The probiotic fermented milk of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei JY062 and Lactobacillus gasseri JM1 alleviates constipation via improving gastrointestinal motility and gut microbiota

Constipation is directly related to the intestinal microenvironment, in which the promotion of gastrointestinal (GI) motility and improvement of gut microbiota distribution are important for alleviating symptoms. Herein, after the intervention of probiotic fermented milk (FMMIX) containing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei JY062 and Lactobacillus gasseri JM1 for 14 d in Kunming mice with loperamide-induced constipation, the results indicated that FMMIX significantly increased the secretion of serum motilin, gastrin and 5-hydroxytryptamine, as well as decreased the secretion of peptide YY, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and nitric oxide in mice. As determined by immunohistochemical analysis, FMMIX promoted an augmentation in the quantity of Cajal interstitial cells. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression of c-kit and stem cell factor (SCF) were upregulated to facilitate intestinal motility. High-throughput sequencing and gas chromatography techniques revealed that FMMIX led to an increase in the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Oscillospira, Ruminococcus, Coprococcus, and Akkermansia), reduced the presence of harmful bacteria (Prevotella), and resulted in elevated levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) with a superior improvement compared with unfermented milk. Untargeted metabolomics revealed significant upregulation of functional metabolites such as l-pipecolinic acid, dl-phenylalanine, and naringenin in FMMIX, presumably playing a potential role in constipation relief. Overall, our results showed that FMMIX had the potential to alleviate constipation symptoms in mice by improving the secretion of serum GI regulatory peptides and neurotransmitters, increasing the expression of c-kit and SCF proteins, and modulating the gut microbiota structure and SCFA levels, and may be associated with an increase in these functional metabolites. This suggested that FMMIX could be a promising adjunctive strategy for managing constipation symptoms and could contribute to the development of functional foods aimed at improving gut health.

Psyllium husk powder increases defecation frequency and faecal score, bulk and moisture in healthy cats

OBJECTIVES

Constipation is the infrequent or difficult emission of hard, dry faeces and is a common digestive condition in cats. Psyllium is a low-fermentable fibre, with soluble and insoluble components and water-holding properties. It forms a mucilaginous gel with water and is used for the symptomatic treatment of constipation in various species. This study evaluated the effect of dietary psyllium on faecal characteristics in cats.

METHODS

Healthy neutered adult cats (six female and three male, aged 3.3-4.4 years) were consecutively fed a dry extruded diet containing either 6% psyllium (test) or 6% cellulose (control) for 10 days each. During the last 3 days (the collection days) of both feeding periods, bowel movements and faecal scores were recorded, and faeces were collected to measure wet weight and moisture. The statistical analysis used linear mixed models with diet, day and their interaction as fixed effects and animal as a random term.

RESULTS

The test diet was associated with significantly more bowel movements per day over 3 days (P = 0.0052) and on collection day 2 (P = 0.0229) than the control diet. The mean faecal score was higher (softer faeces) over all three collection days (P <0.0001) and on collection days 1, 2 and 3 (P = 0.0011, P = 0.0349, P = 0.0003, respectively) for the test diet vs the control diet; the total faecal wet weight (P = 0.0003) and faecal moisture (%) were also higher (P = 0.0426) for the test diet. Faeces associated with the test diet often had a dry shell and soft interior, which increased the faecal score.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Psyllium promoted more bowel movements and higher faecal moisture and faecal score in healthy cats, consistent with a previous uncontrolled clinical trial in constipated cats. Together, the studies support the use of dietary psyllium for managing cats with constipation.

