Gastrointestinal Disorders

General Information
Acute colitis is an inflammation of the colon (large bowel). Common causes include parasites, bacteria, foreign material (bones, garbage, plant material), and food allergy. Signs range from very mild to severe and may include diarrhea, blood and/or mucus in the stools, straining, painful elimination, weakness, reluctance to walk, abdominal pain, and dehydration.

Laboratory tests and radiographs (x-rays) are used to diagnose the condition and devise a treatment plan.

General Information
Acute gastritis is the rapid onset of inflammation of the stomach. A common cause is eating spoiled food, garbage, dead fish or animals, bones, plastic, wood, chemicals, drugs, or toxic plants. Vomited material may sometimes reveal what the animal ate, but often the offending material is never isolated. Other causes of acute gastritis include viral or bacterial infections.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases.

General Information
The pancreas lies within the abdominal cavity beside the small intestine. It produces enzymes (chemicals that break down food for digestion) and insulin, which regulates blood sugar.

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. It is a serious condition that occurs most frequently in overweight, middle-aged, female dogs, but it may occur in any individual. The disorder causes pain, vomiting, depression, and occasionally shock and death.

Causes of acute pancreatitis include eating large amounts of fats, infection, blockage of the pancreatic duct, injury, or a diet that stimulates excessive pancreatic activity.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Because affected pets usually cannot keep down medication or food given by mouth, hospitalization and the use of injectable medication and fluids are usually necessary. Laboratory tests are necessary for diagnosis and evaluation of the response to treatment.

Animals Affected – Dog, Cat

General Information
The anal sacs are located on each side of the anus, just under the skin. They open to the outside by tiny passageways or ducts. Glands within the anal sacs produce a dark, foul-smelling substance. The sacs are normally empty as the animal has a bowel movement. Their purpose is unknown and your pet can do well without them.

Diseases of the anal sacs fall into three categories:

1. Impaction: The anal sac fluid is abnormally thick and cannot escape.
2. Infection: Bacteria produce yellow or bloody pus. Infection may also exist in other areas, such as the eyes, ears, tonsils, and/or skin.
3. Abscessation: As a result of infection, a hot, tender swelling near the anus may rupture and discharge pus and blood.

Signs of anal sac disease include “scooting” (dragging the anus on the floor), excessive licking under the tail, tenderness near the tail or anus, and/or bloody or sticky drainage from the anal area.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Treatment for anal sac disease may include the following:
   • Manual expression (squeezing) of the sac contents.
   • Flushing the sacs and instilling antibiotics into them.
   • Surgical drainage or removal of the sacs.

Animals Affected – Cat

General Information
Cholangitis is an inflammation of the bile ducts within the liver. If the liver cells surrounding the ducts are also involved, the condition is called cholangiohepatitis. The disease is usually caused by intestinal bacteria that enter the common bile duct where it enters the small intestine and move upward to the liver. Conditions such as inflammation of the pancreas and/or the small intestine and gallbladder stones may also cause this disorder.

The disorder affects cats of all ages, and signs include decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, fever, increased water drinking, and drooling.

Important Points in Treatment
Cholangitis-cholangiohepatitis is a very serious disorder, and in-hospital treatment may be necessary in some cases.

Animals Affected – Dog

General Information
The liver plays a major role in food, vitamin, and hormone metabolism, contributes to immune and blood clotting activities, stores ingredients for future use, and plays a major role in digestion. The word metabolism literally means change. The liver is like a chemical plant that continually uses the substances we eat (on purpose or accidentally) and changes them into forms that the body can use or into forms that can be stored or removed (excreted) by the body. The liver also neutralizes many poisons that would otherwise cause grave results.

Because of the multipurpose nature of the liver, many mixed signs (symptoms) appear when liver destruction occurs through disease or injury. The liver can regenerate itself unless overwhelmed by harmful substances or a disease process that reduces it to a mass of scar tissue (cirrhosis).

