over-the-counter medications to your dog or cat, but don't do it -- your pet’s metabolism and organs function a little differently and the medicines may be toxic to your pet.
...
» Read More
-
2
Proctitis in Dogs
Proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum, which is the last part of the large intestine just before the anal opening. It can be caused by parasites, trauma, allergies, disease, tumors or polyps, or it...
» Read More
-
3
Prostatic Tumors
Prostatic tumors or prostatic neoplasia is cancer of the prostate gland. All tumors of the prostate gland should be considered malignant, as there has not been a report of a benign prostatic tumor.
» Read More
-
4
Prostatomegaly (Enlarged Prostate)
Prostatomegaly is an increase in size of the prostate gland, and it is a very common finding in the intact male dog, with almost all having the symptom as they age. Neutered male dogs are much less likely...
» Read More
-
5
Dyschezia (Painful Defecation) in Dogs
Dyschezia is the medical term used to describe painful or difficult defecation. Some pets have temporary dyschezia but in others, difficult defecation may represent a more severe, even life-threatening...
» Read More
-
6
Flatulence in Dogs
Flatulence is the distension of your dog's the stomach or intestines with gas or air. Flatus, commonly referred to as "gas" or "farts" is the gas expelled from the body opening. These terms usually refer...
» Read More
