Constipation (Severe) in Dogs

Constipation (Severe) in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What is Constipation (Severe)?

Most forms of constipation in dogs are mild, but severe chronic constipation can be related to hypertrophy or overstretching of the muscles in the large intestine. This condition, called megacolon, can reduce intestinal motility and make it difficult for a dog to pass feces. Megacolon is rare in dogs. In some cases, it is the result of an inherited abnormality, but more often it develops from chronic, untreated forms of constipation. If fecal matter remains too long in the colon, it becomes dry and impacted and may cause permanent damage to the smooth muscles of the intestinal tract. This will make it even harder for the dog to defecate normally, and usually leads to a lifelong problem with constipation. Dietary indiscretion, lack of fluids, bowel obstruction, or a neuroglial condition that limits muscular contractions can all cause constipation. If untreated, these conditions can develop into obstipation, a form of constipation in which the colon is severely impacted. The origin of megacolon is not fully understood, so it’s not known what degree of impaction leads to permanent muscular damage. Even if the condition is not directly inherited, there may be a genetic tendency toward the disease. Megacolon is rare in dogs, but once it has developed, treatment is difficult and the dog may need to stay on a strict diet to avoid recurrence.

Expansion and weakening of the large intestine can be present with severe forms of constipation. Veterinarians call this condition megacolon. The muscles that normally contract to pass feces become permanently weakened and the dog may have continuing problems with constipation.

Constipation (Severe) Average Cost

From 44 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $5,000

Average Cost

$3,000

Wag Compare logo

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

background

Symptoms of Constipation (Severe) in Dogs

Symptoms will be bowel related at first, but over time failure to adequately pass stool can lead to systemic problems. See a veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs.

  • Constipation – difficult and infrequent passage of stool
  • Obstipation – severe constipation
  • Frequent unsuccessful attempts to defecate
  • Dry incomplete stool
  • Dehydration
  • Abdominal distention
  • Lethargy
  • Poor appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Depression
  • Vomiting
  • Mangy coat

Types

There are three types of constipation.

Intraluminal  This is due to a problem inside the colon. Often the cause is fecal matter that is difficult to pass because it contains indigestible material such as fur or bone. Low fluid intake and intestinal tumors can also cause intraluminal constipation. This is the most common type of constipation in dogs.

Extraluminal  This is due to colon compression, often from other organs in the body. Enlarged glands, a poorly healed pelvic fracture, or a stricture in the colon can cause extraluminal constipation.

Neurological  This neuromuscular deficiency in the colon can also cause constipation. Megacolon is included in this type, as well as other conditions that affect neurological control such as hypothyroidism, hypokalemia, or hypercalcemia.

Causes of Constipation (Severe) in Dogs

Megacolon can be congenital or acquired. Congenital forms are not well documented in dogs. Acquired conditions may be related to some of the following factors.

  • Lack of exercise
  • Lack of fiber in the diet
  • Lack of fluids or severe dehydration
  • Some dietary supplements
  • Some drugs
  • Pelvic fracture
  • Trauma or injury
  • Recent surgery
  • A foreign body in the colon
  • Neuromuscular lesion in the colon
  • Neuromuscular condition that affects the spinal cord
  • Idiopathic
  • More common in large breed dogs

Diagnosis of Constipation (Severe) in Dogs

The veterinarian will be able to tell that your dog is severely impacted on a physical examination. The colon is usually hard and distended. A rectal exam will be necessary to check for a tumor or stricture that could be blocking the passage of stool. A history of constipation often indicates the possibility of megacolon, so the veterinarian will need to know about prior problems as well as how they were treated. Injuries, recent surgeries, drug treatment, or any other known condition could all be relevant.

Abdominal x-rays are usually ordered for severe constipation. With megacolon, the colon will appear enlarged and impacted. Bloodwork and urine tests will be needed to evaluate the overall health of your dog and check for any other issues that could be causing or contributing to the problem. A colonoscopy could also be ordered to check for lesions or tumors in the colon, but in many cases the impacted feces will have to be cleaned out before this is possible.