Chronic active hepatitis (CAH) refers to a long-standing (6 months or more), currently active inflammation of the liver, and represents a group of liver diseases that have many microscopic similarities. They tend to progress to the end stage of liver degeneration known as cirrhosis.

CAH may be caused by viruses, drugs, primary liver cancers, autoimmune (self-allergy) disorders, and other obscure causes. CAH may include the infectious hepatitis virus and copper-associated hepatitis in Doberman pinschers, West Highland white terriers, and Bedlington terriers. Some examples of drugs that have been reported to cause the disorder are primidone, phenytoin, and oxibendazole. If your pet requires these drugs, liver health can be monitored through periodic blood tests. Primary liver tumors would fit in this group also.

Copper-associated hepatitis in Bedlington Terriers represents an inherited form of CAH in which large masses of copper are collected and stored within the liver. The problem is that the liver cannot excrete the excess copper into the bile that would enable the body to eventually excrete it. The liver, therefore, because it cannot tolerate such high levels of copper, becomes overwhelmingly poisoned to the point that liver cells are destroyed. The mode of inheritance is autosomal recessive, which means each parent must be a carrier for it to appear in the offspring.

Important Points in Treatment

1. It is important to identify the cause because treatment for one type of CAH will be different from that for other forms of the disease. Identification is performed through laboratory tests and liver biopsy.
2. The success of treatment often depends on the stage of liver disease when first noted and treated.

Animals Affected – Dog, Cat

General Information
Chronic colitis is an inflammation of the colon (large bowel) that has been present for a long time. Signs include intermittent or continuous diarrhea, mucoid or bloody stools, and discomfort during elimination. The disease usually results in weight loss and a dull hair coat.

Finding the cause of chronic colitis is often difficult. Common causes include parasites, bacteria, dietary intolerance, genetic disorder, allergies, nervousness, anxiety, or stress. Sometimes no cause can be found.

Important Points in Treatment

1. A complete examination, including laboratory tests and radiographs (x-rays), is usually necessary to find the cause and determine the proper treatment for colitis. Hospitalization may be necessary.
2. Chronic colitis is very difficult to cure. Often control is the best that can be achieved. Lifetime treatment may be necessary.

General Information
Chronic gastritis is a long-standing inflammation of the stomach lining. There are numerous possible causes, and determining the specific cause may be difficult. Repeated exposure to many physical and chemical agents can cause chronic gastritis. Foreign bodies in the stomach are often the culprit. Chronic gastritis may also be part of a larger disease process in your pet.

Vomiting is the most consistent sign of chronic gastritis. Weight loss, poor appetite, abdominal tenderness, and bleeding from the stomach lining may be seen.

Various procedures may be used to diagnose chronic gastritis.

Important Points in Treatment
Medical evaluation and treatment generally include radiographs (x-rays), laboratory tests, antibiotics, and sometimes surgery, either to remove the offending agent or to obtain tissue samples.

General Information
Chronic pancreatitis is a disease characterized by repeated episodes of pancreatic inflammation. The pancreas produces chemicals (enzymes) that enter the small intestine to break down food for digestion and absorption into the blood. When the pancreas is inflamed, digestion is faulty and in some cases, the inflamed pancreas begins to digest itself. Pancreatitis causes digestive upset and, in severe cases, shock, and death.

Signs of chronic pancreatitis include frequent vomiting, flatulence (intestinal gas), weight loss despite a good appetite, and passage of large amounts of clay-colored soft stools.

There are numerous causes of chronic pancreatitis. Various laboratory tests are often needed to diagnose the disorder. Chronic pancreatitis is a disease more likely to be controlled through medication and diet rather than cured. The disease is often complicated by diabetes mellitus.

Important Points in Treatment
In severe cases, hospital treatment is necessary.

Animals Affected – Cat

General Information
Chronic vomiting refers to expelling stomach contents over a relatively long duration. This generally indicates that a more serious condition exists other than just a transient irritation of the upper digestive tract. It is helpful to determine the point of origin of the vomitus.