Impacts of supplementing Cannabis sativa byproducts during the transition period on behaviour, feed consumption, constipation levels, colostrum production and piglet performance in hyperprolific sows

In the modern swine industry, inflammation and pain in sows after farrowing represent a crucial animal welfare concern. Cannabis sativa, a medicinal plant, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties and is rich in fibre. The objective of this study is to examine the impacts of supplementing sows with Cannabis sativa byproducts during transition periods (7 days before and after farrowing) on various aspects including postpartum behaviour, feed intake, constipation, farrowing duration, colostrum yield and piglet performance. The experiment involved a total of 100 Landrace × Yorkshire sows. The sows were distributed according to parity numbers into two groups, i.e., control (n = 54) and treatment (n = 46). The control group was provided with a lactation diet at 3.0-3.5 kg per day for a period of 7 days before and after farrowing. The treatment groups received the same quantity of the diet but with an additional supplementation of 150 g/d of Cannabis sativa byproduct. The byproduct was analysed and contained 0.24 % (w/w) cannabidiol (CBD), resulting in a daily intake of 360 mg of CBD per sow. The conventional lactational diet had a dietary fibre content of 4.3 %, whereas the diet supplemented with Cannabis sativa byproduct had a higher dietary fibre content of 16.9 %. Video cameras were used to observe and document the behaviour of sows within the initial 24 h after farrowing. The duration in which sows engaged in activities such as sleeping, sitting, standing, feeding and nursing their piglets was quantified. Additionally, the rectal temperature of the sows was measured, and a temperature equal to or exceeding 39.5 °C was considered indicative of fever. The faecal score of the sows was assessed, and a faecal score of ≤2 was classified as constipation. On the third day postpartum, the proportion of sows with fever in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (20.0 % and 38.9 % respectively, P = 0.051). Sows receiving supplementation with Cannabis sativa byproducts exhibited increased durations of standing and feeding compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). Notably, overall, sows without constipation issues spent more time consuming feed than those experiencing constipation (P = 0.006). The prevalence of constipation was significantly lower in the treatment group compared to the control group (17.4 % and 81.5 %, respectively, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the postpartum sows demonstrated increased feed intake following supplementation with Cannabis sativa byproducts (P < 0.05). Sow colostrum yield, piglet colostrum intake, piglet mortality and other piglet traits did not differ between the control and treatment groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing Cannabis sativa byproducts during the transition periods in peri-parturient sows under tropical conditions resulted in a reduction in constipation issues and improved sow activities, such as increased time spent standing and consuming feed within the first 24 h postpartum.

Probiotics alleviate constipation and inflammation in late gestating and lactating sows

Constipation and systemic inflammation are common in late pregnant and lactating sows, which cause health problems like uteritis, mastitis, dystocia, or even stillbirth, further influencing piglets' survival and growth. Probiotic supplementation can improve such issues, but the beneficial mechanism of relieving constipation and enhancing gut motility remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of probiotic supplementation in drinking water to late pregnant sows on constipation, inflammation, and piglets' growth performance. Seventy-four sows were randomly allocated to probiotic (n = 36) and control (n = 38) groups. Probiotic treatment significantly relieved sow constipation, enhanced serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels while reducing serum IL-1β, IL-12p40, and TNF-α levels, and increased piglet daily gain and weaning weight. Furthermore, probiotic administration reshaped the sow gut bacteriome and phageome structure/diversity, accompanied by increases in some potentially beneficial bacteria. At 113 days of gestation, the probiotic group was enriched in several gut microbial bioactive metabolites, multiple carbohydrate-active enzymes that degrade pectin and starch, fecal butyrate and acetate, and some serum metabolites involved in vitamin and amino acid metabolism. Our integrated correlation network analysis revealed that the alleviation of constipation and inflammation was associated with changes in the sow gut bacteriome, phageome, bioactive metabolic potential, and metabolism.

Complete vaginectomy via a ventral approach with pelvic osteotomy in a cat

A 6-year-old, intact female, domestic short-hair cat had a 3-month history of obstipation. On physical examination and diagnostic imaging, megacolon secondary to a large, intrapelvic vaginal mass was diagnosed. An ovariohysterectomy and a complete vaginectomy via a ventral midline celiotomy and bilateral pubic and ischial osteotomies were performed. This approach allowed excellent exposure of the entire genital tract necessary to excise the large vaginal mass. The mass was histologically diagnosed as a vaginal fibrous stromal polyp. Obstipation resolved 12 h after surgery. On radiographic recheck 11 d after surgery, the colon had returned to normal size. No major surgical complications were observed. This is the first case report of a complete vaginectomy via the ventral approach with a pelvic osteotomy in a cat. Furthermore, this report describes the different surgical techniques used in animals affected by a large vaginal mass and provides evidence that an aggressive surgical approach and en-bloc excision can be considered for the management of extensive intrapelvic vaginal masses in cats.