Treatment of Constipation (Severe) in Dogs

Many different medications may be prescribed for constipation, including laxatives, stool softeners, suppositories, and enemas. Most dogs with severely impacted bowels do not respond to these type of treatment and the feces often has to be flushed out manually with enemas and warm water. The dog will be anesthetized during this process. Dehydrated dogs may need intravenous fluids and electrolytes to make their system stable enough for anesthetic.

Once the impacted feces is removed, the veterinarian will try to ensure the problem doesn’t recur. Diet change is often recommended; either high or low fiber diets may be effective depending on your dog’s condition. Regular exercise is recommended to stimulate the bowels. The veterinarian may also suggest daily laxatives or stool softeners. Prokinetic drugs, especially cisapride, are often prescribed to encourage intestinal motility.

If your dog has recurring problems, surgery is sometimes an option. A sub-total colectomy or a total colectomy can remove all or part of the colon, either connecting the small intestine to the rectum, or retaining the ileocolic junction. This surgery has been more effective at treating cats with megacolon than dogs, but in some cases your veterinarian might recommend it. There will be a three week recovery period after surgery and the dog may have loose bowels for several months. A low residue diet is usually prescribed for life and the veterinarian will need to monitor your dog for any post-surgery metabolic problems.

Petted logo

Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?

Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

Get a quote

background

Recovery of Constipation (Severe) in Dogs

Many cases of megacolon can be prevented by treating constipation promptly. If the condition disrupting colon motility is identified and treated before megacolon develops, your dog will have a good chance of recovery. In general, a healthy diet and adequate exercise can reduce the likelihood that severe constipation will occur. You should call a veterinarian if you believe it has been at least 48 hours since your dog had a bowel movement.

Constipation (Severe) Average Cost

From 44 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $5,000

Average Cost

$3,000

arrow-up-icon

Top

Constipation (Severe) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

dog-breed-icon

Golden Retriever

dog-name-icon

dog-age-icon

Three Years

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Constipation
My dog has been constipated for about a week now. I called my vet yesterday and was told till wait till Monday to bring her in. I'm feeding her chicken, pumpkin, broth and coconut oil , and giving her a probiotic. My husband gave Angel an enema yesterdayi against my wishes and she did poop but it was an organ in color and some mucus. Yesterday she started not wanting to put weight on her rear left paw. At first I thought she might have pulled a muscle...but now I'm wondering if it could be related to the constipation. Any advise..shes eating, drinking water and peeing fine.

Sept. 27, 2020

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

0 Recommendations

Thank you for your question. Her GI tract sounds quite upset, and I'm not sure if the enema helped or made it worse Since I cannot see her or examine her, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them and see what might be going on, and get treatment if needed.

Oct. 12, 2020

Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon

Chow Chow

dog-name-icon

Simba

dog-age-icon

8 Years

thumbs-up-icon

9 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

9 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain Lying Down And Stand
My dog was extremely backed up and we got his feces removed by a veterinarian yesterday. He had blood work done and everything came back great. He went to the bathroom this morning and there was a very small amount of blood in his fur. I called the vet back and he said not to worry if it happened again bring him in. He is currently on some laxative, pain and anti inflammatory medication. However he is still crying every once in awhile when he lies down or gets up. My question is, is it normal for him to still be sore?

Aug. 17, 2018

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

9 Recommendations

That level of impaction can be quite painful, and that feces can be very hard. If he had to have his colon evacuated manually, it wouldn't surprise me if he is sore, and if there are small amounts of blood. As he continues to have more normal bowel movements, his colon will heal.

Aug. 17, 2018

Was this question and answer helpful?

Constipation (Severe) Average Cost

From 44 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $5,000

Average Cost

$3,000

Wag Compare logo

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

background
Need pet insurance?
Need pet insurance?

Learn more in the Wag! app

Five starsFive starsFive starsFive starsFive stars

43k+ reviews

Install


© 2024 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.


© 2024 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.