Regurgitation refers to expelling contents from the esophagus, and vomiting refers to expelling stomach contents. Both conditions may be just one or two episodes (acute) or long-standing, repetitive episodes (chronic). Expelled contents that are tubular in form are suggestive of esophageal contents. If bile (yellowish orange) is expelled, the stomach is the more suspicious point of origin of the material. Beyond that, determining whether the expelled contents are from regurgitation or vomiting is difficult, and other diagnostic methods may be required.

Chronic vomiting is generally caused by three major factors: (1) blockage of the GI tract; (2) inflammatory disease (including food allergies) of the digestive tract or other organs; (3) other systemic or widespread diseases, such as feline peritonitis, leukemia, hyperthyroid disease, kidney or heart disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, and serious uterine infections.

Diagnostic means such as blood tests, x-rays, ultrasonography, endoscopy, and stomach or intestinal biopsies may be required to locate and identify the cause of the disorder.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Generally, the more common disorders are ruled out by conservative methods. These can include medication and possibly dietary changes. After that, more sophisticated means are required. Exploratory surgery under general anesthesia may be necessary.
2. If your cat is used to going outside, it is imperative to contain it inside during the diagnostic period. There are many unknown factors outside that can have a direct influence on your cat’s illness, and these must be eliminated or ruled out. Large cat cages can be purchased or the cat can be limited to one special area in the home. If your cat uses a kitty litter pan indoors, it probably will not be difficult to confine your cat indoors for an indefinite time.

Animals Affected – Dog, Cat

General Information
Infrequent and/or difficult bowel movements are termed constipation. Dry, hard stools cause pain and straining. Constipation is a sign of large bowel problems and is not a disease itself. There are many causes for constipation, and often various tests and examinations are necessary to find the underlying cause.

Important Points in Treatment

1. The usual aim in treating constipation is complete recovery. In some cases, however, therapy is designed to control the condition rather than cure it, and lifetime therapy is necessary. Your doctor will advise you if anything other than a complete cure is expected.
2. Treatment of constipation includes diet changes, laxatives, enemas, and sometimes surgery. Hospitalization may be necessary.

Animals Affected – Dog

General Information
Copper-associated hepatitis is a chronic inflammation of the liver caused by the accumulation of copper in liver cells. While the exact mechanism of the disease is unknown, it seems to be caused by an inability to excrete or remove copper from liver cells. Copper is highly destructive once significant concentrations develop within the liver cells.

The disease is not caused by abnormal amounts of copper in the diet. The disease is inherited, and most cases have occurred in Bedlington Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, and West Highland White Terriers. Although the disease may be chronic, mild, and slowly progressive in some dogs, in others the condition is rapidly fatal. Affected dogs should not be used for breeding purposes.

Treatment is necessary throughout the dog’s life, and the prognosis is always guarded.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Various laboratory tests and biopsies of the liver are usually necessary to determine the degree of illness and to monitor treatment.

Animals Affected – Dog, Cat

General Information
Diarrhea is the frequent passage of very fluid stools. It is not a disease itself, but rather the most common sign of small and large intestinal problems.

There are many causes of diarrhea, and various diagnostic tests are used to find the underlying cause. Causes can be parasites, bacteria, toxins, pancreatitis, malabsorption syndromes, intestinal disease, and cancer – just to name a few. With severe diarrhea, hospitalization is usually necessary.

Important Points in Treatment

1. The usual aim in treating diarrhea is complete recovery. A few conditions, however, require lifetime therapy, and control rather than cure is the ultimate goal. The doctor will advise you if a complete recovery is not expected.

Animals Affected – Dog, Cat, Rodent

General Information
Enteritis is inflammation of the small intestine. There are many causes of enteritis, including micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses, and fungi), foreign matter (bones, wood, plant material, etc.), allergies, emotional disturbances, parasites, neurologic problems of the bowel, and enzyme deficiencies. Determining the cause of your pet’s enteritis may require laboratory tests and radiographs (x-rays).