Evaluation of outcomes following subtotal colectomy for the treatment of idiopathic megacolon in cats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate outcomes in cats undergoing subtotal colectomy for the treatment of idiopathic megacolon and to determine whether removal versus nonremoval of the ileocecocolic junction (ICJ) was associated with differences in outcome.

ANIMALS

166 client-owned cats.

PROCEDURES

For this retrospective cohort study, medical records databases of 18 participating veterinary hospitals were searched to identify records of cats with idiopathic megacolon treated by subtotal colectomy from January 2000 to December 2018. Data collection included perioperative and surgical variables, complications, outcome, and owner perception of the procedure. Data were analyzed for associations with outcomes of interest, and Kaplan-Meier survival time analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Major perioperative complications occurred in 9.9% (15/151) of cats, and 14% (12/87) of cats died as a direct result of treatment or complications of megacolon. The median survival time was not reached. Cats with (vs without) a body condition score < 4/9 (hazard ratio [HR], 5.97), preexisting heart disease (HR, 3.21), major perioperative complications (HR, 27.8), or long-term postoperative liquid feces (HR, 10.4) had greater hazard of shorter survival time. Constipation recurrence occurred in 32% (24/74) of cats at a median time of 344 days and was not associated with retention versus removal of the ICJ; however, ICJ removal was associated with long-term liquid feces (OR, 3.45), and a fair or poor outcome on owner assessment (OR, 3.6).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results indicated that subtotal colectomy was associated with long survival times and a high rate of owner satisfaction. Removal of the ICJ was associated with less favorable outcomes in cats of the present study.

Rapid detection of asperphenamate in a hay batch associated with constipation and deaths in dairy cattle. The application of DART-HRMS to veterinary forensic toxicology

Direct analysis in real time (DART) coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was applied for the first time to veterinary forensic toxicology to investigate the presence of toxic compounds in hay after an episode of acute intoxication in a dairy cattle farm. In addition to gross field necropsy and histological examination, microbial cultures, and heavy metals analysis, the molecular fingerprinting of the suspected hay batch was investigated by DART-HRMS. DART-HRMS revealed a distinct signal of m/z 507.2289 in the hay batch thought to be associated with the digestive complications. A search on chemical structure databases matched the ion with asperphenamate, a toxin produced by Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus spp. Liquid Chromatography-HMRS analysis and electrospray-HRMS-MS/MS of the hay extracts further characterized the structure and confirmed the identification of the compound as asperphenamate. Asperphenamate is fungal metabolite which can have cytotoxic and antitumor activity in humans, and it is classified as acute toxicant and harmful if swallowed.

A perineal cystic hamartoma causing constipation in an intact female Irish water spaniel

A perineal fluid-filled structure was discovered in a 6-year-old intact female Irish water spaniel suffering from intermittent constipation. Diagnostic tests revealed the structure was immediately caudal to the vagina and compatible with a cyst. Surgical excision was required for resolution of clinical signs. Histology confirmed the structure was a cyst. The exact origin is unknown; however, the variety of lining epithelia, including sections with mucin production, and a well-differentiated smooth muscle layer, were most consistent with development from the lower hindgut or urogenital sinus during embryonic growth. The histologic and anatomical similarities with human retrorectal cystic hamartomas were key in establishing the diagnosis of a perineal cystic hamartoma. Following removal, constipation resolved, and the cyst did not recur.

Internal hemipelvectomy for treatment of obstipation secondary to pelvic malunion in 3 cats

Pelvic fractures are a common injury in cats, and both surgical and conservative management approaches have been described. One of the major complications of pelvic fractures managed conservatively is narrowing of the pelvic canal. Severe pelvic canal narrowing can result in constipation and subsequent megacolon. The purpose of this case series is to describe the long-term outcome for 3 cats with obstipation treated with internal hemipelvectomy because of megacolon secondary to pelvic canal narrowing after conservative management. All cats had a good functional outcome of the affected limb. Two cats required ongoing medical management for recurrent constipation. Overall, internal hemipelvectomy offers good long-term limb function; however, its success in relieving clinical signs of constipation requires additional research.

