Canine Chronic Colitis Gastroenterology

History and Clinical Signs Most colonic diseases cause overt signs of large bowel diarrhea, tenesmus, and/or dyschezia (e.g., painful defecation). Large bowel diarrhea is characterized by frequent (2–3 times normal) urges to defecate, with each bowel movement producing small volumes of feces that contain excessive mucus and sometimes fresh blood (e.g., hematochezia). Urgency may be seen with colonic or rectal diseases, while dyschezia occurs most often with rectal disorders. Since the colon principally functions to absorb water and electrolytes, systemic signs attributable to nutrient malabsorption (e.g., voluminous feces, significant weight loss) are uncommon. Animals are generally alert, active, and well-fleshed with normal appetites on presentation. Occasionally, dogs may exhibit abdominal pain or discomfort with colitis. Furthermore, some diseases (inflammatory bowel disease, alimentary lymphoma, mycotic enterocolitis) may cause concurrent small intestinal signs.