Important Points in Treatment

1. A complete cure is the usual goal of treatment, but some cases can only be controlled. Your doctor will advise you if a complete recovery is not expected.

General Information
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and small intestine. The term eosinophilic refers to a type of white blood cell involved in inflammation. The inflammation results in vomiting and diarrhea and frequent bleeding from the small bowel. As the disease progresses, there is weight loss and occasionally dehydration.

Why these particular white blood cells (eosinophils) invade the stomach and small intestine is unknown. The cause may be allergic, parasitic, or bacterial. While treatment is usually successful, the treatment period is generally quite long.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Laboratory tests are used to diagnose the disease and monitor the patient’s progress. Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases.
2. Recurrences of the disease are common.

Animals Affected – Dog, Cat, Rodent

General Information
The pancreas is an organ that is attached to the first section of the small intestine and is divided into exocrine and endocrine portions. Nearly 98% of the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and other substances, including an enzyme inhibitor that protects the pancreas from digesting itself. This is the exocrine pancreas. The remaining 2% of the pancreas secretes insulin and is termed the endocrine pancreas.

Exocrine pancreatic disease (EPD) refers to a degenerative process of the non-insulin-producing portion of the pancreas. The pancreas secretes its juices into the small intestine at all times, 10% of the juices between meals and 90% in response to eating a meal. The pancreas receives signals to secrete its enzymes through an interplay of nerves and hormones that originate in the intestines. EPD is much more prevalent in the dog and is rare in the cat.

An animal may survive without its pancreas, but it would require both daily insulin administration plus enzyme and vitamin supplementation and a very carefully regulated, special diet.

Pancreatic acinar atrophy (PAA) is the most common form of EPD and results from the destruction of the basic enzyme-secreting element of the pancreas. The cause of PAA in the dog is not well known, but it may occur at any age and is inherited in the German Shepherds. Suspected causes of PAA include obstruction of the ducts leading from the pancreas, infections, poisons (originating from either inside or outside the body), lack of proper blood supply to the pancreas, and immuno-mediated (self-allergy) disorders. Other less common forms of EPD include pancreatic cancer and chronic inflammation of the pancreas. Signs of EPD include having a ravenous appetite, weight loss, large volume of light-colored stool (due to increased fat), abdominal pain, recurring digestive problems, increased flatulence (frequent passing of gas), and poor hair coat.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Serum and fecal laboratory tests may be required, depending upon your pet’s clinical signs and response to initial diet changes and enzyme supplementations.
2. Enzyme replacement, dietary modification with vitamin supplementation, and antibiotic therapy with or without corticosteroid administration are all options that may be considered in your pet’s case. Lifetime treatment is often required in most cases.

Animals Affected – Dog

(Bloat, Gastric Torsion)

General Information
Gastric dilatation/volvulus is a life-threatening disease characterized by a tremendous ballooning (dilatation) of the stomach with gas and frothy material. Dilatation may be followed by twisting of the stomach (volvulus) that closes both the inlet and outlet of the stomach. As the swelling continues, shock develops as the swollen stomach blocks the return of blood from the abdomen to the heart. Widespread tissue damage and kidney failure occur and death from respiratory and cardiac arrest soon follows.

While most cases occur in large, deep-chested dogs, small dogs are occasionally affected. The disorder appears suddenly in apparently healthy dogs. The cause is unknown, but the condition is complex and multiple causes are suspected.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Prompt treatment is essential to a successful outcome. Irreversible damage can occur in a surprisingly short time. For this reason, many affected dogs die before treatment can be given.
2. Surgery is necessary in all cases of gastric volvulus and must be done very quickly.

General Information
The stomach is constantly under siege and can be affected by many factors. Causes of ulcers include mechanical irritants such as sticks, bones, and stones. In addition, drugs; kidney, liver, and adrenal gland disease; germs; excess stomach acid; stress factors; and nerve-related disorders are associated with ulcer development.