Prostatic carcinoma causing urethral obstruction and obstipation in a cat

A 9-year-old intact male cat was presented for vomiting and straining to defecate. A large abdominal mass was palpated. The urinary bladder was full and non-expressible. Exploratory laparotomy revealed that the mass was compressing the colon and encircling the urethra caudal to the bladder. The mass was removed, the urethra transected, and the urinary bladder marsupialized to the ventral abdominal wall to allow urine drainage. Histopathologic examination of the mass revealed a prostatic carcinoma. The cat died approximately 6 weeks after removal of the mass. This is the first reported case of a prostatic carcinoma causing urethral obstruction and obstipation in a cat.

Colonic cyst in a cat presenting recurrent constipation and abdominal pain

A 5-year-old domestic short-haired spayed female cat was presented for abdominal pain and suspended defecation. Abdominal radiographs confirmed constipation; abdominal ultrasonography showed a cystic oval structure attached to the colon. The structure exhibited a well-defined wall, composed of three layers. Its content was mildly echogenic and inhomogeneous. Laparotomy was performed and complete resection of the structure, and of part of the colon, was required (end-to-end anastomosis). Histopathology confirmed the structure to be a cystic formation of the colon with some areas of mucosal metaplasia. However the question whether the cystic structure was consistent with an intestinal duplication cyst - which is the most likely type of cyst in this particular case - a Meckel's diverticulum remnant, a vitelline duct cyst or a cystic diverticulum of the colon could not be resolved. Postoperatively, no further other episode of constipation occurred.

Successful treatment of an intra-pelvic fungal pseudomycetoma causing constipation and hypercalcaemia in a Persian cat

This case report describes the successful treatment of a Persian cat diagnosed with intra-abdominal fungal pseudomycetoma causing hypercalcaemia and constipation due to an extra-luminal mechanical obstruction of the colon. Treatment included surgical excision, supportive care and itraconazole for 6 months.

Compounding prokinetic medications for companion animals

The availability of information for all of the many prokinetic agents is varied at best. Therefore, an overall consensus of prokinetic medications will be assessed in this article, hopefully providing insight for practitioners about which therapeutic selections to make for their patients.

Subtotal colectomy by rectal pull-through for treatment of idiopathic megacolon in 2 cats

Surgical management of idiopathic megacolon is described in 2 cats by a rectal pull-through with subtotal colectomy performed outside of the abdomen. This newly described technique facilitates access to the rectum for suturing an anastamosis without the need for pubic osteotomy and with minimal risk of abdominal contamination.

Adjuvant carboplatin for the treatment of intestinal carcinoid in a dog

A ten-year-old castrated male dog was presented due to a two-day history of constipation and tenesmus. At physical examination, the dog was depressed and unresponsive. Aggressive behavior was elicited by deep abdominal palpation and a mass was detected during the examination. Imaging studies evidenced a large jejunal mass. The lesion (6 cm in diameter) was surgically removed. The histopathology report gave a diagnosis of completely excised intestinal carcinoid. The patient recovered well from the procedure and was scheduled for adjuvant chemotherapy. The dog received four doses of carboplatin (300 mg/m2) every three weeks without showing signs of toxicity. The dog is still in remission after 18 months and is reassessed on a three-month schedule. This report represents the first description of long-term control of intestinal carcinoid in the dog and the first of adjuvant chemotherapy for this rare and aggressive neoplasm.

