| CONSTIPATION, OBSTIPATION, PSEUDOCOPROSTASIS | |
| Description | Infrequent or difficult emission of hard, dry, feces, Constipation, is a common problem in cats. In some cats and dogs, especially breeds with fine and/or thick coats and obese cats, hair and fecal material may become matted and impacted onto the area around the anus blocking the flow of feces, a syndrome known as Pseudocoprostasis or 'False Constipation.' In hot weather there is the risk of infestation with maggots. Obstipation/Constipation has been reported in pet pigs. |
| Species | Canine, Feline, Porcine |
| Signs | Abdominal distention, Anorexia, Decreased amount of stools, absent feces, constipation, Dehydration, Dullness, Dyspnea, Foul odor skin, Increased respiratory rate, Matted or dirty hair, Pain on external abdominal pressure, Pain, tail, anus, perineum, Parasite visible, skin, hair, feathers, Tachycardia, Tenesmus, Vomiting or regurgitation |
| References | Moreno AA. Dietary fiber aids in the management of canine and feline gastrointestinal disease. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2022 [https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.22.08.0351] Hobbs KJ. Obstipation in pet pigs: 24 cases. Can Vet J 2021 [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8281943/] Ray M. 2021 AAFP Feline Senior Care Guidelines. J Feline Med Surg 2021 [https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X211021538] |