Ulcers of the stomach are like wounds in the skin. A protective barrier, formed from mucus, chemicals, and anti-inflammatory components, protects the delicate gastric lining. For ulcers to occur, the protective barrier and digestive lining are breached, and germs and other harmful substances have access to the exposed inner layers of the gastric wall. Unlike wounds on the outer skin layer, gastric ulcers cannot be kept dry or free from further irritation. Therefore unique health management techniques must be used to create a medium in which healing can take place.

Vomiting, with or without blood, is the most common sign of gastric ulcer. The vomitus can have either bright blood or a “coffee ground” appearance, indicating digested blood. Weight loss and loss of appetite are also seen. Loss of blood is always a concern and should be monitored.

Important Points in Treatment

1. As in most diseases or illnesses, early treatment renders a better chance for success. Persistent and aggressive treatment is required to overcome ulceration of the digestive tract.
2. Radiographs (x-rays) with or without special contrast (barium) studies are often required to evaluate your pet’s digestive tract. Special scopes (endoscopy) are also used to view the inner body. The endoscope can allow the veterinarian to view the stomach and retrieve a sample of tissue for microscopic examination (biopsy).
3. Laboratory tests, including total blood counts and serum chemistries, are important to determine your pet’s overall health status and provide further guidance in administering proper therapy to your pet.
4. Diet: Special low-fat diets should be fed at prescribed intervals to aid in preventing over-filling and additional stress to the stomach.

General Information
The liver plays a major role in food, vitamin, and hormone metabolism, which means it changes these substances into forms the body can use or into forms that allow easy removal to sustain normal body harmony. The word metabolism literally means change. The liver is like a chemical plant that continually takes the substances we eat (on purpose or accidentally) and changes them into forms for body use, storage for future use, or excretion (removal). The liver also contributes to various immune and blood-clotting activities and plays a major role in digestion. The liver also neutralizes many poisons that would otherwise cause grave results.

Hepatic (liver) cirrhosis (sir-ro-sis) means liver degeneration in which active, functional cells of the liver have undergone end-stage degeneration from any cause; it is considered very serious.  Because of the multitude of functions of the liver, cirrhosis can be represented by as many symptoms as there are functions. Some symptoms are vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, nervous signs, seizures, and depression.

Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, laboratory tests, and microscopic examinations (biopsies) of liver tissue sections. The liver samples may be taken during exploratory surgery or by laparoscopic or needle biopsy techniques. It is not uncommon to take more than one sample.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Treatment for hepatic cirrhosis is mainly symptomatic and supportive. An actual cure for the disease is not attainable, and comfort and safety are the primary goals.
2. Laboratory blood tests are required to determine the status of the patient, and they should be repeated at various intervals to periodically assess the overall status of the condition. Testing will help guide the treatment as well as provide you with information to make a decision regarding whether to continue treatment or not.

General Information
Hepatic (liver) encephalopathy is a brain disorder caused by liver disease, including abnormal circulation. The liver plays a major role in food, vitamin, and hormone metabolism, which means it changes these substances into forms the body can use or into forms that allow easy removal to sustain normal body harmony. The word metabolism literally means change. The liver is like a chemical plant that continually changes numerous substances from one form into another that affects the body. The liver also contributes to various immune and blood-clotting activities, stores ingredients for future use, and plays a major role in digestion. Without the liver, the body would be fatally poisoned; the liver has the capacity to reduce many poisonous substances to harmless forms.

Normal circulation transports blood from the intestinal tract, through the liver, and into the large major vein, the caudal vena cava, which then carries blood toward the heart. Abnormal circulation transports blood from the intestinal tract (bypassing the liver) and carries unchanged poisonous substances directly into the caudal vena cava, through the heart, and distributes them to all parts of the body, including the brain. These bypasses are called shunts, and the portocaval shunt is one common type.