Comparison of technicians' ability to detect clinical signs in rats housed in wire-bottom versus solid-bottom cages with bedding

Rodent toxicology studies have historically been performed in wire-bottom cages, but the 1996 Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals recommends solid-bottom caging with bedding. Some investigators have expressed concern that changing to solid-bottom cages would interfere with technicians' ability to detect clinical signs. To test this hypothesis, rats were housed in both types of caging and given compounds to induce a variety of subtle clinical signs common to toxicology studies including chromodacryorrhea, soft stool, stereotypic behaviors, mild hypoactivity, abnormal postures, and discolored urine. For one comparison, fecal pellets were removed to simulate decreased production of feces. Technicians, blinded from knowing which animals had been treated, observed the rats and recorded the clinical signs they detected. The technicians who administered the treatments verified that clinical signs were present before and after the blinded technicians made their observations. The number of animals observed with clinical signs divided by the number of animals verified with signs was calculated for each compound and compared between the cage types by using the Fisher Exact Test. The only statistically significant difference observed was a diminished ability to detect discolored, dark urine from rats in wire-bottom cages. These results suggest that concerns about technical staff's inability to detect clinical signs in toxicity tests should not prevent investigators from using solid-bottom cages with bedding.

Phosphate enema toxicosis in a pygmy goat wether

Phosphate enema toxicity was diagnosed in a 7-month-old, castrated male, pygmy goat. On presentation, clinical findings included mild depression, tachycardia, tachypnea, rumen stasis, muscle tremors, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, hyperphosphatemia, azotemia, and metabolic acidosis. Fluid diuresis and parenteral antimicrobial therapy resulted in recovery after 3 d of treatment.

Dyschezia in dogs with discrete erosive anal disease and histological lesions suggestive of mucocutaneous lupus erythematosus

Eight dogs suffered chronic defecation problems characterised by severe dyschezia, manifested by signs of fear and vocalisation on defecation. One or more depigmented, discrete erosions, easily bleeding on palpation, were found in the perineal region. Histopathological changes included interface dermatitis, apoptotic keratinocytes, focal hydropic degeneration of basal epidermal cells, focal thickening of the basement membrane zone and dermal lichenoid infiltrations with mononuclear and plasma cells. A diagnosis of cutaneous or discoid lupus erythematosus was made on the basis of these clinical, physical and specific histopathological changes. The dogs were treated systemically with immunomodulating drugs and good results were obtained.

Surgical management of constipation

There are many recognised causes of constipation in the cat and the management of the condition depends on the clinician's ability to recognise the appropriate aetiology in each case. Most surgery therapies for constipation in the cat are related to the management of idiopathic megacolon, although causes such as pelvic outlet obstruction, complications of neutering surgery, perineal herniation, and malunion pelvic fractures may also require surgical intervention. Currently, the surgical management of megacolon consists of subtotal colectomy with the recommendation that the ileocolic junction be preserved. The procedure, in general, is associated with few life-threatening complications although the majority of individuals will experience a transient period of loose stool formation in the immediate post-operative period. In the majority of cases, the long-term outcome following subtotal colectomy is considered excellent.

Radiographic, computed tomographic and histopathologic appearance of a presumed spinal chordoma in a dog

A 4-year-old Labrador Retriever presented for urinary incontinence and constipation of 2 weeks duration. There was a tender abdomen, lumbar pain and conscious proprioceptive deficits in both pelvic limbs. Depressed pelvic limb reflexes were present consistent with a lower motor neuron lesion. In radiographs of the lumbar spine there was narrowing of the intervertebral disc space at L5-L6 with irregular, multifocal areas of mineralized opacities dorsal to the intervertebral disc space, presumably within the vertebral canal. On computed tomography, an intramedullary, partially mineralized mass was identified in the spinal cord at the level of caudal L5 through cranial L6. At necropsy there was a four-centimeter enlarged, irregular segment of spinal cord at the level of L5-L6. When sectioned, the spinal cord bad a mineralized texture. Histologically there were variable sized cells that were stellate in appearance with vacuolated cytoplasm (physaliferous cells) and mucinous background consistent with a chordoma. Chordoma is a rare, skeletal neoplasm that originates from mesoderm-derived notochord and has been reported in humans and animals. Extraskeletal development of a chordoma within the spinal cord is a rare manifestation of this neoplasm. However, based on other reports in dogs, solitary extraskeletal locations of chordomas may be the typical expression of this neoplasm in the dog. Differentiation of similar histologically appearing tumors, such as a parachordoma or myxoid chondrosarcoma, will require immunohistochemical characterization of these tumors in veterinary patients.

Gizzard impaction in lesser rhea chicks (Pterocnemia pennata) raised on farms in Patagonia, Argentina

Impaction of the gizzard was diagnosed in 33 1-to-4-wk-old lesser rhea (Pterocnemia pennata) raised on farms in Patagonia, Argentina. The birds showed anorexia, lethargy, constipation, dehydration, weight loss, and weakness. Necropsy revealed gizzard impaction by fibrous material, sand, rocks, and rubbish. Also, excess fibrous material was observed in the small intestine, and intussusception was found in one chick. Impaction of the gizzard observed in the present study was similar to that reported in other ratite species and confirmed that this disease can affect lesser rhea chicks raised in captivity. This disease affected 33 out of 41 (80%) dead lesser rhea chicks submitted to the Animal Health Unit of The National Institute of Agricultural Technology, Bariloche, Argentina, during the study period, so it can be a significant cause of mortality in farmed rheas in Argentina.

Subtotal colectomy and ileocolonic anastomosis in a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig with idiopathic megacolon

A 7-month-old sexually intact female Vietnamese pot-bellied pig was evaluated because of constipation. On abdominal palpation, a hard tubular structure was palpated in the middle of the abdomen. Abdominal radiography revealed loops of intestine that were markedly distended with ingesta, consistent with obstructive intestinal disease. On exploratory celiotomy, a massively distended cecum and spiral colon were found. A subtotal colectomy, with a side-to-side ileocolonic anastomosis, was performed. The cause of the megacolon was not discovered. The pig did well following surgery and eventually defecated normally following an initial period of diarrhea. To our knowledge, this is the first report of therapeutic removal of a substantial portion of the large intestine in swine. Our decisions concerning the pig of this report were based largely on our knowledge of megacolon in cats. The outcome for this pig indicates that subtotal colectomy along with removal of the cecum and ileocecal valve can be used to successfully treat idiopathic megacolon in Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs.

[Animal nutrition in veterinary medicine--an actual case: high incidence of constipation in calf rearing]

A high frequency of constipation was observed in calves with an average body weight of 150 kg. Eleven out of 200 animals died, at necropsy intestinal obstruction was identified due to agglomeration of stone like particles, identified as shell fragments of palm kernels. The calves were fed 3 kg maize silage, 1.5 kg of a commercial mixed feed, 0.5 kg soya meal, and 50 g of a mineral supplement. Hay was offered ad libitum, all animals had free access to drinking water. The composition of the mixed diet was estimated by microscopy and was completely different from the label as provided by the manufacturer. A palm kernel product with high amounts of stone shells was identified in a concentration of 25% of the mixed feed, confirming the findings in the necropsied calves. The pathogenesis of the obstruction seemed to be influenced by a concurrent infectious disease, which might have had negative effects on the gastro-intestinal motility.

Colonic adenocarcinoma in a corn snake (Elaphe guttata guttata)

Colonic adenocarcinoma was diagnosed by surgical biopsy in a domestically raised 3-yr-old male corn snake (Elaphe guttata guttata). The snake presented with a history of constipation. Several masses were palpated in the distal coelomic cavity. On proctoscopy, a nodular firm white mass encircled the distal colon proximal to the cloaca. The histologic diagnosis was transmural mucinous colonic adenocarcinoma with scirrhous reaction. Resection of the affected region alleviated intestinal obstruction for at least 4 mo, after which the snake was lost to follow-up.

Pelvic aneurysmal bone cyst in a dog

A three-year-old male Siberian Husky dog was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Osaka Prefecture University with a complaint of difficulty in expelling the stools. By rectal examination, a mass as big as a fist could be detected occupying the cavum pelvis. Radiographically the mass had a thin bony shell bulging from the pubic periosteum. In the shell, radiolucent trabeculation gave the area a "soap bubble" appearance. The cut surface of the removed mass showed a honeycomb-like pattern constituted of some small loculate bony cysts. These cysts were separated from each other by a fibrous or bony trabeculae with blood-filled vascular channels or sponge-like structures. From clinical and pathological findings, this mass was diagnosed as a pelvic aneurysmal bone cyst. After surgery, the patient completely recovered without tenesmus.