Some signs of hepatic encephalopathy include digestive and brain disorders, ranging from vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, seizures, hypersensitivity, and excessive salivation (especially in cats).

Important Points in Treatment

1. Blood tests, radiographs (x-rays), blood contrast studies, such as angiography, and exploratory surgery are some of the procedures used to help diagnose hepatic encephalopathy.
2. Surgical treatment is more commonly used and has a higher success rate than non-surgical treatment. Surgical success varies, depending on the location of the shunt. There are intrahepatic (inside the liver) shunts and extrahepatic (outside the liver) shunts. The latter have a better prognosis (medical forecast) than intrahepatic shunts. Medical (non-surgical) management does have its purpose, especially in higher-risk surgical patients.

Animals Affected – Cat

General Information
Hepatic lipidosis is the abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver. While a normal liver contains about 5% fat, in cats with hepatic lipidosis, the fat content may reach 40% to 50% of total liver weight, resulting in liver failure. Although some cases are caused by toxic materials or diabetes, most cases occur in grossly overweight cats who are subjected to periods of starvation or have a severely reduced appetite. While starvation in other animals produces a mildly fatty liver, in obese cats severe lipidosis is often fatal. Cats of normal weight are usually able to tolerate periods of starvation without developing lipidosis.

Why this type of lipidosis occurs is unknown, but researchers are investigating amino acid deficiencies and hormone abnormalities.

Cats with lipidosis are usually over 2 years old, and most have not eaten at all or have eaten very little for a period of 2 to 3 weeks. Many have lost up to 50% of their body weight.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Aggressive nutritional support is necessary to save cats with lipidosis. Hospitalization and feeding by stomach tube are typical.
2. Recovery is not rapid. Most cats need treatment for 4 to 8 weeks or longer. Once affected cats begin to eat on their own, the chances for recovery are good.

Animals Affected – Cat

General Information
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a group of stomach and intestinal disorders now considered to be one of the most common causes of vomiting and diarrhea in cats. The cause is unknown, but different types of IBD all demonstrate an abundance of inflammatory cells in the lining (mucosa) of the digestive tract.

The presence of inflammatory cells in this disease suggests that the cause is an allergic-type reaction. Inflammatory cells are special cells that appear and participate in the body’s response to an irritant. The inflammatory response may benefit the body or it may be harmful in some cases. We can control the disease better than we can actually cure it.

The types of IBD are named after the inflammatory cell types associated with the disorder. They include lymphocytic-plasmacytic enterocolitis (most common in cats), eosinophilic enteritis (seen more in middle-aged to older cats: less common than the first type), and regional granulomatous enterocolitis, which is rare. All have similar treatments.

Important Points in Treatment

1. The actual cure is much more difficult than a control. Control allows your cat comfort and the ability to function normally.
2. Complete laboratory assessment with blood tests and fecal and urine examinations is recommended. Radiographs (x-rays), thyroid evaluation, leukemia tests, biopsies, and other tests may allow your veterinarian to rule out other possible disorders. Many diseases produce the same signs as IBD.
3. Diet: Dietary trials may be suggested to rule out possible food allergies. Generally, the trial should extend for 4 to 6 weeks. During the trial, it is essential that you feed nothing other than what is recommended. Feeding a single snack or food item not recommended can interfere with the results and negate your efforts.

Animals Affected – Dog, Cat, Rodent

General Information
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a group of stomach and intestinal disorders now considered to be one of the most common causes of vomiting and diarrhea in cats. The cause is unknown, but different types of IBD all demonstrate an abundance of inflammatory cells in the lining (mucosa) of the digestive tract.

The presence of inflammatory cells in this disease suggests that the cause is an allergic-type reaction. Inflammatory cells are special cells that appear and participate in the body’s response to an irritant. The inflammatory response may benefit the body or it may be harmful in some cases. We can control the disease better than we can actually cure it.

The types of IBD are named after the inflammatory cell types associated with the disorder. They include lymphocytic-plasmacytic enterocolitis (most common in cats), eosinophilic enteritis (seen more in middle-aged to older cats: less common than the first type), and regional granulomatous enterocolitis, which is rare. All have similar treatments.

Important Points in Treatment

1. The actual cure is much more difficult than a control. Control allows your cat comfort and the ability to function normally.
2. Complete laboratory assessment with blood tests and fecal and urine examinations is recommended. Radiographs (x-rays), thyroid evaluation, leukemia tests, biopsies, and other tests may allow your veterinarian to rule out other possible disorders. Many diseases produce the same signs as IBD.
3. Diet: Dietary trials may be suggested to rule out possible food allergies. Generally, the trial should extend for 4 to 6 weeks. During the trial, it is essential that you feed nothing other than what is recommended. Feeding a single snack or food item not recommended can interfere with the results and negate your efforts.

Animals Affected – Dog, Cat

General Information
The liver is a large organ located in the most forward part of the abdomen, resting against the muscular partition between the abdominal and chest cavities. The liver is essential for life and performs over 100 important functions, such as removing waste products (toxic substances and drugs) from the blood, metabolizing fats, storing carbohydrates, assisting in blood clotting, and manufacturing bile, plasma proteins, and other substances.

Liver disease is often difficult to detect until the illness becomes severe because there is an overabundance of liver tissue, and the liver can partially regenerate itself. The signs of liver disease vary with the degree and location of damage. Various blood tests are necessary to discover the extent and nature of liver damage. In many cases, surgical removal of a small piece of liver tissue (liver biopsy) is the only way to diagnose the type of liver disease.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Some types of liver disease can only be treated in the hospital, while others are treated on an outpatient basis. Some liver diseases can be cured, while in others the goal of treatment is control of the disease.

General Information
Pets with malabsorption syndrome cannot properly absorb digested nutrients from the small intestine into the bloodstream. Although the exact cause of the disorder is unknown, it may be related to an allergy to the protein found in cereal grains. Some cases of malabsorption may result from chronic intestinal irritation or abnormal lymph drainage of the intestine.

Pets with malabsorption have loose bowel movements that may be frothy, with a foul odor. The appetite is usually poor, and weight loss, vomiting, and weakness are common.

Diagnosis of malabsorption is by clinical signs, physical examination, absorption tests, and occasionally intestinal biopsy. The lifetime outlook for patients with malabsorption is quite variable.

General Information
Megaesophagus is a condition in which the esophagus is enlarged and cannot properly propel food from the throat down to the stomach. Megaesophagus occurs less frequently in cats than in dogs. Pneumonia caused by inhaling pieces of food is a common complication of the megaesophagus. Although the condition can appear suddenly in mature animals, it is most common in young animals shortly after weaning. It is inherited in Wirehaired Fox Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, and possibly others.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Barium X-ray studies are often necessary to diagnose this condition. Both surgical and medical therapy may be used in the treatment of megaesophagus, but cures are uncommon. The doctor will discuss the prognosis (medical forecast) for your pet.

General Information
A perianal fistula is an abnormal erosion, canal, or tunnel in the delicate tissues around the anus. These fistulas or tracts generally lead to the rectum or an infected area (abscess), such as the anal sacs.

Although any breed is susceptible, perianal fistulas are most common in German Shepherds and Shepherd mixes, Irish Setters, Retrievers, Collies, and Spaniels.

The condition is very painful and causes constipation and/or painful elimination, bleeding, dragging the anus on the ground or floor, and a foul-smelling discharge. Treatment is either surgical or medical, depending on the severity of the condition.

General Information
Portal shunting is an abnormality of the blood vessels of the liver (portal system) that causes some or all of the blood from the intestines to be shunted around (bypass) the liver and to go directly into the general circulation. A very serious consequence of portal shunting is the increase in blood ammonia levels after eating. Accumulation of blood ammonia seriously impairs brain function and may cause seizures, coma, and death.