[Anorectal causes of constipation problems in dogs]

This survey shows the most popular reasons for problems of defaecation in dogs. Beyond the pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy will be discussed.

Vaginal cysts causing tenesmus in a bitch

An eight-year-old female border collie was referred with a two-month history of faecal tenesmus. Ultrasonography and radiology identified fluid-filled masses in the cranial vagina. The fluid was drained from the vaginal cysts via an episiotomy and the clinical signs resolved. Histological examination confirmed that the cysts were of urogenital origin. This is believed to be the first report of vaginal cysts causing faecal tenesmus in the dog.

Symphyseal distraction-osteotomy using an ulnar autograft for the treatment of pelvic canal stenosis in three cats

Three adult cats with obstipation due to stenosis of the pelvic canal were treated by symphyseal distraction-osteotomy using an ulnar autograft. The duration of clinical signs before the surgery in the three cats was one, three and 19 months; the first two cats had no recurrence of signs after surgery, and the third had less severe and less frequent bouts of constipation.

Megacolon in cats. The role of colectomy

In cats, clinical signs of constipation usually respond to laxatives, fecal softeners, enemas, and dietary management. Uncommonly, constipation is chronic and is associated with a marked increase in the diameter of the colon. When megacolon is present, constipation responds poorly to medical therapy. Without surgical treatment, megacolon may become an intolerable problem, with euthanasia of the cat as the probable outcome. Subtotal colectomy is now established as a satisfactory treatment for idiopathic megacolon in cats. Recently, removal of the colon has been used successfully to treat chronic constipation and megacolon associated with mechanical obstruction of the pelvic canal caused by stenosis from malunion of pelvic fractures. Colectomy has minimal long-term effects on enteric function in cats.

Oak (Quercus incana) leaf poisoning in cattle

Oak poisoning occurred in crossbred cattle due to eating immature tender oak (Quercus incana) leaves. Mortality was 70%. The animals exhibited anorexia, severe constipation and brisket edema. The feces were hard, pelleted and coated with blood and mucous. Significant reductions in blood hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and significant elevations in serum bilirubin were observed. Serum urea nitrogen and creatinine were greatly increased. There was bilirubinuria, proteinuria, hypoproteinemia and hypocalcemia, and greatly increased activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase. The levels of tannins and condensed tannins were 97.7 mg tannic acid equivalent and 5.8 mg catechin equivalent/g of dry leaves. There was extensive nephro- and hepatotoxicity in the affected cattle due to hydrolysable tannins and simple phenols in the oak leaves.

Pelvic osteotomy as a treatment for obstipation in cats with acquired stenosis of the pelvic canal: six cases (1978-1989)

Pelvic osteotomy with removal or repositioning of bone was performed as treatment for obstipation in 6 domestic shorthair cats with stenosis of the pelvic canal. Narrowing of the pelvic canal was the result of pelvic fracture or sacroiliac luxation in all cats. Tenesmus and obstipation began shortly after pelvic injury in 3 cats and 5 to 12 months after injury in the remaining cats. The duration of clinical signs ranged from 36 hours to 36 months. The duration of large intestinal obstruction influenced the outcome of surgery. Surgical widening of the pelvic canal helped eliminate signs of obstruction when signs were of less than 6 months' duration (n = 2). When signs of obstipation had continued for a longer period, and megacolon had developed, such treatment was minimally effective (n = 4).

Clostridium perfringens type A enterotoxaemia in pigs: a report of five cases

Enterotoxaemia caused by Clostridium perfringens type A in five intensively managed pigs is reported. The condition was precipitated by constipative digestive disturbance. Diarrhoea was not observed in the five animals before death.

Surgical management of collapsed pelvis in a jaguar

An immature jaguar was surgically treated for severe constipation caused by a narrow pelvic canal. This narrowing was attributed to nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. The ventral floor of the pelvis was widened by placing a piece of high density polyethylene between the 2 sides of the pubis after symphysiotomy and stabilizing the implant with orthopedic wires. This procedure provided stable fixation and permanent enlargement of the pelvic canal. The technique was easy to perform and could be used to treat pelvic collapse in other species.