Portal shunts can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired). In all cases, however, portal shunting is a serious disorder.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Portal shunting is treated surgically and/or medically. For surgery to be beneficial, the shunt must be in an operable location. Often shunts cannot be reached for surgical correction. While some pets have lived for several years with portal shunts, the condition is usually terminal when surgery is not possible.
2. Portal shunting is a very complicated disease, and diagnosis and treatment involve extensive laboratory tests. Highly specialized X-ray techniques use dyes that are visible on radiographs (x-rays) to find the shunts. Many affected animals are referred to specialists for treatment.

General Information
The main function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is to absorb nutrients from food and eliminate the portions the body cannot use. Protein-losing gastroenteropathy is a complex disease of the stomach and/or intestine that prevents adequate absorption of proteins from the diet. The condition can result from disorders of the lymphatic system, long-term inflammation of the GI tract, certain cancers, and fungal infections of the GI tract.

An important sign of protein-losing gastroenteropathy is progressive weight loss, even when high-quality diets are fed. Diarrhea may also occur, but it is usually sporadic.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Various laboratory tests are necessary to diagnose and monitor the response to treatment of this disease.
2. Critically ill animals may require hospitalization for initial treatment.

General Information
The pylorus is the short muscular passage between the stomach and the small intestine. Normally it remains closed, allowing the stomach to fill with food; then it opens in rhythm with the stomach contractions, allowing food to pass into the small intestine.

In pylorospasm, the muscle fails to relax and allows food to pass from the stomach. This results in the vomiting of undigested food. Pyloric stenosis is a narrowing of the pylorus. This condition also interferes with the passage of food from the stomach, and vomiting is the usual result. Pyloric stenosis may be present since birth (congenital) or maybe the result of chronic infection, untreated pylorospasm, or a tumor of the pylorus. Radiographs (x-rays) or exploratory surgery may be required to reach a final diagnosis.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Pylorospasm is treated by dietary control, medication to prevent spasms, and occasionally tranquilizers. Chances for control and possible cure are very good; however, prolonged treatment may be necessary.
2. Pyloric stenosis is treated by surgery to enlarge the pylorus. If the condition is congenital, the chances for a cure are excellent. If it is due to other causes, chances for a complete cure are fair.

General Information
Rectal prolapse is the result of severe straining to pass stools. A portion of the colon (lower digestive tract) turns inside out and protrudes from the anus. This is similar to turning a sock inside out.

Although prolapse results from straining, many things can cause strain. These include diarrhea, constipation, intestinal parasites, swallowed objects, tumors, delivery of puppies or kittens, or disease of the prostate gland.

Rectal prolapse is treated by replacing the protruding portion of the digestive tract and eliminating the cause of straining. In some cases, surgery is necessary to correct the prolapse.

Animals Affected – Dog, Cat

General Information
A spastic colon is intermittent irritability of the large bowel often related to psychological stress. Leaving your pet alone for long periods, boarding it in a kennel, strenuous exercise, and extended confinement may cause spastic or irritable colon.

During episodes of spastic colon, affected pets frequently pass small amounts of soft or runny stools. Often only a clear, blood-tinged mucus is passed. Although physical examination, laboratory tests, and radiographs (x-rays) are needed to rule out the presence of other diseases, these tests are normal in most instances of spastic colon. Several stool specimens are often checked to rule out intestinal parasitism.

Animals Affected – Dog

General Information
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic (long-standing) disease of the large intestine, most commonly found in Boxers under 2 years of age. Its cause is unknown.

Boxers with this disease have repeated and long episodes of bloody diarrhea and strain to pass small amounts of semi-formed stools that contain blood and mucus. Although affected dogs remain in fairly good condition, they usually lose weight. Vomiting occurs in some dogs.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Various laboratory tests and radiographic (x-ray) studies are often necessary to diagnose ulcerative colitis in Boxers. Most of the tests are done to rule out other conditions with similar signs.
2. Relapses are common during treatment.